City of Hot Springs Hot Springs Information Hot Springs is the land of thermal baths and fast ponies. Over two million people visit Hot Springs National Park each year; the nation's first and only urban National Park. Hernando Desoto explored the region in AD 1541, and found the Native Americans already enjoying the benefits of the "Valley of the Vapors". Thomas Jefferson sent an expedition to the area to explore the Ouachita River in 1804. Today, it is the most popular tourist destination in Arkansas. Tourist contribute more than $300 million annually to the local economy. Hot Springs takes its name from the 47 springs around Central Avenue. These mineral springs flow with hot water which is artificially cooled from a natural temperature of 143 degrees, then pumped into the bath houses and hotels at a more comfortable level. Visitors to Hot Springs are often reminded of a bygone era, a time when ladies and gentlemen welcomed the evenings with a promenade past stately hotels and thermal baths which lined Central Avenue. "Bathhouse Row" saw its heyday from the late 1800's to the first few decades of the 1900's, and much of the historic downtown district is well preserved and being restored as part of the National Park. The thermal baths are still an attraction for locals and visitors who come to relax in the healing waters. Shopping in the art galleries and antique stores which line Central Avenue is a great afternoon or evening past time. The history of Hot Springs is also spiced with a colorful reputation for entertainment, illegal gambling and a plethora of brothels, which attracted many famous and infamous visitors like Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, Theodore Roosevelt and others. For horse racing fans Hot Springs celebrates Arkansas' "fifth season" each year. The 53-day thoroubred races meet at Oaklawn Park from January to April. This is a major track with many horses qualifying for the Kentucky Derby. Little Rock is the state capital located along the banks of the Arkansas River, and about 45 minutes east of the Village and about an hour from Hot Springs. With a population over 300,000, Little Rock is home to museums, theatres, parks, shopping malls and restaurants. The hub of Arkansas' cultural activities, Little Rock offers ballet, symphony, Off Broadway productions and a zoo. The commercial airport serves American Airlines, Delta and others, making it an accessible central US destination. Also visit: www.hotsprings.org