Hello Hot Springs National Park!
So this past weekend was my Mom's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! So we went on an adventure to Arkansas! To visit Hot Springs National Park and Crater of Diamonds State Park!
Established as a federal reservation in 1832! The park is known for its 47 thermal springs that are not volcanic in origin! This historic area contains eight bathhouses two of which are still operational!
The first thing we did was head to the Superior bath house for lunch! This is the only brewery in a national park and the drinks are made with water from the hot springs! It was a delicious way to start off the afternoon!
Next we headed off to Quapaw Baths just down Bathhouse row. The building was so beautiful. Getting to rotate between the different temperature baths that are held at 95°, 98°, 102°, and 104°F. The mineral water soak was just what was needed after the drive in to Arkansas. I would love to go back and spend more time here!
The next morning I got up early and went to take some sunrise photos of bathhouse row. The morning light off of the buildings was amazing. Seeing all of the steam rising from the fountains that are powered by the hot springs was truly a treat!
Later in the morning we drove and hour to see Crater of Diamonds State Park. The park is a 37-acre field which revels the ehe eroded surface of volcanic activity! It is the only place in the world where the public can come and mine for diamonds, gems, and other minerals! You get to keep what you find!
When you first show up it just looks to be an empty field. At the visitors center you can rent your mining kit and they have a gemologist on staff to look at your finds!
We rented our gear and set out to have a blast. We did not find any diamonds but we had a great time! The Ohio club is Arkansas' oldest bar. It has served all sorts of customers from Al Capone, Bugsy Segel, and Babe Ruth. I got to learn about how Hotsprings used to serve as a training camp for the Major League baseball teams!
For Diner we went back to Hotsprings and ate at the Ohio Club.
Our last stop of the trip was to see the fire tower that over looks the national park. We went up at sunset and it was such a glorious view!
Thoughts? Reach out at: mythoughtsofindigo@gmail.com