Buckstaff Bathhouse

Buckstaff Bathhouse is an indoor thermal-water bathhouse on Central Avenue, and one of just two Bathhouse Row facilities where visitors can bathe in the spring water. If you want to experience Hot Springs’ old bathing tradition, this is the one to choose. Set aside about 1.5–2 hours. Bathing packages are walk-in, but total time varies with visitor volume; arriving early can reduce the wait.

Depending on the package, the guided circuit can include a whirlpool mineral bath, a sitz bath, a steam cabinet, hot towel packs and optional massage. The bathing areas are shared with other guests, so expect company during parts of the visit. Bathing suits are optional, and a bath sheet covers you between stations. Men’s services are on the first floor and women’s on the second, with corresponding attendants; private changing areas and lockers are available. Bathing services are for guests 10 and older.

Built in 1912, Buckstaff is the only bathhouse on the Row to continue operating for more than a century; the National Park Service says it has never fully closed since it began offering baths. The Row’s eight bathhouse buildings were built between 1892 and 1923. Together with the Grand Promenade, they became a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.

The park’s thermal water has been underground for more than 4,000 years and emerges from the springs at about 143°F. Buckstaff pipes thermal water into its baths. The source temperature isn’t a published temperature for each treatment; the National Park Service notes that water cools before it reaches the park’s public pools.

From Central Avenue, frame Buckstaff with a neighboring Bathhouse Row facade, then include the blue-striped awnings and white columns so this building stays easy to pick out. There’s no separate overlook; the street-level frontage is the view.