Pros & cons
PROS
- Official park store inside a historic bathhouse
- Exclusive spa goods and coffee made with hot spring water
- Purchases support park education programs
CONS
- No America the Beautiful passes sold here
- Midday crowds, especially on weekends
Overview
Think of Bathhouse Row Emporium as the park’s curated hub for souvenirs and learning—housed right inside the historic Lamar Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. It’s run by America’s National Parks (the nonprofit partner), so your purchases help fund education programs in the park.
What You’ll Find
- Books on Hot Springs’ history, geology, and wildlife, plus smart, park‑themed souvenirs.
- Bath‑centric goodies: whetstones, traditional luffa mitts, and other spa items.
- Glass and plastic bottles specifically for collecting thermal spring water.
- A unique twist: spa products and hot beverages made with the park’s thermal water.
- If you collect cancellation stamps, this shop carries a distinctive set you’ll want in your book.
Why Stop Here
Beyond being the best one‑stop shop for thoughtful souvenirs, it’s perfectly placed for a Bathhouse Row stroll. The Fordyce Bathhouse (the park’s visitor center) is next door, making it easy to pair shopping with exhibits and ranger intel.
Best Time to Visit
Hours are generally 9 am–5 pm, with longer hours in summer. For elbow room, aim for opening time or late afternoon on weekdays. Midday—especially Saturdays—gets busiest, and it’s a compact space, so timing your visit pays off.
Good to Know
- Park passes aren’t sold here anymore; pick them up at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.
- The area is urban and walkable with nearby city parking garages/lots; leave the car once and wander Bathhouse Row.
- If you’re planning to fill thermal water, grab a bottle here first.
Where it is
34.5121, -93.0536Tips for Hot Spring Emporium
- 01Swing by before 10 am or after 3 pm to avoid the midday crush.
- 02Grab a glass or plastic bottle here if you plan to collect hot spring water.
- 03Need national park passes? Get them at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center instead.
- 04If you collect cancellation stamps, ask for the shop’s unique stamp set.
- 05Use nearby city parking and walk Bathhouse Row to see more in less time.
Amenities
Near Hot Spring Emporium
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayLamar Bathhouse (Bathhouse Row Emporium)Historic bathhouse turned park store for spring‑water gifts and coffeeStore
0 mi awayBuckstaff BathhouseLiving‑history thermal bath ritual in a still‑operating 1912 bathhouseRestroom
0 mi awayHot Springs National Park Entrance SignQuick photo-op to mark your spa-city adventure
0 mi awayBathhouse RowHistoric spa street with museums, soaks, and a spring‑water breweryVisitor Center · Restroom
0.1 mi awayGrand PromenadeBrick promenade above Bathhouse Row with springs and historyEasy · 0.7 mi · 18 min
0.1 mi awaySunset TrailHot Springs’ longest, view-studded backbone with a novaculite showpieceChallenging · 13 mi · 7.5 hr
0.2 mi awayPeak TrailShort, steady climb from downtown to Hot Springs Mountain Tower viewsModerate · 1.2 mi · 42 min
0.3 mi awayTufa Terrace TrailSteaming cascade, tufa cliffs, and a quick climb to the promenade.Easy · 0.3 mi · 24 min
