Location: Hot Springs Village
Top Things to do in Hot Springs Village
10 Things to Do in Hot Springs Village That You Shouldn't Miss
Hot Springs Village is a census-designated place (CDP) in Garland and Saline counties in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As it is situated in two counties, it is also part of two metropolitan statistical areas. The portion in Garland County is within the Hot Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the portion extending into Saline County is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,807 at the 2010 census. It is the largest gated community in the United States.
Restaurants in Hot Springs Village
1. Ron Coleman Mining
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
We are a family owned quartz crystal mine that is 5 generations strong. We offer quartz mining for the public, zip lining across our 250 foot deep pit, and tours of our entire mining operation. Groups welcome with special pricing!
Reviewed By marfita - Greenwood, South Carolina
We've done better digging at other locations. This year I found the nicest crystals near where someone else had been breaking rocks (which is on the long list of things you aren't supposed to do). I tried digging in dirt that looked more freshly turned. We were just disappointed.
There is a lot positive to be said about the Coleman mine. The bathrooms at the office are lovely. There is a table and a hose off to the side of the parking lot where you can wash off rocks to see if they are worth taking home or just "leaverite." Oh, and maybe wash your shoes as well.
We just barely found anything this year. I think the best part of this year's visit was hearing someone actually yell "Fire in the hole!" and the blast of dynamite from the commercial mine.
2. Lake Ouachita State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago
One afternoon we took the Scenic Lake Tour ($10 pp) which is owned and operated by Lake Ouchabie State Park. A fantastic value. Beautiful lake. It was both relaxing and informative. The scenery is spectacular and so serene. The captain (a state park employee) was very organized and polite. Later that evening we came back here and went on the Brady Mountain Fireworks Tour ($10 pp). Being on the boat at night was nice but we were far away from the fireworks. We enjoyed the afternoon Scenic Lake Tour more than this one.
About:
Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its scenic natural beauty and the clarity of its waters. These pristine waters form the largest manmade lake within Arkansas's borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, and fishing.
3. Ron Coleman's Crystal Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Nanniebella - Batesville, Arkansas
Had a fun day digging for crystals. We found several. Be prepared to get dirty--you're digging in red clay! There isn't any shade. However, you can go to the store and sit in airc conditioning in the vending machine area. We saw several regulars with wagons, tents, umbrellas, 10 gallon buckets, etc.
4. Lake Ouachita
Overall Ratings
5 based on 423 reviews
The largest lake in Arkansas covers 48,300 acres.
Reviewed By Terri B
Lake Ouachita is a huge, clean lake. I love boating there and swimming, great fishing too. Very beautiful. Don't forget to stop in at Mtn Harbor for a meal, great food and fantastic views! Lake Ouachita/Mtn Harbor is a real treat!
5. Coleman Crystal Mines and Rock Shop-Jim
Overall Ratings
4 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By cynthial557 - New Port Richey, Florida
They have a large outdoor area to peruse and choose crystals, geodes, and vaious other rocks in a wide variety of price ranges. Inside there are many more options from rocks to gifts. The lady that was working when we were there was very nice. You can also go out to the mine and dig for crystals.
6. Cortez Golf Course
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Violetaster - Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Cortez is really one of the prettiest golf courses. Just a feast for the eyes and a challenging golf course. You will love it. Afterward be sure and have some lunch or dinner at the grill. It's really really tasty ( and surprisingly different menu with fresh flavor). Enjoy!!'
7. Fordyce Bathhouse (Vistor Center)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Once one of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, this building has been renovated and now serves as the visitors center.
Reviewed By GlobetrotterBella - San Antonio
When in Hot Springs, you must stop by its visitor center. They have a nice self-guided tours of what bath houses originally looked like. You will learn the history of the Hot Springs and the bath houses. Best of all, it is a free activity. It won’t take you longer than 30 to 60 minutes. If you are collecting passport stamps of national parks, you can collect one there.
They don’t have onsite parking, but there’s a parking garage nearby and free street parking close by too.
8. Hot Springs Village Area Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago
The welcome center of the park is a preserved old bath house and museum. One morning we took the guided tour which was very organized and informative. Our tour guide explained the history of the area, as well as the medicinal properties and beliefs of the hot springs. The tour was very detailed with plenty of time to ask questions. After the tour was completed we explored the upper levels of the bathouse on our own. The tour was free (there is a donation box in the front lobby).
9. Grand Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Half-mile trail between Bathhouse Row and the nearby mountains.
Reviewed By charles s - London, United Kingdom
The Grand Promenade is a natural brick walkway which runs along in the Park behind Bathhouse Row. There are three open hot natural springs and five thermal fountains to be seen along this scenic walkway. There are information boards, seating and water fountains along the path. Peaceful and beautiful.
10. Ouachita National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
This huge forest consists of 1.7 million acres of mountainous terrain in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
Reviewed By amandacJ2872OS - San Antonio, Texas
Bring bug repellent; we got a tick. Many kinds of mushrooms; mostly deciduous, broadleaf trees. Autumn must be very colorful. Summer is muggy, so dress accordingly and bring water, however all the trails we hiked were completely shaded and there are some fresh water streams.
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