City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Backed by the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a city where natural wonders, rich history and a lively cultural scene come together. Famous for its thermal waters, the town has been welcoming visitors for centuries to relax, recharge and explore.
Culture and charm fill the streets of downtown Hot Springs, where art galleries, antique shops and local eateries create a lively atmosphere. Keep reading to find a few other things to do while visiting Lake Ouachita and private boat slips for rent.
Hot Springs National Park
The heart of the city is Hot Springs National Park, home to historic Bathhouse Row. Stroll past elegant 19th and early 20th-century bathhouses. Some still operate as spas where you can soak in the healing waters. Others, like the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, showcase the city’s fascinating past. Scenic trails wind through the national park’s forests and hills and offer beautiful views from Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita
The 7,460-acre Lake Hamilton and the 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita invite boaters, anglers and paddlers to enjoy clear waters surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re moored at a marina or docked at a private boat lift rental, Lake Ouachita is well-known for its crystal-clear water and excellent fishing, boating, swimming and scuba diving opportunities. Cast out a line for striped bass, crappie and largemouth bass. Camping and exploring are popular pastimes throughout the lake’s many islands.
Mid-America Science Museum
For families, the city offers unique attractions like the Mid-America Science Museum, a 65,000-square-foot facility with hands-on exhibits, 21 wooded acres and an outdoor dinosaur trail. Explore interactive exhibits on energy, matter, life and perception. Museum highlights include a Guinness-record 1.5-million-volt conical Tesla coil, the immersive Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater and the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk (an elevated, forest-canopy walkway offering hands-on discovery).
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
If you’re looking for a bit of wet and wild fun from private boat dock rentals, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has roller coasters, family rides, water slides and live entertainment. Float down a lazy river, jump waves in a 350,000-gallon wave pool and watch the kids splashing around at the Splash Island play structures.
