Hot Springs AR

Hot Springs – Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Hot Springs is a charming blend of natural beauty, historic elegance, and small-town Southern charm. Known for its soothing thermal waters and rich history as America’s first national park, this city offers a relaxing escape with a dash of adventure. Whether you’re soaking in a traditional bathhouse, exploring the delightful downtown, or hiking scenic trails, Hot Springs has a peaceful rhythm that makes visitors feel right at home.

• Population: ~39,000
• Weather: Mild with four distinct seasons (30–90°F); warm, humid summers and cool, crisp winters.
• Places To Visit: Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Mid-America Science Museum.
• Top Activities: Soaking in natural thermal baths, hiking the Ouachita trails, attending horse races, browsing local shops and galleries, enjoying a scenic lake day.
• Famous Food: Arkansas-style barbecue, Southern comfort food at The Pancake Shop, fresh trout from local lakes, and sweet treats from Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, known for its natural beauty, thriving healthcare facilities, and growing tourism industry, offers a unique mix of career opportunities. Whether you're looking to relocate or explore job openings in a welcoming community, Hot Springs has something for professionals across various industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Hot Springs, AR

Hot Springs, Arkansas might be known for its ancient thermal baths and natural beauty, but it's also packed with laid-back spots where students can unwind, hang out with friends, and have some well-deserved fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a place to let loose for a few hours, this small city has big energy when it comes to student-friendly vibes.

Bathhouse Row & Grand Promenade – Take a stroll among historic bathhouses, pop into the visitor center for local history, or just relax on a shaded bench. It's peaceful, scenic, and a great way to de-stress between classes.

Lake Hamilton – Water lovers, this one’s for you. Chill on the dock, rent a kayak, or just enjoy a lakeside picnic with your crew. Pro tip: The sunsets here are totally Instagram-worthy.

Hot Springs National Park Trails – If you need a break from screens and schoolwork, hit a trail. The short hikes give you great views and fresh air—perfect for resetting your mind and mood.

Downtown Coffee Shops – Cozy vibes and caffeine are a powerful combo for students. Check out Kollective Coffee+Tea for local art, good music, and some of the best lattes in town. It’s also a great study spot during the day.

Garvan Woodland Gardens – Want an escape from the everyday? This scenic garden is peaceful and full of natural beauty. Bring a book, take photos of the stunning landscapes, or just wander the paths with friends.

Mid-America Science Museum – Think science is boring? Think again. This hands-on museum is surprisingly fun, with cool exhibits and interactive tech. Students can geek out and have fun at the same time.

Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic – Whether it’s magic, comedy, or just the thrill of something different, this quirky show is a fun way to spend an evening you won’t forget anytime soon.

Northwoods Trails – Into mountain biking or just like getting out into nature? Northwoods offers trails for every skill level. Ride, hike, or just hang—it’s perfect for blowing off steam after a long week.

Hot Springs Mall & Movie Theater – Sometimes, you just wanna shop a little and catch a movie. Stop by this low-key mall for a chill hangout, a bite to eat, and the latest flick with friends.

Quapaw Baths & Spa – Yes, students need spa days too. Affordable day passes let you soak in the famous thermal waters and completely unplug for a few hours. Self-care = success.

If you’re a student in Hot Springs, there’s no shortage of ways to relax, explore, and have a great time. Whether it's hiking a trail, watching a live show, or just sipping boba downtown, this city gives you plenty of places to find your balance.

Hot Springs, AR, offers a variety of options for students seeking higher education, whether you’re interested in universities or local colleges. The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and friendly community, making it an inviting place for academic growth. Here are the top public and private colleges and universities in Hot Springs, AR.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Hot Springs, AR

National Park College (NPC) – The largest two-year college in Hot Springs, NPC offers associate degrees, technical degrees, and transfer options in fields such as nursing, business, and engineering. The campus features modern facilities and a vibrant student life.

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) – Hot Springs Center – While the main campus is in Morrilton, the Hot Springs Center provides local students with access to practical programs like technical certifications and workforce training that prepare you for immediate careers or further study.

Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASU Three Rivers) – Hot Springs Site – This extension provides Hot Springs residents access to ASU Three Rivers’ respected academic and technical programs, including health sciences and business administration.

Arkansas Tech University – Satellite Programs in Hot Springs – Arkansas Tech occasionally offers specialized courses and educational opportunities in partnership with local centers, particularly in business and education fields, reaching Hot Springs students directly.

University of Arkansas System eVersity – The UA System offers fully online degree programs accessible from Hot Springs, providing flexibility for working adults and nontraditional students seeking to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees from a trusted public institution.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Hot Springs, AR

Champion Christian College – Located in Hot Springs, Champion Christian is a growing private Bible college focused on preparing students for Christian leadership, ministry, and service careers. Programs include Biblical studies, education, business, and general studies.

Henderson State University (partnership/extension programs) – While not fully based in Hot Springs, HSU has collaborated with local institutions on classes and extension offerings in education, business, and the arts, giving students access to private university coursework locally.

Remington College (formerly in Little Rock, serving Hot Springs) – Though its main campus is in Little Rock, Remington College offers technical, business, and criminal justice programs that are accessible to Hot Springs students, many of whom commute for hands-on career training.

Central Baptist College (Hot Springs Extension) – Central Baptist College provides adult degree completion and ministry-focused programs with evening and online courses for Hot Springs students seeking a faith-based education.

Ouachita Baptist University (nearby in Arkadelphia) – Located less than an hour from Hot Springs, Ouachita Baptist is a respected regional university with a broad range of undergraduate degrees and strong connections to the Hot Springs community. Many local students choose OBU for its academic excellence and close-knit campus feel.

Whether you’re aiming for an associate degree, planning to transfer, or seeking a private faith-based experience, Hot Springs offers excellent choices for higher education. Students can find supportive learning environments and programs to help them build rewarding future careers.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, may be best known for its healing thermal waters and natural beauty, but the city also offers strong educational opportunities. Whether you're a parent considering a move or a student exploring your future, Hot Springs provides both public and private high school options that focus on excellence in academics, athletics, and student support.

Top Public High Schools in Hot Springs, AR

• Lakeside High School – Known for its academic rigor and competitive sports teams, Lakeside offers a wide selection of AP courses and extracurriculars. It consistently performs well in state assessments and has strong college-placement rates.
• Hot Springs World Class High School – Offering the esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) program, this school emphasizes global education, critical thinking, and student leadership. It’s a diverse school with a strong commitment to student enrichment.
• Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) – Though it serves students from across the state, ASMSA is located in Hot Springs and is a public residential program for gifted students. It features exceptional STEM and humanities programs and prepares students for highly competitive colleges.
• Fountain Lake High School – This school has earned praise for its personalized academic programs and community feel. With dual-enrollment options and a new Career and Technical Education center, Fountain Lake is steadily growing in both population and performance.
• Cutter Morning Star High School – A smaller but dedicated school that provides a supportive environment. It offers various advanced placement options and is recognized for encouraging student achievement in and out of the classroom.

Top Private High Schools in Hot Springs, AR

• Gospel Light Christian School – This private Christian school offers a faith-based education from a biblical perspective. It emphasizes academics, moral development, and community service, making it a popular choice for families seeking an education rooted in values.
• St. John's Catholic School – While primarily a K-8 institution, St. John's partnerships with other diocesan entities give families a smooth path to Catholic high school options nearby. Its academic foundation and values-driven approach are highly respected in the community.
• Christian Ministries Academy – A private K–12 school that offers a rigorous Christian-based curriculum, small classroom sizes, and individual attention. It's known for engaging students through weekly chapel, character education, and traditional instruction.
• Hot Springs Adventist School – Although limited in grade levels, the school offers a nurturing and holistic approach to Christian education. Families who begin here often pair their high school experience with nearby trusted institutions or homeschooling options.
• Faith Christian Academy – A growing private institution that provides a Christ-centered curriculum focused on developing academic skills while fostering a supportive environment for students and families.

Choosing the right school in Hot Springs, AR, involves balancing academics, student values, and personal goals. Whether you're drawn to the STEM-focused programs at ASMSA or seeking a close-knit private school community, Hot Springs has quality options to fit a wide variety of educational needs. Each of these schools is dedicated to helping students grow, lead, and succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, may not house any major league professional sports teams like cities such as Los Angeles or New York, but that doesn’t mean it lacks a passion for sports or a deep connection to the competitive spirit of athletics. While the town is better known for its natural beauty, thermal springs, and historic charm, it plays a significant role in supporting and celebrating nearby teams and feeding regional sports enthusiasm.

Located in central Arkansas, Hot Springs residents often rally behind larger nearby markets, particularly those in Little Rock, Memphis, and Dallas. Minor league teams, college athletics, and strong youth sports programs also play a vital role in shaping the local sports culture.

Baseball – Arkansas Travelers (MiLB, based in nearby Little Rock)

• Arkansas Travelers – Just about an hour away in North Little Rock, the Arkansas Travelers are a Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Known affectionately as the "Travs," the team plays its home games at dazzling Dickey-Stephens Park and has a devoted fan base across central Arkansas. The team has a rich history going back to the 1800s and offers a classic minor league baseball experience — perfect for Hot Springs residents looking for a fun and family-friendly outing.

College Sports – Arkansas Razorbacks

• University of Arkansas Razorbacks – While based in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks have a statewide following, and Hot Springs is no exception. Whether it's Saturdays in the fall for college football or March Madness dreams with men's and women's basketball, Razorback games bring communities together. The "Hogs," as they're affectionately called, play in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) and compete at a high level in several sports including track and field, baseball, and gymnastics.

Football – Dallas Cowboys & Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Dallas Cowboys – With no NFL team based in Arkansas, many sports fans in Hot Springs proudly support the Dallas Cowboys. “America’s Team” is just a day trip away and has a massive fan base throughout the region. With five Super Bowl championships and legends like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Tony Romo, the Cowboys have long captivated Arkansas football fans.
• Kansas City Chiefs – Another popular NFL team in Hot Springs is the Kansas City Chiefs. Thanks to their recent success – including Super Bowl wins in 2020 and 2023 – and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes (who has regional ties), the Chiefs are gaining more and more fans in Arkansas every year.

Basketball – Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

• Memphis Grizzlies – Just a couple of hours away, Memphis is home to the Grizzlies, an NBA team with a young, exciting core led by standout players like Ja Morant. The team’s fast-paced play style and rising success have made them a favorite among basketball fans in Hot Springs, where weekend trips to FedExForum for a game are a popular sports getaway.

Small-Town Sports Passion – Youth and High School Athletics

• High School Sports – High school football, basketball, and baseball are big in Hot Springs. Schools like Hot Springs High School and Lakeside High School have passionate fan bases, packed stadiums, and a community that rallies behind their student-athletes.
• Youth Sports Leagues – From tee-ball fields to pee-wee football and AAU hoops, the youth sports scene is alive and well. Organizations like the Hot Springs Soccer League and Hot Springs Baseball Association give local kids opportunities to build teamwork and develop a lifelong love for the game.

While Hot Springs, AR, may not feature major league professional teams directly within city limits, its sports culture is strong, dynamic, and community-driven. Whether fans are cheering on nearby teams, celebrating local high school talent, or taking a quick road trip to support regional pro franchises, sports are an essential part of the city’s identity — full of enthusiasm and hometown pride.

Hot Springs, Arkansas is a unique city packed with natural beauty, colorful history, and quirky surprises. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains and famous for its healing thermal waters, it’s a place full of charm and interesting stories. Here are 10 fun facts about this amazing city:

1. America’s First National Park – Before Yellowstone was established, Hot Springs National Park was protected in 1832, making it the first area preserved by the U.S. government for recreation.
2. A Town Built on Thermal Springs – There are 47 naturally heated springs in the city, pumping out water at an average of 143°F! People have flocked here for centuries to soak in the therapeutic waters.
3. Bathing with History – Bathhouse Row features beautiful early-20th century bathhouses. Some are still in use today, while others are museums or even a brewery using the spring water to make beer!
4. A Favorite of Mobsters – Notorious criminals like Al Capone vacationed here in the 1920s and ‘30s. They came to relax and “cool off” in luxury—without interference from the law.
5. President Bill Clinton's Hometown – The 42nd U.S. President, Bill Clinton, spent much of his youth in Hot Springs. You can even visit his boyhood home today.
6. Birthplace of Spring Training – Hot Springs is considered the birthplace of Major League Baseball spring training. Teams like the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs trained here in the early 1900s.
7. A National Park Inside a City – Hot Springs is the only U.S. city that has a national park within the city limits. You can hike, bathe, and explore history—all without leaving town.
8. Home to the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade – The city hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Bridge Street, which is just 98 feet long, making it both short and legendary!
9. Crystal Hunting Heaven – The surrounding Ouachita Mountains are known for some of the world’s finest quartz crystals. Visitors can even dig for their own sparkly treasures.
10. The Name Says It All – Hot Springs really earned its name. Over a million gallons of hot mineral water flow from the springs every day, untouched and naturally heated underground for 4,000 years!