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100 Places To See With Your Dog: Hot Springs, Arkansas

I fell in love with Arkansas a few years ago while passing through on our way from Arizona to New York.  It was just a convenient stopover at first, I didn't realize just how much natural beauty there is in Arkansas.  Now I fully understand why they call Arkansas THE NATURAL STATE.

Dog friendly Arkansas has so much natural beauty throughout the state.
We love going to dog friendly Arkansas!

Many people visit Arkansas just to see the well known city of Little Rock, but to the North and South of Little Rock there is so much more to see and do.  The natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains to the North, in places like EUREKA SPRINGS is positively majestic! Hot Springs, in the Southern part of the state is equally stunning.

Arkansas is called The Natural State, and rightly so!

During one of our cross country trips we traveled to the Southern part of Arkansas to the beautiful historic town of HOT SPRINGS, where natural hot springs created the popularity of this town.  There's a Scenic Highway Route that heads South from Interstate 40 that is so lovely.  It takes longer to get there via the scenic route but it's so worth the ride.  The long, winding road through beautiful mountains leads straight into the town of Hot Springs.

Natural Hot Springs can be found around all the town of Hot Springs.

You'll see beautiful natural hot springs & pools all around the town of Hot Springs.  The average temperature of the water in the hot springs is 143 degrees Fahrenheit so I don't recommend sticking your hand in it!  The springs produce close to a million gallons of water each day!  In the photo above, you can see steam rising out of one of the hot springs.  At the top of this hill behind me is the Grand Promenade, a lovely scenic walking path about a half mile long that's dog friendly.  There are several more trails right off the Grand Promenade you can follow as well.

The natural hot springs created the establishment of bathhouses in the 1800's, where people went to bathe in the natural hot springs in search of health and healing.  The properties on Bathhouse Row have been beautifully restored and preserved for historic purposes.

Today there are spa's in Hot Springs but they are more about overall health and wellness than only bathing in natural spring water.  However, you can still soak in the natural spring water in some of the spas and resort hotels along bathhouse row and in other parts of the town.   The most interesting part of "Bathhouse Row" is the beautiful architecture and the history behind the bathhouses. 

The historic Arlington Hotel is a focal point in the town of Hot Springs.  If we had made reservations in advance we could have stayed at this beautiful, dog friendly hotel!  The hotel even has it's own bathhouse.  There are several dog friendly hotels in Hot Springs, but I highly recommend advance reservations or you may end up scrambling around trying to find lodging. 


The historic, dog friendly Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas

This beautiful statue sits on the road divider that runs in front of the Arlington Hotel.

This sign stands on the lawn in front of the Arlington Hotel.  If you're a baseball fan, you'll want to see this!  Oddly enough, Hot Springs became a site for major league baseball's Spring Training in the late 1800's.  In fact, in the late 1800's the Chicago Whitestockings set up Spring training in Hot Springs.  Today that team is known as the Chicago Cubs, World Series Champions!  Many of baseball's legends trained and played in Hot Springs.  You can learn more about that by going on the Hot Springs Baseball Trail

Hot Springs also has a bit of a sordid past.  It was once an area plagued by organized crime.  Illegal gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging were a problem from the late 1800's  through the mid 1900's.  Strolling through this town surrounded by such natural beauty, it's hard to believe it was once a popular hangout for gangsters like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and other mobsters!


The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas was popular with old time baseball greats.
The infamous Arlington Hotel, popular with old time baseball greats.

There is so much beautiful architecture all throughout the town of Hot Springs.  Some of the most beautiful architecture can be found along Bathhouse Row.

There is a lot of beautiful architecture in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Although Hot Springs was settled in the 1800’s, there’s evidence that the hot springs were utilized for thousands of years.  According to local Native American mythology, the hot springs were considered a healing place, sacred territory of the Great Spirit.  Native Americans referred to Hot Springs as "The Valley of the Vapors" and the area was considered neutral territory, where all tribes could peacefully partake of the healing waters.

Arkansas has natural beauty in abundance and in general is quite dog friendly.  There are lots of attractions and things to do where your dog is welcome throughout the state, especially hiking through the beautiful forest areas.   We hope to return to Arkansas many more times in the coming years.


If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
100 Places to See With Your Dog: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
How to have a successful Road Trip With The Dogs
Tips For Air Travel With Pets
Find a Fabulous Pet Friendly Destination Getaway

Have you ever visited Hot Springs, Arkansas?  Do you think it would be a fun trip?  Leave us a comment & share your thoughts, we always LOVE hearing from you!

61 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

Our cousin lives there and lives it too
Lily & Edward

M. K. Clinton said...

OMD! You were so close to us in HOt Springs. We could have driven up to see y'all. I love Hot Springs ♥

Unknown said...

I love keeping lists of where to travel with my dog and have found a number of places in the US useful for such adventures. Although, I have to admit, in light of recent events I have put all travel to the US on hold. Unfortunately.

Dash Kitten Crew said...

You had me at HOT Springs. It's still Spring here in NZ and a bit chilly. I would love anywhere that's hot!!

Jackie Bouchard said...

We've never been to Arkansas. Hot Springs looks fantastic! Wow, 143 degrees! That's some-kinda hot!

Golden Daily Scoop said...

Hot Springs looks like a beautiful place to visit! I love learning all about new pet-friendly places, we will be pinning this to our pet-friendly travel page! :)

Lapdog Creations said...

I've never been to Arkansas but this is not on my bucket list! Beautiful photos!

Unknown said...

I've never been to Arkansas but how beautiful does it look! One day I want to travel to the States with Miss Edie and visit all the sites.

Sweet Purrfections said...

I visited Arkansas a few times when I went to a football game. The Ozarks were beautiful.

AmyShojai said...

This is a beautiful place to visit. Some years ago we made a trip out to the Springs.

Unknown said...

I have only been to Arkansas once in my youth but of all places I have traveled this one really sticks out in my mind. It was absolutely GORGEOUS there! So glad to hear it is pet friendly there - maybe we can go and take our Lyla!

The Daily Pip said...

I have never been to Arkansas and now I wonder why. I would love to experience the hot springs - imagine just standing near them would be relaxing and cleansing. Nice that the town is so dog friendly. The buildings look really cool, too, and I didn't know that bit of baseball trivia!

Beth said...

I have never been to Arkansas and didn't realize what a beautiful state it is. I am pleasantly surprised to learn that there dog friendly trails and hotels there!

Pawesome Cats said...

It looks like a beautiful place for a family holiday! Good news that its pet friendly too!

Bryn Nowell said...

I would love to visit Arkansas! I hope to now that I know of these great places to visit with the dogs. Thanks for sharing such a great post. Safe travels to you down the road and have a happy holiday season!

Unknown said...

Bah! Everytime I read your travel posts I feel the wanderlust trying to take me over, I'm totally blaming you if they find me and the dogs running around 1000's of miles from home :)

Unknown said...

Oh exciting!! I've never been to Arkansas but now I want to go!

Tenacious Little Terrier said...

It looks lovely. Soaking in those springs sounds like it would be a cool experience.

Tonya Wilhelm said...

We've never been, but sure would like to visit. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun. We need to venture more West, we tend to go East.

FiveSibesMom said...

I just love being an armchair traveler on your adventure! Arkansas looks wonderful, I've never been (yet!). Thanks for sharing your visit with us!

Kia said...

I've never been to Arkansas...seems like a beautiful place to visit and with the dog too!

Talent Hounds said...

I have never been to Arkansas and I have not travelled with Kilo yet but I am planning a road trip to the US next year. Certainly looks beautiful.

LaylasWoof said...

I am so loving your blogs about all these places, thank you so much for sharing

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh that must be so great, what a fun place to live!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

You're kidding!? I didn't realize that, I would have loved to see you guys. We have to plan something where we all travel to a place where we can meet! Not just the BlogPaws conferences, it's much too busy there & I won't want to share you with anyone else!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I keep a growing list on my Pinterest Pet Travel board. I share my own travel posts there as well as great places other people have gone to & blogged about. It's so sad that we have to be worried about travel these days, I miss the pre 2001 days where we could go anywhere without worry.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

LOL! I think it gets chilly there because it is in the mountains but the hot springs to let off lots of hot steam. Wouldn't it be so great to just soak in a hot bath from natural springs? Ahhhhhh!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

OMG, Arkansas is so unexpectedly beautiful. We fell so in love with that state, they have so much natural beauty there. I plan to go again and again! You should go it you can swing a trip there.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so glad you liked it & that you'll be pinning it to your pet friendly page, thanks so much for sharing! It really is a lovely place. I can't wait to go back.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

You will love it! There is so much natural beauty throughout Arkansas, and I love the towns that are nestled deep in the mountains like Hot Springs and Eureka Springs.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh how wonderful if you do travel here, you'll need LOTS of time. There are so many fabulously dog friendly places in the U.S.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Aren't they just breathtaking?! I loved the Ozark mountains, you can really lose yourself in them.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Isn't it lovely, we enjoyed it so much. I plan to go back many more times!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It is very dog friendly, I'd love to go back and stay at the historic Arlington Hotel next time. It's so gorgeous there, I love all the mountains in Arkansas!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I wonder why too, Kristin! You must go, you'll just love it. The natural beauty both in the Northern and Southern parts of the state are so worth seeing. It is so relaxing, next time I'm going to take a hot spring water bath at one of the spas!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I was so shocked the first time we went to Arkansas, now I know why they call it The Natural State! The natural beauty is so uplifting.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It's perfect for a family holiday. Natural beauty with a little bit of history & gorgeous architecture thrown in!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I highly recommend it Bryn, I think you'd love it and so will the dogs. All the fresh air, nature, and walking/hiking paths, dogs are in heaven! I so glad you enjoyed the post! Safe travels & happy holidays to you too Bryn!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I happily accept that blame! I had wanderlust when I was in my 20's and I traveled a lot, now that I've got dogs my wanderlust is totally renewed! It's just in a different way, my never ending quest to find great dog friendly places. I'm so glad you've enjoyed my travel posts!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

You should definitely go there if you are able, especially in the mountain areas of the Northern and Southern parts of the state. It's such stunning beauty.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It really is so lovely there, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the hot springs and the walking paths. It's such a great trip.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It was so much fun! It's pretty convenient to get there too, just head South on Interstate 40 and it's not all that far from the East Coast.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh, the Sibes would just love this place! They'd love both Hot Springs in Southern Arkansas & Eureka Springs to the North. Being in the mountains, taking long walks or hikes, they'd be in heaven!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It really is The Natural State, so much beauty in the mountains of Arkansas we just love it there!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so excited for Kilo to travel to the US! That would be such fun. Arkansas really is a beautiful state, especially in the mountain areas. You would love it & I bet Kilo would too.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh thank you so much for the kind words Ruth, I really appreciate that! I'm so glad you've been enjoying my posts. We love to travel with the dogs, they're becoming quite the travelers those two, LOL!

Unknown said...

I have family that is from Arkansas...or so I have heard. They used to own some caves down there lol Looks like such an awesome place with great history and dog friendly places. Will want to visit for sure!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

That is SO cool! I didn't get to see any caves, but I'd love to. You should definitely make a visit if you're able & bring the dog!

DawgBlogger said...

Cookie isn't much into sight-seeing; she prefers bush :-) Fortunately, we have plenty of that right here.

Unknown said...

When we lived in New Orleans we considered taking a trip to Arkansas for a concert. I didn't think to look for other things to do while we were there or driving through. We always have Gremlin with us so your "Places to See With Your Dog" posts are really fun :)

FidoseofReality said...

As an avid dog traveler of over 23 years, I never knew there was so much to do in Hot Springs. I am showing this to my spouse so we can visit there with the dog some time. WOW!

Unknown said...

Looks like some great dog friendly places to visit! Love Dolly

Dash Kitten Crew said...

OOOh you have hot springs too! We have them at a couple of points here in NZ due to volcanic activity. Its strange to have hot water coming out of the ground!!!! Hot Springs has a lot for people to see, and I a m so glad it is dog friendly :-)

Unknown said...

Your wonderful posts are helping really build my, "pet friendly places I want to travel" list. I'm pinning them all and will use them for an easy reference. Thank you!

Sadie said...

We will definitely add this to our list of places to see. Thank you for sharing!

Robin said...

What a beautiful place! I've never been to Arkansas. Those hot springs would be an interesting thing to see. We don't have anything like that here in Michigan! The hotel and the history sound really interesting too. :)
-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

LOL! Whatever makes her happy!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so glad you think my travel posts are fun! We take our dogs everywhere and love to share our little adventures. Arkansas is so gorgeous, I had no idea until we went there.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

You will LOVE Hot Springs! The Ouachita Mountains are stunning and there's so much history there. I had no idea Arkansas had so much natural beauty and that there were lots of dog friendly things to do!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh definitely, we loved it there!

Unknown said...

Definitely adding this to our next road trip must visit list. We went through Arkansas this past summer, but only stopped shortly (and saw the Big Dam Bridge)!
-Jessica from Beagles & Bargains

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