Hot Spring officials confirm other attractions open despite National Park shutdown

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Officials with the Visit Hot Springs said Wednesday that the national government shutdown is not affecting “dozens” of attractions in the city.

Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said that some areas of Hot Springs National Park are closed due to the shutdown, but not all of them.

“Some portions of the National Park will not be open for visitors, but large portions of the park will be hosting visitors as usual,” he said. “Some of the National Park law enforcement personnel and some key employees will be on duty, working without pay.”

The Fordyce Visitor Center and the Museum on Bathhouse Row are closed, but the Visitor Center operated by Visit Hot Springs in the Hill Wheatley Plaza will be open, Arrison said.

“The fact is that almost all of the National Park will be open for visitors. That includes the Grand Promenade and the free thermal-water jug fountains in Hill Wheatley Plaza and on Reserve Street in the downtown area,” he said. “The free cold-water fountains on Fountain Street and Whittington Avenue will not be operating.”

Five of the privately owned bathhouses on Bathhouse Row will be open, Arrison said, as will the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, The Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Baths and Spa.

“We’ve got free public concerts featuring different styles of music every Thursday evening in October in the Bridge Street Entertainment District downtown,” he said. “The Northwoods hiking and mountain bike trail system welcomes everyone to enjoy that free excitement. Garvan Woodland Gardens is welcoming guests for its early-autumn attractions. Lake Catherine State Park and Lake Ouachita State Park remain open for visitors.”

For more information on Hot Springs attractions, visit HotSprings.org or call 800-SPA-CITY.