One of my highlights of Visiting Hot Springs National Park was going to the Summit of Hot Springs Mountain and taking the elevator to the tower's upper observation deck at Hot Springs Mountain Tower!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
This is where we enjoyed 360-degree views of 140 square miles from 1256 feet above sea level.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we stared out over the scenic Arkansas countryside, including downtown Hot Springs, the entire park, a portion of the Ouachita Mountains, and the surrounding Diamond Lakes area.
Fun Fact: The tower we're visiting today is actually the third one!
In 1877, the first tower was constructed of wood by local mill owner Enoch Woolman (the old Woolman Observatory). This allowed visitors to enjoy the view of the surrounding region.
In 1906, the old Woolman Tower was removed and replaced with a new steel tower (The Rix Tower) that included an elevator carrying visitors from the base to the top. The Rix Tower was leased by Charles N. Rix, the president of Arkansas National Bank.
The Rix Tower was taken down in July 1971, and the third tower was constructed and opened to the public in June 1983 as part of the 13th annual Arkansas Fun Festival.
Today, the 216-foot Hot Springs Mountain Tower is operated as a concession for the park.
You open the doors of the tower and enter the gift shop. You will find restrooms and lots of fun collectibles. You will have plenty to choose from, including shirts, coffee mugs, and almost anything else you can think of as souvenirs.
Inside is an elevator that transports you from the gift shop at the base of the tower to the lower observation deck and the open-air upper Observation deck.
The lower observation deck (second level) is an indoor, air-conditioned room with large glass panels that let you look out without standing outside in the elements.
This level is also filled with artifacts and information on Hot Springs National Park! We learned so much about the park, local history, and the town of Hot Springs while wandering around, reading all of the interpretive panels.
The open-air upper observation deck (third level) offers 360-degree views of the park and its surroundings.
Be prepared for it to be windy or cooler at the top than it is in the parking lot. We went in October and found ourselves a bit chilled at the top.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower is one of the top things to do while visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas! We visit every time we are in Hot Springs to see how the views have changed, the fall colors, and to enjoy a fun adventure.
Make sure to take at minimum the Promenade Trail
What you need to know to plan a visit to Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Note: This is not the park's visitor center. The Fordyce bathhouse on Bathhouse Row serves as the park's visitor center.
Ticket/Admission costs as of October 2025
- General Admission (12 to 54) - $13.00
- Seniors (55+) - $12.00
- Military/Police/Firemen/First Responders - $12.00
- Golden/Park Pass Holders - $11.00
- Youth (5 to 11) - $6.50
- Children 4 and under - Free
- Group Rates for Adult - $7.00
- Group Rates for child - $5.00
- Free Parking. Handicap Accessible
Location: The Hot Springs Tower is located at the top of the Hot Springs NP scenic drive.
Address
401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr.
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: (501) 881-4020
Hours: The hours vary depending on the time of year you are visiting. The tower normally opens at 9 am, and closing depends on the time of year. Be prepared the tower closes 30 minutes before the gift store.
Gift Store: A nice-sized gift store is on the main floor of the Hot Springs Tower. You can find souvenirs, drinks, and some snacks, crystals, and everything you can imagine with Hot Springs National Park printed on it.
Hot Springs Tours
Hot Springs National Park Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2-3 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
Do you like to discover a park at your own pace? My wife and I do too, and we decided to purchase this self-guided tour and ended up really enjoying it! It was easy to use and really helped us learn more about the park and appreciate it more. It was especially helpful, as we went during one of the government shutdowns, yet we were still able to enjoy learning about the area. The self-guided tour included narration on 29 areas of the park, most lasting about 5 minutes each.
Hot Springs National Park Lodging Options
The Hotel Hale is the only Lodge in Hot Springs National Park. This 9-room Botiue Hotel is located next to the Superior Bathhouse Brewery on Bathhouse Row and is one of my favorite experiences in America's National Park Lodges!
🏨Ready to Book Hotel Hale -> Click Here
I would also suggest the two hotels below across the street from bathhouse Row
The Historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is the largest hotel in Arkansas with almost 500 rooms! Since 1875, the Arlington Resort has become one of the South's premeire resorts and is a true American Treasure with its beautiful Crystal Ballroom, Venetian Dining Room, and a grand lobby and famous bar. They also have their top-rated Hot Springs Spa and Salon and Thermal Bathhouse, where you will bathe in the famous mineral waters of the "hot springs".
🏨Ready to Book the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa -> Click Here
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers stately accommodations right across the street from Hotel Hale and Historic Bathhouse Row. It is best known for its epic rooftop bar! It also has features you will love including free WIFI, a fitness center, valet parking available, and a restaurant on-site
🏨Ready to Book The Waters Hot Springs -> Click Here
For additional lodging options in Hot Springs National Park, click on the map below to see current rates for hotels and vacation rentals.
Hot Springs National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Hot Springs National Park does not charge an entrance fee!
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Hot Springs National Park Resources
Hot Springs National Park - complete guide to Hot Springs National Park
Things to do Hot Springs National Park - Check out all of the great things to do in Hot Springs NP
Hot Springs National Park Hiking Guide - Complete guide to hiking and trails in Hot Springs National Park.
Hotel Hale - The only lodging accommodations in Hot Springs National Park!
Gulpha Gorge Campground - the only campground in Hot Springs National Park
Superior Bathhouse Brewery - Learn more about the only brewery located inside a National Park
Check out all of the National Parks in Arkansas, along with neighboring National Parks in Louisiana, National Parks in Mississippi, National Parks in Missouri, Oklahoma National Parks, Tennessee National Parks, and Texas National Parks
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