Historic Hot Springs National Park Bathhouse Changing Owners After 114 Years
Visitors will still be able to take a traditional bath at Hot Springs National Park’s Buckstaff Bathhouse next year, but the company that has run it since 1912 won’t be there.
The Buckstaff Bath House Company will finish its 114-year run at the end of December. The National Park Service announced on September 22 that Historic Baths, LLC received a new 10-year contract to take over the bathhouse.
The change happens on January 1, 2027. The park says it does not expect any interruption in service while the new company takes over.
Buckstaff has been open continuously since 1912. According to the National Park Service, it is the only bathhouse on Bathhouse Row that has stayed open as a bathhouse since it first welcomed visitors.
You’ll Still Be Able to Take a Traditional Bath
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Historic Baths, LLC will continue offering traditional bathing at the Buckstaff. There will be a few changes for visitors. Under the new contract, bathing services will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and guests will be able to make reservations ahead of time. Walk-ins will still be accepted.
Right now, the Buckstaff takes walk-ins for baths and massages and does not accept reservations for them. Its current hours are also shorter, with a break in the middle of the day Monday through Saturday.
The Buckstaff Has Never Fully Closed
Other bathhouses on Bathhouse Row closed as traditional bathing declined during the 20th century. By 1985, Buckstaff was the only one still operating on the row.
Today, visitors can still get a whirlpool mineral bath, sitz bath, steam cabinet and hot towel treatment there. The bathhouse uses thermal water from the park’s protected hot springs.
The Company Has Been There Since 1912
The Buckstaff Bath House Company is currently the oldest operating concession in the National Park Service. Its run ends December 31.
Historic Baths, LLC takes over the next morning, with traditional bathing at the Buckstaff continuing into 2027.
