Fordyce Bathhouse

Then & Now

Left image
Fordyce Bathhouse, 1915.
Credit: NPS Photo/HOSP Archives

Right image
Fordyce Bathhouse, 2020.
Credit: NPS Photo

Fordyce Bathhouse during golden hour. The rhombus pattern yellow bricks shine like diamonds in the yellow sun — The beautiful Fordyce Bathhouse now houses the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center
NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

Today

The Fordyce Bathhouse today functions as the park’s visitor center. You can talk with a park ranger, gather more information about the Park and local area, or join a ranger program. The Fordyce Bathhouse is open every day from 9:00-5:00pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

History

The Fordyce opened March 1, 1915. Designed by Little Rock architects Mann and Stern and constructed under the supervision of owner Sam Fordyce's son John, the building eventually cost over $212,000 to build, equip, and furnish. Totaling approximately 28,000 square feet, the Fordyce is the largest bathhouse on the Row. It has three main floors, two courtyards, and a basement under most of the building. The Fordyce became the first bathhouse on the Row to go out of business when it suspended operations on June 30, 1962, but it was extensively restored by 1989 and is now enjoying a renaissance as a historically furnished museum. Take a peek at some refurnished rooms.