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Downtown Hot Springs is buzzing with energy, charm, and now a hint of mystery. Already known for its historic bathhouses, eclectic shops, and vibrant dining scene, this one-of-a-kind destination just got even more magical with the arrival of Mystic Ozark. Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs National Park, Mystic Ozark adds an immersive, enchanting twist to the downtown experience, making a stroll through this storied city even more unforgettable.
Mystic Ozark is a new museum located within one of the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, the Ozark Bathhouse. This landmark bathhouse has been home to several different facilities since its original construction in 1922, the first of which was a bathhouse using the healing waters of the natural springs. Its most recent repurpose has been created by the Mid-America Museum, whose other facility is just off Albert Pike Road on the other side of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
This is a play museum that captures the mystical magic of the rumored dragon that sleeps underneath the mountain and is the source of all the hot spring water. As you walk through the museum, you play with this dragon and discover the true source of the healing waters of the springs.
I went with two of my friends as we rode around downtown Hot Springs on our bicycles. This is a kid-friendly play museum, but anyone who loves to play is welcome! The buildup and fluid movement of the exhibit area told the story of the Ouachita Mountains so well and with such involvement. We were fascinated immediately! One highlight of the exhibit area is the room with videos on all the walls. Once we saw an empty bench, we plopped down and enjoyed watching the scenes of the Ouachita Mountains all around us. After a few moments, the screens changed to a different view, showing us how the water that fell as rain over 4,000 years ago emerges from the springs today. It was so enchanting that we had to stay to watch it more than once.
We were treated to a special tour by the staff at Mystic Ozark. The manager, Romeo, noticed our excitement and took us to some spots where most guests don’t get to go. He let us see where the water from the spring entered the building itself! I felt like I could’ve stayed there for so long. That warm 143-degree water was so exhilarating to touch – and I was the first human to touch it in 4,400 years! How cool is that?! He showed us behind the scenes, where new exhibits are arriving weekly. So even if we head back in a week, there will be more to explore!
My favorite spot we got to see was the roof. It gave us a great view of the other bathhouses that we would’ve never seen otherwise. It was truly a magical experience, one that was worth so much to us!
You can find the current admission prices for Mystic Ozark on their website at mysticozark.com. Bonus: When you visit the downtown exhibit, you’ll receive a discounted ticket to the Mid-America Science Museum—an added adventure just a short drive away! For more information about the museum, visit midamericamuseum.org.
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy with your family of little ones or you are a playful person at heart, this is the place to enjoy on your next visit to downtown Hot Springs!
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