Hot Springs National Park celebrates National Park Week
Hot Springs National Park will celebrate National Park Week beginning Saturday through April 23.
National Park Week is America’s largest celebration of national heritage. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces and enhancing the national parks, according to a news release.
Hot Springs National Park offers free programs such as hiking, behind the scenes tours, arts and crafts, campground programs, and environmental education.
Visit http://www.nps.gov for more information or a list of park programs.
The following events will take place in Hot Springs National Park during National Park Week:
Daily
• 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — Fordyce Bath House Tour. Join a park ranger and explore the elegant Edwardian-era bath house. Meet in the Fordyce lobby, 369 Central Ave.
Saturday
• 9 a.m. — A 3-mile hike. Meet at the Fordyce for the monthly Third Saturday hike.
• 10 a.m. — Become a Junior Ranger. Join a park ranger and learn about Hot Springs National Park and complete the Junior Ranger activity booklet together. Meet at the Fordyce.
Sunday
• Noon — Life of a Raindrop. Learn about watersheds and how to keep the oceans clean. Meet at the hot water cascade at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue.
3 p.m. — Skins and Skulls. See, touch and learn about some of the furry, scaly and feathered creatures in the park. Meet at the Ozark Bath House,
425 Central Ave.
Tuesday
• 12:30 p.m. — How Did it Get so Hot? Discover how the water gets hot, the park’s geology, water quality and many more topics related to the thermal waters of the park. Meet in the Fordyce Bath House.
Wednesday
• 3:15 p.m. — Who, What and Where is the National Park Service? Step back in time and learn about “America’s Best Idea,” the history, and evolution of the National Park Service. Meet at the Fordyce.
Thursday
10 a.m. — Behind the Scenes Tour of Museum Collection Storage. Meet at the Lamar Bath House, 515 Central Ave. Space is limited to the first 20 people.
April 21
• 9 a.m. — The Last Hike. Four-mile, moderate-level hike on Hot Springs and North Mountain. Meet at the Fordyce Bath House.
• 12:30 p.m. — How Did it Get so Hot? Discover how the water gets hot, the park’s geology, water quality and many more topics related to the thermal waters of the park. Meet in the Fordyce.
April 22
• 3 p.m. — The Forgotten Expedition. Step back in time and discover the Hunter and Dunbar expedition and see items they may have brought along the way. Meet at the Ozark Bath House.
• 7 p.m. — Earth Day at the Campground. Join a park ranger to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Earth Day. Meet at Gulpha Gorge Campground, 305 Gorge Rd.
April 23
• 1 p.m. — National Park Rx Day. Join Hot Springs National Park in celebrating the 2nd annual National Park Rx Day. Meet on Arlington Lawn.
• 2-4 p.m. — Artist-in-Residence workshop. Join an Artist-in-Residence for an open art workshop including a demonstration and discussion of painting style and process. Meet at the Ozark Bath House.