Five Offbeat Spots to Visit in Hot Springs

It is no secret that Hot Springs is a town filled with wonderful spots to visit and explore. It is also a town that revels in the offbeat. If you are in the mood for something a little different, here are a few options to keep on your radar. 

Tour a vintage wax museum 

You can find the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum downtown at 250 Central Avenue. The building used to be home to the famous Southern Club, which opened in 1890s, one of many high end gambling spots found in town at that time. More about this wax museum, the only in Arkansas, can be found in this 2019 article here and also via this Encyclopedia of Arkansas entry here. 

Visit a Theatre of Magic

Illusionist Maxwell Blade is a well-known personality of Hot Springs and many have caught one of his shows over the years at the Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic. You can find his shows currently at the Malco Theatre at 817 Central Avenue. The historic Malco Theatre is a story in itself, which you can read more about here.

Experience the Force

In a galaxy not so far away, one can get their Star Wars fix in at 536 Ouachita Avenue. The Galaxy Connection showcases owner Jon Clowers personal collection of vintage Star Wars and superhero toys and memorabilia.Of note, to see the museum, you must book a tour online or via phone. You can read more about this museum via this 2023 article here. 

Visit a Tiny Town

Open seasonally, Tiny Town at 374 Whittington Avenue is a labor of love of the Moshinskie family. It is an interactive model railroad for all ages and includes a tiny world full of charm. 

Feed alligators

The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo at 847 Whittington Ave has been around since 1902 and is hailed as among the oldest attractions in Hot Springs. Here you can hold and feed baby alligators and see other animals onsite like miniature goats. Also onsite is a historic marker that highlights a bit of baseball history. In 1918, Babe Ruth was in town for spring training and hit a ball 573 feet into the alligator pond here, making baseball history.