Hot Springs National Park
No trip to the Diamond Lakes region is complete without a stop in historic Hot Springs. Native Americans called it “Valley of the Vapors” for the steam that rose from its thermal waters. Nineteenth-century tourists traveled from all over the nation to seek healing benefits from these hot springs. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson designated the area as the nation’s first federal reservation.
Today, Hot Springs National Park occupies the northern part of the city and contains nearly 50 natural springs and more than 30 miles of hiking and walking trails. Downtown Hot Springs features historic Bathhouse Row with working bathhouses and historic hotels, as well as all kinds of shops, restaurants, museums and music venues. In 2021, Hot Springs National Park celebrated its official 100th anniversary as a national park.
The lake resorts in the region are far enough away to let you be one with nature, but close enough so you can visit town with ease. Spend a day on the lake, fishing, boating or hiking, head into town for entertainment, shopping or dining, and be back in your comfortable lodge or lakeside cabin in time to see a breathtaking waterfront sunset.
Wherever you choose to stay, bring your bike. Some of the best trails in the country are in the Diamond Lakes region. Three of these trails are designated as IMBA Epic Rides – Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Womble Trail. Hot Springs is recognized as an IMBA Regional Ride Center for the amenities and resources available to riders. Here, the Northwoods Trail System offers more than 30 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking for all skill levels, less than 5 miles from downtown.
Mine for diamonds and crystals
The Diamond Lakes region holds the world’s only public diamond mine, Crater of Diamonds State Park. You can keep any rocks you mine, and some record specimens have gone home with visitors! Located in Murfreesboro, the state park is also the site of an aquatic park and splash pad for cooling off post-dig.
Stop in at Mount Ida, the Quartz Capital of the World, where you can find crystal mines that are open to the public. Dig your own crystals at one of several mines there or in nearby towns, or find a lovely crystal at a town shop to keep as a souvenir.
On the water
Lake Catherine is an 11-mile fishing lake located near Hot Springs and surrounded by the breathtaking Ouachita Mountains. Lake Catherine State Park offers campsites, cabins and the only full-service marina on the lake. Many of the historic buildings in the state park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Hiking trails include the Falls Branch Trail leading to a lovely waterfall and grotto.
DeGray Lake (13,400 acres) is home to DeGray Lake Resort State Park. You can enjoy disc golfing or horseback riding while you stay at the resort’s lodge. Play a round of golf at the scenic and challenging 18-hole championship course, then enjoy unique dining experiences before heading to the beach or to the trails. Private resorts nearby offer luxury lakeside cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs. The popular Iron Mountain trail system (30+ miles) attracts mountain bikers from all over the nation and features a loop that has earned rave reviews for the ride as well as the scenery.
Twelve-mile-long Lake Greeson is known for its excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities, but you’ll also love its swimming holes, picnic areas and campsites. Over 45 miles of trails surround the lake. Pick up a trail map at Daisy State Park, where you can also book a campsite or yurt. Other resorts also offer log-sided cabins on the water, charming and affordable motel rooms near the lake and welcoming full-service marinas.
One of the state’s most popular recreational and residential lakes, Lake Hamilton is a great family fun spot with boat rentals, lodging and on-the-water dining options. On the lake is Garvan Woodland Gardens, a first-rate botanical garden accessible by boat or land. Treehouses, elevated walkways, children’s play areas, waterfalls, meditative landscapes, gorgeous blooms and stunning holiday lights make the gardens a year-round crowd-pleaser.
