Things to do Near Knotty & Nice

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

While you won't be hopping in the saddle yourself, watching jockeys bounding down the stretch is exhilarating—especially if you have money on the line!

The Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, Arkansas gives you the chance to place your bets on the horses in the running. Dress up in your finest 20th-century clothing, make your bids, grab a snack, and see if your chosen horse makes you a fortune.

Bathhouse Row

One of Hot Springs' greatest attractions happens to be its rich history, and nowhere is this more evident than on Bathhouse Row. These gorgeous 20th-century buildings house exciting stories of Arkansas's past. You can walk through each one and ask questions about the architecture, the art, and maybe even request a bath for yourself! A collection of historic bathhouses where people flocked in the early 20th century for therapeutic hot springs baths. Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a historic district located within Hot Springs National Park, known for its collection of beautifully restored bathhouses that date back to the early 20th century. Bathhouse Row remains a key destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking the healing waters of Hot Springs.

Best Fishing in Arkansas

In our fishing guide, we will review some of the most commonly-asked questions about the pastime, and give you the best Hot Spring fishing tips only a local would know! Before you know it, you'll be totally "caught" up!

Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo

Do you want to do something so authentically southern that it almost seems a little dangerous? The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, located in Hot Springs, is a unique wildlife attraction offering visitors the chance to interact with a variety of animals. Established in 1902, the farm is home to a large collection of alligators, including some that are over 100 years old. In addition to alligators, the farm features a variety of other animals, such as goats, pigs, and peacocks, which visitors can feed and pet. It's a family-friendly destination for those seeking a hands-on, up-close experience with both exotic and domestic animals.

Best Lakes Around Hot Springs

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is surrounded by several beautiful lakes that offer a variety of recreational activities, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Ouachita is the largest and one of the clearest lakes in Arkansas, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Lake Catherine is a smaller, serene lake located near Lake Catherine State Park. It’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Lake Hamilton is a popular, scenic lake in Hot Springs known for its recreational boating, fishing, and waterside dining. These lakes around Hot Springs provide a peaceful retreat for water activities, camping, and more.

Unique Historic Sites in Hot Springs

Interested in visiting some of Hot Springs' most iconic historical sites? Check our our suggestions in this article for some of the city's most interesting, and unique, places to visit. Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to several unique historic sites, many of which reflect its rich cultural and therapeutic heritage. Key landmarks include Bathhouse Row within Hot Springs National Park, a collection of grand bathhouses built in the early 1900s, where visitors once flocked for the area's famous thermal waters. The Fordyce Bathhouse, now a visitor center, showcases the opulence of the past with its stunning architecture. These sites combine history, architecture, and the region’s reputation as a health resort.

Best Parks Near Hot Springs

When you stay at Knotty and Nice, you're near some of the best parks in Arkansas. We're a short distance from Hot Springs National Park, Lake Catherine State Park, and others. Offering outdoor recreation and scenic beauty, Hot Springs National Park is the crown jewel, featuring hiking trails, thermal springs, and historic bathhouses. Visitors can explore the park's trails, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views. Lake Catherine State Park, located just south of Hot Springs and the park's Falls Trail leads to a stunning waterfall, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. These parks provide a range of activities from relaxing by the lake to hiking through scenic forests, making them some of the best natural spots near Hot Springs.

Waterfall off of Blue Bird Road

You don't need to travel far to discover some of the most enchanting spots in Hot Springs. Knotty and Nice Cabins is located by a scenic destination worth checking out. There is an amazing, beautiful waterfall about 1 mile south of our cabins. You can swim or enjoy the sound and beauty of the water. You can walk or drive to the waterfall and spend a few hours here on fair-weather days! Complement your afternoon with a picnic, paint by the water or just sit back and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Ask our front desk for more information or directions.

Hot Springs National Park

Water. That's what first attracted people, and they have been coming here ever since to use these soothing thermal waters to heal and relax. Rich and poor alike came for the baths, and a thriving city built up around the hot springs. Together nicknamed "The American Spa," Hot Springs National Park today surrounds the north end of the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens, the University of Arkansas' 210 acre botanical garden, is one of eight public, woodland gardens in the country and the only one located on a body of water. The Asian garden is ranked as the fifth best in North America, and in 2012 Garvan Woodland Gardens was named as one of the Top Five Most Spectacular Gardens In America. Over five miles of trails, unique bridges, waterfalls, a Children's Adventure Garden, and architectural wonder Anthony Chapel wedding complex are some of the highlights. View brilliant blooms year-round and one of the state's most elaborate outdoor holiday lights displays with over 4 million lights from mid-November through December; special night time hours.

Adventureworks Hot Springs

Zip Line Tour Hot Springs, Arkansas' exciting new zip line adventure park! Zip lining is great for families, groups and all of you weekend warriors. Experience a thrilling adventure with a bird's eye view! Soar through the air on steel cables, secured in a safety harness, attached to a zip pulley system. See native trees, plants, and wildlife. Zip tours operate year round. Experience zipping during every season! Adventureworks Hot Springs, Adventure Zip Line Park has so much to offer: 12 zip lines , over a mile of zip adventures Sky Bridge with Observation Deck Located at a premier outdoor lodging venue

Magic Springs Theme Park and Crystal Falls Water Park

Located at 1701 East Grand Avenue off of Highway 70 on the FUN side of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a 45 minute drive from Little Rock and within easy driving distance from Memphis, Shreveport, Dallas, and Tulsa. Magic Springs is Arkansas's only theme and water park. A single price admission ticket includes all day use of the rides, water slides, concerts, attractions and special events. The park is open weekends only from April through October and daily late-May through mid-August. Magic Springs is operated by Premier Parks, LLC.

Mid-America Science Museum

The mission of Mid-America Science Museum is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of the sciences, and to encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. The Museum also serves as a premier tourism attraction in Arkansas. The purpose of Mid-America Science Museum is to explain scientific knowledge and concepts to the public through interactive exhibits, activities, workshops, and educational programs. The Museum seeks to stimulate a lifelong interest in science, spark curiosity, reshape attitudes and stir the imagination. Our goal is informal science education that encourages learning in ways not ordinarily found in the workplace, classroom, or home. To achieve this purpose, the Museum will maintain the highest standards in providing quality exhibits, programs, and services for students, citizens, and visitors to Arkansas.