Hot Springs National Park Celebrates 194th Anniversary with Special Activities
Monday marks the 194th anniversary of the 1832 legislation signed by President Andrew Jackson. That law created the Hot Springs Reservation, the first federal public land set aside by the United States.
Hot Springs National Park begins a weeklong celebration this Saturday. The park is observing its 194th anniversary with a lineup of special activities for residents and visitors.
Weekend programs on Arlington Lawn
Saturday’s Preserving the Natural State runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Arlington Lawn. The program highlights efforts to protect natural areas across Arkansas.
Attendees can collect seed packets and sample the park’s springs. Demonstrations include stream-flow displays and hands-on water testing activities.
- National Park Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Environmental Education Team
- Local Audubon Society chapters and state forest service
Junior Ranger Day
Junior Ranger Day takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Arlington Lawn. The event introduces children to park careers and conservation work.
Young visitors will meet archaeologists, firefighters, and law-enforcement rangers. Navy representatives will participate for Navy Week, and swearing-in ceremonies occur every half-hour.
About the Junior Ranger program
The Junior Ranger program is a National Park Service-wide initiative. Participants complete activities, request a Junior Ranger book, and receive an oath when finished.
Birthday event and midweek activities
The park will hold a short birthday observance at 11 a.m. Monday. The ceremony takes place on the front porch of the Fordyce Bath House.
Wednesday’s schedule includes Park Chats at the Garland County Library from noon to 1 p.m. The monthly speaker series will feature the Hunter-Dunbar Expedition of 1804–1805.
Dr. Andrew Milson will discuss the expedition’s science and records. His presentation will be delivered virtually and streamed on the library’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Earth Day programming
Wednesday also marks Earth Day. Park rangers will host arts-and-crafts activities and seed-pod projects outside the Administration Building.
Rangers will join Earth Day events at National Park College. They will also share information about volunteer opportunities within the park.
Filmogaz.com encourages the public to attend and support preservation efforts during the anniversary week. The celebration underscores Hot Springs’ long history of conservation.
