The Garvan Gardens has much more to offer than just the Anthony Chapel. From the beautiful botanical gardens to the treehouses and train sets, you can honestly spend a whole day here. Brandon and I love this place, so we encourage you to find time to explore while in town. All wedding guests will get free admission on Monday, the wedding day.
We are big supporters of the National Parks and highly encourage everyone to visit the park at some point. There are about 26 miles of trails in the park itself, and if you're looking for a challenge, you can take on the stairs to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Don't worry, they also have an elevator.
You can come to Hot Springs without visiting the bathhouses. Most require an appointment, but you will generally be fine with making those a few days in advance.
This was the first attraction Brandon and I went to when we visited last fall. In case you didn't know, Brandon is very big on trains. This is a family-run attraction showing a series of handmade miniature villages and an interactive model railroad. It's just a quick stop, and there is a small admission cost, but it truly is a historic spot. We want to do our part to preserve the history of Hot Springs.
This is one of my favorite science museums! I was blown away by their exhibits and shows. Their exhibits are all interactive; they even have a mine shaft indoor playset that I got lost in. The dinosaur trails out back were a delightful discovery. Just not that there is no food provided on site. However, your admission gets you access for the full day, so you can leave, get food, and come back.