Haunted Hot Springs, Arkansas: Ghostly Legends & Spooky Encounters
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its natural thermal waters, historic bathhouses, and charming downtown. But did you know it’s also one of the most haunted places in the state? Beneath the glitz and glamour of this old resort town, ghostly legends still linger. They have often been seen in grand hotels, historic theaters, and even natural landmarks. If you love a good ghost story, you won’t want to miss these haunted hotspots in Hot Springs!
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The Haunted Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is the crown jewel of Hot Springs. It also has a long history of ghostly guests who never checked out. Since 1875, the Arlington has hosted everyone from gangsters like Al Capone to U.S. presidents. According to many visitors, a few lingering spirits are still here.
Guests and staff have reported eerie encounters. These include glasses sliding off tables, mysterious footsteps in empty hallways, and even full-bodied apparitions dressed in early 1900s attire. One of the most famous ghost stories is about a bride who has been seen staring out of a tower window. Some say she’s waiting for a groom who never arrived. If you’re feeling brave, book a stay on the fourth floor, where paranormal activity seems to be the strongest.
The Eerie Ambiance of the Fordyce Bathhouse
The Fordyce Bathhouse may not have a long list of ghost stories, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of eerie vibes. Now a museum operated by the National Park Service, the bathhouse has been carefully preserved to showcase what spa life was like in the early 1900s.
With vintage medical equipment, old-fashioned hydrotherapy tubs, and the quiet hush of its tiled halls, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time—or that someone from the past might still be lingering.
Some visitors have reported feeling an unexplained presence or hearing faint whispers when no one else is around. Even park rangers have jokingly played into the mystery, refusing to confirm or deny whether the bathhouse is haunted. Whether it’s spirits or just the weight of history, the Fordyce definitely has an atmosphere that makes you wonder.
We did not see any paranormal activity on our visit, but the tours are free so we highly recommend it.
Ghostly Sightings at the Malco Theatre
Once a thriving vaudeville venue, the Malco Theatre has been entertaining guests since the early 1900s. But according to local lore, some of its former performers never left. The theater is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who disappeared during a magic show in the 1880s. Ever since, visitors have reported seeing a shadowy female figure lurking in the basement, hearing whispers when no one else is around, and witnessing lights flickering for no reason.
If you visit the Malco today, it’s home to a local comedy and magic show—but don’t be srprised if the spirits decide to make an appearance of their own! The Magic of Maxwell Blade is NOT recommended by us. We have seen this show and did not enjoy any of it. The theater was small and cramped, and the magic itself was mediocre.
The Mystery of Hell’s Half Acre
Just outside Hot Springs, you’ll find a strange natural rock formation known as Hell’s Half Acre. Local legends claim it’s haunted, with some believing a demon is trapped beneath the ground. Others say the land itself is cursed. While there’s no scientific proof of anything supernatural, plenty of visitors have reported feeling uneasy or hearing strange noises while exploring the area. Whether it’s ghosts or just eerie folklore, there’s something undeniably creepy about this place.
Take a Haunted Tour of Hot Springs
Want to experience the spooky side of Hot Springs for yourself? There are several haunted walking tours that take you through the city’s most ghost-ridden locations. You’ll hear chilling stories of mysterious disappearances, unexplained sightings, and haunted hotels—while exploring the historic downtown under the glow of the streetlights. It’s a must-do for any ghost hunter or history lover.
You can also bring along some of your equipment and venture out on your own.
Final Thoughts
Hot Springs isn’t just a charming getaway—it’s a city filled with history, mystery, and more than a few ghostly encounters. Whether you’re staying at the haunted Arlington, catching a show at the Malco, or venturing out to Hell’s Half Acre, you never know when you might come across something… otherworldly.
Are you brave enough to explore Hot Springs’ haunted history? Plan your trip today!
Want to find the perfect place to stay? Check out my Hotel Hot Springs review! Looking for more spooky adventures? Read my Haunted Arkansas blog post for more ghostly destinations around the state.
Ready to start planning your own Dream Vacation? Contact me today: [email protected]. I understand that each family is unique and offer individualized family vacation planning to help you tailor your vacation to fit your family.
Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!
