Each day, 500,000 gallons of naturally hot water flow from the base of Arkansas’ Hot Springs mountain into these hot springs themselves. For hundreds of years people have traveled from around the world to experience their therapeutic qualities, and thanks to preservation by the National Park Service, you can, too.

The park includes parts of the Hot Springs town, including Historic Bathhouse Row and its 9 bath houses, making it completely unique among national parks. Although it’s one of the smallest and most urban national parks there’s also plenty of nature to enjoy including 26 miles of hiking trails.

Hot Springs National Park is actually the oldest protected area in the United States, having been designated a federal reserve in 1832, before the American concept of National Parks was invented. It was redesignated as a national park in 1921.