(Photo) View of Tiny Town Village

Piece 1: Tiny Town. Tiny Town, an intricate model village located at 374 Whittington Ave in Hot Springs AR, was created by Frank Moshinskie, who began making his miniatures in Louisiana in the 1930s when he was just 13 years old. After a tornado damaged his original display in 1962, Mr. Moshinskie used the insurance money to move the entire setup to Hot Springs, where it opened to the public the following year.

Tiny Town quickly became a beloved Arkansas attraction; drawing families and tourists keen to explore its detailed landscapes and folk art features. Some fun scenes to look for include a miniaturized filming set from the long-running television show “Gunsmoke,” a recreation of the world famous Niagara Falls, a working model sawmill, and tiny figures placed throughout the display portraying people engaged in activities of daily life.

One of the highlights of any Tiny Town visit is the seeing the fully operational small scale train that weaves through the entire model village.

Finally, Tiny Town has some interactive features, allowing visitors to push buttons that activate lights and animations.

View of Arkansas Alligator Farm

Piece 2: Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo. The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, located in Hot Springs, was founded by H.L. Campbell in 1902. One of the oldest tourist attractions in the state, it has drawn visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the intriguing reptiles. The farm effectively showcases the lifecycle of these creatures through its age diverse collection, which includes very young alligators through impressive adults.

Over the decades, the Arkansas Alligator Farm has introduced various interactive experiences, including a petting zoo. This hands-on area features pygmy goats, emus, llamas, sheep, donkeys, and deer. Visitors can also hold a baby alligator and have their photo taken.

During alligator feeding sessions, visitors can watch hungry gators snap up food with remarkable speed and precision. Selected guests, under the supervision of facility staff, can offer pieces of meat to young alligators using a feeding stick.

A small museum on the property features a collection of mounted alligators and other marine organisms from the farm’s early years. One of the most popular exhibits there is “The Merman,” a mummified creature purported to be half man and half fish.

View of Duck Boat Tour-Hot Springs AR

Piece 3: National Park Duck Tour. National Park Duck Tours in Hot Springs AR has been operating since 1992. A Duck Tour is conducted on an amphibious vehicle, known as a “Duck,” which seamlessly transitions from land to water, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the surroundings. This mode of transport adds a touch of adventure to the tour experience.

The concept of amphibious vehicles dates back to World War II, when the US military developed the DUKW, an innovative transport designed to traverse both land and water. After the war, these vehicles found new life in the tourism industry.

The Hot Springs Duck Tour begins with a narrated drive through the historic downtown area, where the guide shares fascinating tales about mobsters and bathhouse row.

In the mid-20th century, Hot Springs was considered a “neutral ground” where many of America’s top gangsters, including Al Capone, could mingle and vacation together.

Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs features eight opulent bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923. Natural mineral-rich thermal water was pumped from underground springs into these establishments, which offered therapeutic baths thought to be an effective treatment for ailments like arthritis. The popularity of Bathhouse Row reached its peak in the 1940’s, with over a million baths taken annually. Today, some of the bathhouses still function as spas while others have been converted to an alternative use.

After touring downtown Hot Springs, the Duck vehicle splashes into Lake Hamilton, where passengers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains and the tranquil waters that make this region famous.

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