The Copper Vat and the Thermal Spring: A Glass at Superior Bathhouse Brewery

In the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, steam rises from the sidewalk. It is the signature of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where for centuries people have come to 'take the waters.' But at the north end of the historic Bathhouse Row, the 144-degree thermal water isn't just for soaking. Inside a Classical Revival-style brick building that once served as a traditional spa, the water is being transformed into something entirely different: beer.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery holds a distinction unlike any other in the world. It is the only brewery located within a U.S. National Park, and it is the first to use thermal spring water as the primary ingredient in its brewing process. Walking through the front doors, you aren't met with the medicinal scent of a spa, but the heady, toasted aroma of malt and hops, all underpinned by a geological history that stretches back thousands of years.

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The building itself dates back to 1916, a time when Hot Springs was the premier wellness destination for the American elite, socialites, and even the occasional notorious gangster seeking a quiet retreat. For decades, the Superior Bathhouse offered affordable hydrotherapy, but as the popularity of traditional bathhouses waned in the mid-20th century, the building eventually fell silent, sitting vacant for nearly thirty years.

The revival came not from a spa developer, but from Rose Schweikhart, a musician and homebrewer who saw potential in the dormant pipes. Negotiating a lease with the National Park Service was no small feat—it required preserving the historic integrity of the site while installing a modern production facility. The brewery opened in 2013, effectively saving the structure from decay.

The water they use is a literal gift from the earth. Rainwater that fell on these mountains 4,000 years ago traveled deep into the crust, heating up to temperatures that killed off bacteria before being pushed back to the surface by natural pressure. Because the water emerges so pure and rich in minerals like silica and calcium, it provides a unique chemical profile for brewing. The result is a lineup of beers that feel inherently tied to the land beneath your feet.

Experience Guide

Visiting Superior is a casual affair that bridges the gap between a National Park visitor center and a neighborhood pub. The interior retains much of its historic character, with large windows that look out onto the bustling Central Avenue and the lush green slopes of the park.

To truly understand the range of what 4,000-year-old water can do, order the 'Beer Bath.' It is a massive flight featuring all 18 beers currently on tap. You’ll find everything from light, crisp kolsch-style ales to heavy, complex stouts. A local favorite is the 'Desoto's Lost Treasure,' a golden ale that lets the mineral quality of the water shine through without being masked by heavy hops.

If you aren't a beer drinker, they also craft their own root beer using the same thermal water, offering a creamy, botanical sweetness that is a far cry from mass-produced sodas. While you're there, use the Zuro app to map out a walk through the Grand Promenade trail located directly behind the brewery; it's the perfect way to work up an appetite for their Northwoods-inspired menu, featuring giant soft pretzels and locally sourced bratwurst.

The Science of the Spring

Most brewers spend a significant amount of time 'treating' their water—filtering out impurities or adding minerals to mimic the water profiles of famous brewing regions like Pilsen or Dublin. At Superior, the water is used almost exactly as it comes out of the ground. The thermal water is piped directly into the brewery at approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the brewers a massive head start on the heating process, making the operation remarkably energy-efficient. The mineral content, particularly the high silica, contributes to a smooth mouthfeel that has become a hallmark of the brewery’s house style.

Beyond the Glass

After your flight, step outside to the 'Shell'—a small courtyard area where you can watch the world go by on Bathhouse Row. The brewery is a gateway to the rest of the park. You can walk a few doors down to the Fordyce Bathhouse, which serves as the park’s museum, to see how the water was used in the early 20th century. Interestingly, the brewery also provides a public water tap where visitors can fill their own jugs with the hot spring water for free, a tradition that has continued in Hot Springs for over a century.