Hot Springs, Arkansas – A new attraction, Mystic Ozark, is tentatively scheduled to open on May 17th in the historic Ozark Bathhouse, located at 425 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, AR. The immersive experience will highlight the geothermal waters of Hot Springs National Park through four themed environments featuring a water element, projection mapping, and historical exhibits.
This March, after more than five years of planning, Mid-America Science Museum signed a lease agreement under the historic leasing program to develop an interactive experience in the Ozark Bathhouse. The Ozark is a 14,000-square-foot building constructed in 1922 as part of Bathhouse Row. Mid-America Science Museum is working closely with the National Park Service to preserve the building’s historic integrity while creating a modern, educational experience.
Diane LaFollette, CEO of Mid-America Science Museum, highlighted the museum’s vision for the project. “Our mission has always been to spark curiosity and inspire learning through interactive experiences. With Mystic Ozark, we’re not only expanding our reach beyond the museum’s main campus, but we’re also providing a dynamic way for visitors to connect with the history of the National Park through an immersive and engaging environment.”
The exhibit was developed in collaboration with Process Curiosity, a design agency based in North Salt Lake, Utah. The firm has worked on projects for Disney, Universal Studios, and museums worldwide, helping shape Mystic Ozark’s immersive educational components.
“Process Curiosity has done remarkable work in creating the interactive experience of Mystic Ozark and crafting a compelling narrative,” said LaFollette. “Finding the right director to bring this vision to life was crucial, and I’m excited to have Romeo Lopez step into that role. His background in nonprofit leadership and his passion for creating impactful experiences will ensure that Mystic Ozark becomes a destination that deeply connects visitors to the legacy of our thermal waters.”
Recognized as a 2021 Rising Star by the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Lopez has held leadership roles in local community organizations, including the Downtown Hot Springs Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the Hot Springs Farmers Market Board.
“Mystic Ozark is an exciting addition to downtown Hot Springs that will bring together education, history, and interactive experiences,” Lopez said. “This project will offer a deeper understanding of the unique features of the National Park that have shaped the city’s identity while creating a new attraction, benefiting both locals and visitors.”
For more information on Mystic Ozark and updates on the official opening date, visit mysticozark.com or follow the new attraction on Facebook @MysticOzarkHS and Instagram @mysticozark.
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About the Ozark Bathhouse:
Built in 1922 and designed by Mann and Stern of Little Rock, the Ozark Bathhouse is one of the eight historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. With 14,000 square feet and 27 tubs, the Ozark Bathhouse was a key part of Hot Springs’ storied history as a health and wellness destination before closing in 1977.
About Mid-America Science Museum:
Mid-America Science Museum, Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and a Smithsonian Affiliate, provides interactive exhibits and educational experiences designed to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning. The museum is located at 500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visit midamericamuseum.org for more information.
