Anthony Chapel Overview

Anthony Chapel sits in the forested hills above Hot Springs National Park, a small stone structure built in 1941 that feels worlds away from the bathhouse-lined streets below. This nondenominational chapel was constructed as a private meditation space and has remained largely unchanged for over eight decades. The building's simple design and woodland setting make it an unexpected refuge for visitors exploring the park.

The chapel measures roughly 20 feet by 30 feet inside, with stone walls, wooden pews, and stained glass windows that cast colored light across the interior. There's no electricity, no plumbing, and no staff. You arrive, you look around, and you leave. That's the entire experience, and it's precisely why people seek it out.

Why This Place Matters

Anthony Chapel represents a quieter side of Hot Springs National Park. While most visitors move between the grand bathhouses and hiking trails, this chapel offers something different: a moment of stillness in a place designed for it from the start. The structure is a time capsule of early 20th-century American chapel architecture, built with local stone and modest materials that have weathered decades without major renovation.

The chapel's isolation is intentional. It was never designed to be a tourist attraction. The fact that it remains accessible and relatively unknown makes it valuable to anyone seeking a genuine moment away from crowds.

Quick Facts

• Built in 1941
• Located at 550 Arkridge Road, about 2 miles north of downtown Hot Springs
• Stone construction with wooden interior furnishings
• No entrance fee, no operating hours, no staff
• Open to the public year-round
• Capacity is roughly 40 people seated

Getting There

The chapel sits on Arkridge Road, which runs along the ridge above Hot Springs. If you're downtown, head north on Central Avenue and follow signs toward the national park. Arkridge Road branches off as you climb into the forested hills.

Parking is a gravel pullout directly in front of the chapel, with space for about 4 to 5 vehicles. There's no marked parking lot. The chapel is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Hot Springs, depending on traffic and which street you start from.

If you don't have a car, reaching the chapel is difficult. The nearest bus stops are several blocks away, and the road lacks sidewalks. A taxi or rideshare is your best option if you're relying on transportation services.

The Layout and Experience

The chapel is a single room. You enter through a wooden door on the south side, and the interior reveals itself immediately. The stone walls are exposed, the pews face a simple altar, and the stained glass windows dominate the east and west walls. The light changes throughout the day, which is the closest thing to a "show" the chapel offers.

There are no guides, no interpretive signs, and no gift shop. The silence is complete except for whatever sounds drift in from the forest. Most visitors spend 10 to 20 minutes inside. Some sit in the pews. Others stand and look around. A few kneel or pray, regardless of their faith tradition.

The chapel's simplicity is its strength. There's nothing to distract you from whatever brought you here in the first place.

History and Background

Anthony Chapel was built in 1941 by a local family as a private meditation space. The exact details of its construction and the identity of its original builders have faded with time, which adds to its mystery. Unlike many chapels built during the same era, this one was never associated with a specific denomination or organization.

The building has survived eight decades with minimal intervention. The stone walls remain solid. The roof has been replaced at least once. The wooden pews and furnishings show their age but are still functional. This is not a restored historic site with plaques and careful reconstruction. It's a building that was built and then left mostly to itself.

Best Time to Visit

The chapel is accessible year-round, but conditions vary. Spring brings green foliage and mild temperatures. Summer can be warm and humid, though the altitude provides some relief from the heat of downtown Hot Springs. Fall offers clear skies and comfortable weather. Winter is cool and often wet, with occasional ice on the gravel parking area.

Early morning tends to be quieter than midday. Late afternoon light through the stained glass is often softer and more dramatic. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, though "crowded" at this chapel still means you might encounter a handful of other visitors.

If you're visiting Hot Springs during the busy summer season, the chapel becomes even more of a refuge because fewer people know about it or make the drive uphill.

Photography Tips

The stained glass windows are the most photographed element, especially when sunlight hits them directly. Early morning and late afternoon light is warmer and softer than midday sun. The exterior stone walls photograph well from the northwest corner, where you can capture both the front entrance and the side wall against the forest backdrop.

The interior is dim, so bring a camera that handles low light well or be prepared to use a tripod. Phone cameras can struggle with the color casts from the stained glass unless you adjust your white balance manually. The altar and wooden pews create depth if you shoot from the entrance looking inward.

Be respectful of anyone inside while you're photographing. This isn't a performance space, and people may be there for quiet reflection.

Facilities and Preparation

There are no facilities at the chapel itself. No restrooms, no water, no seating outside. The gravel parking area is the only infrastructure beyond the building. If you need facilities, use the restrooms at the national park visitor center downtown before you drive up.

Bring water if you plan to hike in the surrounding forest afterward. The chapel is a starting point for exploration rather than a destination with amenities. Wear sturdy shoes if you're planning to walk around the property or the nearby trails.

The chapel can be cold inside even in mild weather, partly because of the stone walls and lack of heating. A light jacket is practical year-round.

Combining with Nearby Attractions

The chapel's location makes it easy to pair with other Hot Springs National Park activities. The bathhouses downtown are about 10 minutes south by car. The hiking trails that wind through the park are accessible from multiple trailheads within a few minutes of the chapel. If you're visiting the Thermal Bath House or Garvan Woodland Gardens, the chapel is a logical detour on your way back to your hotel.

Many visitors treat the chapel as a quiet break between more active pursuits. You could hike a trail in the morning, spend 15 minutes at the chapel, and then visit one of the bathhouses in the afternoon.

Sample Visit Plan

If you're in Hot Springs for a day and want to include the chapel, arrive mid-morning when the initial rush of park visitors has spread out. Drive north from downtown to the chapel, arriving by 10:30 or 11 am. Spend 15 to 20 minutes inside, allowing your eyes to adjust to the light and taking in the stained glass details. Photograph the interior and exterior if you're interested.

From the chapel, drive back down and spend an hour at one of the bathhouses, such as the Thermal Bath House, which offers a contrast to the chapel's silence. Grab lunch in downtown Hot Springs before returning to your accommodations.

If you're more interested in hiking, combine the chapel with one of the national park trails nearby. The chapel works well as a quiet meditation point between a morning hike and afternoon exploration.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early in the day or on a weekday to increase the chance of being alone or with very few other visitors
• Don't rely on GPS to get you to the exact address; use the street name (Arkridge Road) and follow signs for the national park
• The gravel parking area can become muddy after rain; wear appropriate footwear if the weather has been wet
• Bring a camera with good low-light performance if you want quality photos of the interior
• This is a place of meditation for some visitors; keep your visit quiet and respectful
• There is no cell service inside the chapel, so plan your timing before you arrive

FAQ

Can I get married at Anthony Chapel? The chapel is not available for private events or ceremonies. It remains a public meditation space with no booking system or staff.

Is the chapel actually open to the public? Yes, the chapel is open to the public year-round at no cost. There are no hours posted because there's no staff, so you can visit anytime. That said, be respectful if others are inside.

How long should I spend at the chapel? Most people spend 10 to 30 minutes, depending on whether they're photographing, meditating, or simply looking around. There's no required length of stay.

Is Anthony Chapel affiliated with a religion or denomination? No. It was built as a nondenominational meditation space and remains open to people of any faith or no faith.