Four Paws and Fresh Springs: Our Dog-friendly Visit to Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
Did you know that Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to the birthplace of Mountain Valley Spring Water? The natural springs where this water comes from is located just a few miles outside the city in the Ouachita Mountains.
Visiting the dog-friendly Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center and Museum might seem like it’s not even worth a stop, but we were pleasantly surprised on our visit! We enjoyed our brief stop learning interesting facts about the water and brand in the museum while our dogs got to enjoy the A.C., new smells, and attention.
So, fellow pet parents, if you’re looking for a quick, free, and interesting stop for your pack in Hot Springs, Arkansas, be sure to stop by the Spring Valley Mountain Visitor Center!
Is the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center and Museum Dog Friendly?
Yup! The Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center and Museum in Arkansas is dog-friendly. All dogs need to be leashed or in a carrier at all times. You will be around exhibits and merchandise, so remember to give your dog a proper bathroom break before you go to prevent any accidents.
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What to Expect When You Visit the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
Get ready to be surprised when you and your four-legged friend visit this visitor center and museum. This originally was a stop that I had left out of our itinerary, but I added it last minute because my husband and brother really wanted to go.
This is a great stop if you only have a short time, as it will only take you about 30-45 minutes or less to see everything. The visitor center on the main floor is basically a giant gift shop full of things I didn’t know existed and didn’t know I needed. The 2nd floor is where the museum is, and your furry friends are allowed up there as well.
Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center Price and Hours
There is no charge for the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center. They’re open every day of the week from 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, or 9 am – 4 pm on Sundays.
Parking at the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
This is one of the few places I saw on Central Avenue that had its own parking lot next to the building. Parking is free, but there is a time limit to prevent people from leaving their cars there while they explore the rest of the city.
Are there Bathrooms at Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center?
They do have restrooms in the back of the visitor center in case you need them.
Where to Stay When Visiting Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
Take your pick! Hotels, campsites, and short-term rentals, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Hot Springs.
Visiting Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center and Museum
Stopping at the Mountain Valley Spring Water visitor center won’t take you long, but it will be an interesting one! The building consists of three floors, with only the first and second open to the pubic. And the third floor is where their offices are, so it’s typically closed off. Here’s the breakdown of what you can expect when you visit:
Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center and Gift Shop
For the most part, the main floor of the visitor center is a big store. However, in the back of the building is a smaller area where you can see some historical pieces from when the company was named DeSoto Mineral Water. This is also where you can find the restrooms.
In the store, you can buy the famous water in all the ways you can imagine. Sparkling, flat, flavored, small bottles, large jugs, or refill containers that you previously purchased. You can also buy branded shirts, hats, magnets, and dog toys. They even have more travel-focused products like tea and snack kits for camping.
We bought a hand pump for 5-gallon jugs that makes filling water bowls and bottles easier. This will be great for longer camping or road trips. Now we only have to bring one large jug instead of multiple smaller containers.
Mountain Valley Spring Water Museum
The Spring Valley Mountain Museum is on the 2nd floor. It’s not very big since the middle of the floor is open-air, so it won’t take long to go through. As you walk around, you’ll get a brief historical overview of the company and how the natural spring was discovered in the nearby Ouachita Mountains.
As you walk through, you’ll get to see old ads, bottles, and label designs as well as doctor recommendations. We were impressed to see all of the celebrities who drank and promoted Spring Valley Water over the years. We saw names like Mohammed Ali, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis. There was even an article giving the water partial credit for horse racing wins!
By the time I finished the museum and read the reports and articles on the potential health benefits and why this water was so amazing, I actually went downstairs and bought some. And I don’t even really like water! Lol
The Mountain Valley Spring Water Offices and “Japanese Ballroom”
The top or third floor of the building contains the company’s offices. This area is typically closed off to the pubic. However, if you are lucky, one of the staff members might let you take a quick peek so you can see what used to be called the “Japanese Ballroom”.
In the 1920’s this floor was a dance hall in a mineral water depot. Today, the company has restored the period fixtures and original ceiling, so it’s really cool to see, especially if you’re into historic architecture or design.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
Our pack made a last-minute stop at this visitor center/museum. Here are some tips for you and your furry friends before you go:
- Take your dog to the bathroom before you enter. The main floor is a giant store/gift shop. Don’t risk having to buy something just because your pup marked it! There is some space around the parking lot where your dog can go before you enter.
- Keep your pets on a tight leash. Keep your dog close so you can make sure they keep back from artifacts on display and out of the way of your fellow visitors.
- Be aware of your surroundings. The museum on the 2nd floor is a mezzanine, meaning the middle is open. There is a railing, but small dogs could still get through and fall to the 1st floor.
- Take a look at some of the travel items in the gift shop. You may find some things that would make camping or traveling with your dog easier- I know we did!
Nearby Attractions to the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center:
For ideas of places to visit in or close to the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center, check out these stops:
Attractions near Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
Dog-Friendly Attractions near Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
For a more complete list, check out our dog-friendly Hot Springs, Arkansas post!
A Refreshing Adventure at Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
I find that the smaller, more specialized museums tend to be the most interesting! What started as a last-minute stop turned into a surprisingly enjoyable experience for us humans and pups. The Spring Valley Mountain Visitor Center and Museum is proof that sometimes all your pack needs is a cool, pet-friendly space combined with some interesting facts to make everyone happy for a little while. And of course, it’s always a win when that stop is free!
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