Downtown Hot Springs Gangster Pad

I visited the gangster museum in August. It really isn't that much of a museum but rather more informative of the town's history. The narrator was nice but it seemed like we were rushed through the rooms when we were allowed to take pictures.Visited onWeekdayWait timeUp to 10 minReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entry$16–20

Came here on a rainy day during our trip. I knew a little about the history of the area before visiting, but this museum, combined with an actual tour guide and videos, made for an interesting, well-informed visit. I left wanting to learn more from the tour, which, in my mind, means it was a successful museum. I recommend this museum for everyone who likes to learn history regarding gangsters, robbers, and baseball.

We visited the Gangster Museum of America on a weekday in June, 2023. We took an afternoon tour. They did have discounts if you were a veteran or senior. So that could save you some money. The tour begins with you entering through a door that looks like a bank vault door. You then go through a series of rooms that have a theme pertaining to Hot Springs history and how Gangsters have connections to the town. You have a narrator who tells you a short story. Then you watch an accompanying short video. After the video and more possible narration, you are asked if you have questions or want more time to take pictures. They do allot you time as our tour was delayed because of folks taking pictures. The problem is that it seemed like everyone was in a rush to get through it. So you felt pressured to move on and not delay the flow. At least it seemed that way to us. I tried to take pictures upon entering or leaving rooms. Our narrator was quite good at what he does. It probably would have been better if he just narrated the whole thing. Maybe use the video or pictures for effect. But he did a good job. The museum itself, seemed a little high priced for what it was. To us, it did not seem all that much like a museum. Yes it had some items. But they seemed more like props for the show, rather than museum pieces. Yes we enjoyed the show. But we felt it was over priced and really wasn't really what we would consider a museum. To us, it was more of a tourist exhibit consisting of basically, a show using props for visual effect. I think it was worth the time. But as I said, I think it's over priced.

Do this first when you arrive in Hot Springs. We started here and learned the history and why the town was built. The bath houses, gangster, gambling, baseball, and prohibition. Lots of history here. Videos with plenty of seating allows you to enjoy the experience. You found out where to go and what to see. Nice book store and photos. Wish we had more time to read all the items. Real artifacts from guns to casino tables are in the museum. You are guided to each room. They have bathrooms before you enter. They have water for sale, but it is cheaper a block away. You go on a tour that is guided, so you have to get tickets for certain times.

Had a great time! So interesting, the history of Hot Springs. Our tour guide was so fun and knowledgeable! Buy tickets in advance so you can pick your tour time!Visited onWeekdayWait timeUp to 10 minReservation recommendedYesPrice for adult entry$16–20

Very informative museum about the history of what made Hot Springs, and the people it attracted from Gangsters, Politicians, and Baseball teams. Al Capone is the main highlight but also refers to Bonnie & Clyde, Dillinger, Karpis, the Bakers, etc. Dave the tour guide was very good.

We enjoyed our tour, the guide was excellent. Honestly if the guide were to have explained everything versus the videos I would've enjoyed it more. He had an energy about him that was infectious. He did a great job. I would recommend anybody to come here. I wanted a hat but found the same exact hat significantly cheaper elsewhere.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entry$16–20

This was not exactly what I expected I expected more artifacts & less presentations - but it really was worth the money!! There were multiple exhibits, each with a video screen to watch clips and the story behind each room. They had a mix of famous gangsters & local gangsters which was very neat - all that had been to Hot Springs. Definitely a bit outdated but still interesting. My favorite room was the casino room! It was neat.

If you love museums and gangsters then this is your tour. Lots of intriguing information about the Hot Springs scene, how it evolved and how it all ended. We loved it.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entry$16–20

A gem of a museum of you are into the O.G.'s of the NY/Chicago organized crime scene in the Prohibition era. Baseball fans will also be impressed with all the MLB Spring Training history ties to Hot Springs! Our tour guide was a 4th or 5th generation resident and an encyclopedia of Hot Springs. I will post a bunch of pictures because I couldn't stop taking them. Very hands on exhibit. My 10 and 13 year old boys were enamored and have never seen a gangster movie. They will now! JR