Mountain Valley Spring Co Visitor Center and Museum
Taste the legendary, exceptionally smooth Mountain Valley Spring water, sourced from protected aquifers. Explore its history and fill a growler!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Mountain Valley Spring Co Visitor Center and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taste the legendary, exceptionally smooth Mountain Valley Spring water, sourced from protected aquifers. Explore its history and fill a growler!
"The water here is outstanding. It’s kinda like Fiji water, it’s very smooth and tasty."
Bring your own growler! :droplet:
Save money and get the freshest water by filling your own growler. Cheaper than buying bottles!
Check stock before you go :phone:
Water availability can be spotty. Call ahead or order online to avoid a wasted trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Spring Water
Visitor Center
Experience the exceptionally smooth, clear, and natural-tasting spring water, often compared to premium bottled brands.
Museum & History
Visitor Center
Learn about the history of this renowned spring and its bottling process, with knowledgeable staff sharing local insights.
Growler Refills
Visitor Center
Bring your own growler or purchase one to fill with the acclaimed spring water at a potentially lower cost than bottled options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Water Quality & Availability
Staff & Visitor Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own growler! :droplet:
Save money and get the freshest water by filling your own growler. Cheaper than buying bottles!
Check stock before you go :phone:
Water availability can be spotty. Call ahead or order online to avoid a wasted trip.
Glass bottles are best :glass_of_milk:
Many visitors prefer the taste from glass bottles, noting it's more 'natural' and 'smoother'.
Ask about local gems :sparkles:
Some staff are incredibly knowledgeable about local history and dining.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own growler! :droplet:
Save money and get the freshest water by filling your own growler. Cheaper than buying bottles!
Check stock before you go :phone:
Water availability can be spotty. Call ahead or order online to avoid a wasted trip.
Glass bottles are best :glass_of_milk:
Many visitors prefer the taste from glass bottles, noting it's more 'natural' and 'smoother'.
Ask about local gems :sparkles:
Some staff are incredibly knowledgeable about local history and dining.
Be prepared for mixed service :shrug:
Customer service can be hit or miss. Some find it rude, others very helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptional taste and purity of the Mountain Valley Spring water, often calling it outstanding and natural. However, experiences with staff can be highly inconsistent, ranging from rude and unwelcoming to exceptionally helpful and informative. Availability of water can also be an issue, leading some to recommend ordering online.
"We didn’t really look around at the museum, and the merch was okay, but the water here is outstanding. It’s kinda like Fiji water, it’s very smooth and tasty, but it’s clearer if that makes any sense. More “natural” I guess. Anyway, we’ve bought several bottles (which were much cheaper than Fiji for dang sure!) and we plan to fill a growler or two before we head back home."
Rachel Pinkerton
"Super rude, first time in drove 2 hours to get some glass bottles! when checking out slapped a plastic bag for me to bag it my self mind you 1 plastic 1 for 6 BIG WATER BOTTLES!! Then pretty much told me bag my self slapped the receipt on the counter didn’t say thank u have a good day didn’t say this or that, nothing they literally stare u up and down like your gonna steal something you definitely don’t feel welcomed at all , they all are crossing there arms with the worse face expression just literally horrible staff. , if u love the water it’s self like I do then order it online do not recommend coming here at all."
Breanna Rhein
"I don't get how a water store has no spring water. If they did, the prices wouldve been reasonable. I'm rather upset that I traveled from a different town to get it because my store in Little Rock is out as well. The girl said they are not receiving consistent deliveries. Which the guy at the counter started giving her hell.
She didn't deserve the disrespect. I love my water like everyone else, but it's not her fault about deliveries. She definitely handled it better than me."
Julie Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Visitor Center is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. While specific directions depend on your starting point, it's often mentioned in conjunction with visiting Hot Springs National Park. Travelers often drive to the area.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but as it's located in town, street parking or nearby public lots are likely options. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival.
Yes, the Visitor Center is in Hot Springs, AR, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the national park. Some visitors combine the two experiences.
Most visitors drive to Hot Springs. The nearest major airport is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, about an hour and a half away, from where you can rent a car.
Absolutely! The Visitor Center is in Hot Springs, AR, close to Hot Springs National Park, the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and a reptile petting zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required to enter the Visitor Center and browse the museum. You only pay for any water purchases or merchandise.
Operating hours can vary, and some reviews suggest inconsistency. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current hours, especially if planning a visit on a weekend or holiday.
The museum is typically free to enter as part of the visitor center experience. The focus is on the history and the water itself.
The Visitor Center offers bottled water and growler refills from their renowned spring. Direct access to the natural spring source for personal collection is generally not permitted for public consumption.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, purchasing larger quantities like cases or filling growlers can be more cost-effective than buying single bottles.
🎫 💧 Water & Products
The water is sourced from a protected spring in the Ouachita Mountains and is praised for its exceptionally smooth, clear, and natural taste, often described as 'outstanding' and 'more natural' than other brands.
While not always guaranteed, some visitors have been able to taste the water. The staff can often provide information and samples if available.
They offer various sizes, including popular 1-liter glass bottles and larger cases. You can also purchase growlers for refills.
Some marketing suggests benefits, but scientific evidence for specific health claims like reducing inflammation from bottled spring water is limited. The water is primarily valued for its taste and purity.
If the Visitor Center is out of stock, you can order directly from their website. It's also available at select retailers, though availability can vary.
📸 📸 Photography & Souvenirs
The Visitor Center itself might not be highly photogenic, but the iconic Mountain Valley Spring water bottles and the museum exhibits offer some visual interest. The surrounding Hot Springs area also provides scenic views.
The merchandise selection is described as 'okay' by some visitors, likely including branded apparel, water bottles, and accessories related to the spring.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the visitor center. However, it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure about photographing exhibits.
Beyond branded merchandise, the main 'souvenir' is the acclaimed spring water itself, especially if you fill a growler to take home.
Focus on the purity and clarity of the water, the iconic green glass bottles, and perhaps the historical aspects of the museum for compelling photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby attractions like Hot Springs National Park offer more extensive activities for children, making the Visitor Center a good complementary stop on a day trip. The reptile petting zoo mentioned in one Reddit post is also a potential hit with younger visitors.
💧 Water Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
🚗 Day-Trippers from Little Rock
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Mountain Valley Spring Water
Reviews highlight the water's distinctiveness, with one visitor describing it as 'outstanding' and 'more natural.' The green glass bottles are iconic and a symbol of the brand's heritage. While some TikTok videos question the longevity of 'voltage' and 'structure' in bottled water, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors to the source is positive regarding taste and quality. It’s this unique sensory experience that drives many to make the trip.
Navigating the Visitor Experience
Conversely, other visitors have had overwhelmingly positive interactions, praising specific employees, like 'Anna,' for being 'super informative,' 'knowledgeable,' and helpful with local recommendations. These positive experiences often involve staff who go above and beyond, sharing historical details and making the visit memorable. The inconsistency in service means that while some leave disappointed, others leave with a glowing impression, often attributing their positive experience to the helpfulness of individual staff members.
The Museum and Local Lore
Beyond the official exhibits, some staff members, particularly those with local roots, can be a treasure trove of information. They might share insights into the history of Hot Springs, recommend local restaurants, or even reveal 'secret tunnels' and other local lore, as one visitor experienced. This blend of historical context and local storytelling enhances the overall visit, turning a simple water stop into a richer cultural experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit