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Hot Springs, Arkansas
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www.exploresouthernhistory.com
| A "Duck" at Lake Hamilton Hot Springs, Arkansas |
Riding the Ducks in Hot Springs
Admittedly they are among the most "touristy" of attractions,
but the unique amphibious vehicles known as "Ducks" are
fun and a flashback to a part of history that too few of us
know about.
These half-boat, half-truck people carrying vehicles can be
seen driving down the streets of a number of Southern
cities, including Hot Springs, Branson and Memphis.
Few people realize, however, that the technology behind the
Ducks actually dates back to World War II. The vehicles
were first manufactured by General Motors in 1942 and
represented a remarkable accomplishment in military
ingenuity and engineering. They were first used in the
Pacific in 1943 and American commanders were quick to
recognize the value of a vehicle that be used on either land
or water.
Over 1,000 Ducks took part in the landing at Sicily and they
were used again at Normandy where the versatile little
vehicles brought ashore 40% of the supplies used by Allied
forces in the D-Day invasion.
The name Duck is a military acronym for "D (year of
production, 1942), U (utility truck, amphibious), K
(front-wheel drive), W (tandem axle)."
While the Ducks in most cities are of more modern design,
the ones in Hot Springs are said by the drivers to date from
World War II.
They depart several times daily (every 30 minutes or less
when tourist traffic is heavy) from a location directly across
Central Avenue from Bathhouse Row. The tours last about
75 minutes and take riders through the streets of Hot
Springs and onto Lake Hamilton, where they sail around St.
John's Island before returning back to downtown.
For more information, visit:
but the unique amphibious vehicles known as "Ducks" are
fun and a flashback to a part of history that too few of us
know about.
These half-boat, half-truck people carrying vehicles can be
seen driving down the streets of a number of Southern
cities, including Hot Springs, Branson and Memphis.
Few people realize, however, that the technology behind the
Ducks actually dates back to World War II. The vehicles
were first manufactured by General Motors in 1942 and
represented a remarkable accomplishment in military
ingenuity and engineering. They were first used in the
Pacific in 1943 and American commanders were quick to
recognize the value of a vehicle that be used on either land
or water.
Over 1,000 Ducks took part in the landing at Sicily and they
were used again at Normandy where the versatile little
vehicles brought ashore 40% of the supplies used by Allied
forces in the D-Day invasion.
The name Duck is a military acronym for "D (year of
production, 1942), U (utility truck, amphibious), K
(front-wheel drive), W (tandem axle)."
While the Ducks in most cities are of more modern design,
the ones in Hot Springs are said by the drivers to date from
World War II.
They depart several times daily (every 30 minutes or less
when tourist traffic is heavy) from a location directly across
Central Avenue from Bathhouse Row. The tours last about
75 minutes and take riders through the streets of Hot
Springs and onto Lake Hamilton, where they sail around St.
John's Island before returning back to downtown.
For more information, visit:
| View of Bathhouse Row from a "Duck" Hot Springs, Arkansas |
| Lake Hamilton as seen from a "Duck" Hot Springs, Arkansas |
| Visiting Hot Springs? We are pleased to recommend: |