Alameda's Hot Springs Retreat

Directions:  Located in Hot Springs, MT. Hot Springs is located 71 miles north of Missoula.

Features:  The resort features a qaint relaxing experience. Their website mentions each suite has a private hot mineral bath, they do not have a large common pool. The water tempature is about 100 degrees.

Overall:  Appears to be a low key relaxing place to get away. One of serveral hot springs fed by Camas Hot Springs well.

More Info:  Visit Alameda's Hot Springs Retreat web site http://www.alamedashotsprings.com. Note: This summary was created using information from their website, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Alameda's Hot Springs Retreat
Photo sourced from Alameda's Hot Springs Retreat Facebook Page

Directions:  Another hot spring pool located in Hot Springs, MT.

Features:  Big Medicine features outdoor cement pool that is about 6 foot by 15 foot wide and 3 feet deep. There is also camping spots, tepee and cabin rental available we hear are inexpensive. There is a soaking fee of up to $8 daily charged via an honor box. The tempature is about 100 degrees.

Overall:  This is a local hot springs plunge, it's a low key no frills place to soak. One of serveral hot springs fed by Camas Hot Springs well.

More Info:  Here's an unoffical Facebook page on the spring, you may find answers to any questions here https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Medicine-Hot-Springs/626426714162153. For information on camping spot, tepee, cabin or horse coral rental call 406-741-5140..

Big Medicine Hot Springs
Photos provided by Scott Van Wyk from Montana Hot Springs Facebook Page

Directions:  Take Interstate 15 south from Helena 28 miles to Boulder, MT or from Butte travel 38 miles north of Interstate 15, travel through the town and continue three miles on state highway 69. Boulder Hot Springs is on your right and well signed.

Features:  A complete hot springs resort featuring lodging including bed & breakfast rooms, guest rooms and camping options. The amenities include a separate women's hot pool and steam room and a coed hot pool and stream room. This was previously the mens plunge. In addition there is a large outdoor pool kept around 98 degrees depending on weather. You will appreciate the hot pools and steam rooms after walk to the main building from the outdoor pool in zero degree weather!

History:  Boulder Hot Springs hotel and hot springs grounds are registered on the National Register of Historic places. The resort has a very interesting past beginning in 1860 and taking off in the 1880's with the hotel being built and added onto and remodeled over the next 30 years to the style it resembles today. The hotel considered one of Montana's most haunted places, it said to be haunted by "Simone", the ghost of a prostitute who was murdered at the hotel.

Overall:  This resort is worth checking out and maybe driving out of your way to stay especially if you enjoy a unique relaxed resort and along with some great history too. Boulder Hot Springs is strictly alcohol free, you will not find a party crowd here.

More Info:  Visit Boulder Hot Springs web site http://www.boulderhotsprings.com. Note: This summary was based on the experience had by Montana Hot Springs in 2023.

Boulder Hot Springs
Photos provided by montanahotsprings.net January 2023

Directions:  Located just a couple miles west of Helena, MT off of US Highway 12.

Features:  Three hot pools and a large outdoor warm pool for swimming and relaxing. The Broadwater has undergone reovations, it now includes a bar and grill along with an additional hot pool to relax in. Recently (winter 2023) they have been touting a new filtration system they have installed to improve the water quality.

Overall:  They used to be geared toward a health club crowd for the previous 30 years but now are showcasing the hot springs as the attraction. We have not had an oppurtinity to visit the Broadwatrer yet.

More Info:  Visit Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness web site http://www.broadwatermt.com/. Note: This is an updated summary created from information on the Broadwater Facebook page. They have not responded to any communication from us.

Broadwater Hot Springs
Photos sourced from The Broadwater Hot Springs Facebook Page

Directions:  Located 8 miles west of Bozeman on US 191.

Features:  Nine soaking pools with temperatures ranging from 59 degrees to 106 degrees.

Overall:  Bozeman Hot Springs is also a fitness facility as well as a hot spring. If your traveling through the area it would be a great place to stop and relax.

More Info:  Visit Bozeman Hot Springs Spa and Fitness web site https://www.bozemanhotsprings.co. Note: This summary was created using information from their web site, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Bozeman Hot Springs
Photo provided by @bchotspringer Instagram 2017

Directions:  Off Highway 89 between Livingston and Gardiner, 23 miles south of Livingston. Take Highway 89 to the flashing light in Emigrant, Montana. At the light turn left and travel 1.2 miles to the stop sign and turn left. Once you make the left, travel another mile and turn right onto the Chico Road. Chico Hot Springs is located at the end of the road.

Features:  A complete hot springs resort featuring two hot pools. Also offers dining, saloon, spa, horseback riding, dog sledding and rafting. The pool also features a swim up bar.

Overall:  This resort is worth checking out for a weekend or stop by on your way to Yellowstone National Park.

More Info:   Visit Chico Hot Springs web site http://www.chicohotsprings.com. Note: This summary was added with the help of Chico Hot Springs, Thank you!

Chico Hot Springs
Photos provided by Chico and Photographer Kene Sperry 2016

Directions:  Take the Jackson/Wisdom exit 59 off I-15, 2 miles south of Dillon. This exit is for Montana Highway 278, take 278 for 25 miles, look for the Elkhorn Hot Springs sign as well as the Pioneer Scenic By-Way. From here follow the Pioneer Scenic By-Way for 13 miles where you will find the springs.

Features:  A rustic hot springs resort featuring two large outdoor hot pools a wet sauna. Lodging is available onsite offering rustic and modern cabins as well as lodge rooms with a buffet breakfast included with your stay. All structures are the original early 1920s giving you a taste of the former years. Area attraction include Maverick Mountain Ski area only 3 miles away, cross county ski trial out of the parking lot, over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trail, endless hiking and riding trails in the summer months, and near some great fishing.

History  The hot springs were originally owned by the forest service, there as an attempt to create a national park in the area at one time. In 1905 private development began with several cabins and a horse stable built on the site. The current lodge was built as a private hunting retreat in the 1920's along with the cabins at the site today. The current pools were built 1918. The current owners have worked to restore and renovate all aspects of the resort.

Overall:  Elkhorn is a great base camp to explore Maverick Mountain, snowmobiling, hiking or digging quartz at nearby Crystal park.

More Info:  Visit Elkhorn Hot Springs web site for more information including stay and ski packages.http://www.elkhornhotsprings.com. Note: This summary was added with the help of Elkhorn Hot Springs and experience by MontanaHotSprings.net, Thank you!

Elkhorn Hot Springs
Photos provided by the Elkhorn Hot Springs

Directions:  Located between Anaconda and Butte just off I-90. Take the Fairmont/Gregson exit 211. Follow Fairmont road west 2.6 miles until you reach the resort.

Features:  This is without question the largest hot spring resort in the state. The resort features a large outdoor and indoor pool as well as hot pools as well as a fun waterslide. Other amenities include a restaurant, full bar and arcade for kids. The resort is open for day use and the pools are open 24 hours a day. This is a family friendly resort so if you are not a fan of kids stay away until after the slide closes.

Overall:  A good place to get away for a night, it's very family friendly and worth the trip.

More Info:  Visit Fairmont Hot Springs web site http://www.fairmontmontana.com. Note: This summary was based on the experience had by MontanaHotSprings.net, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Fairmont Hot Springs
Photos sourced from Fairmont Hot Springs Facebook Page

Directions:  Located between Wisdom and Dillon in Jackson, MT. Take the Jackson/Wisdom exit 59 off I-15, 2 miles south of Dillon. This exit is for Montana Highway 278, take 278 west 43 miles to Jackson.

Features:  Jackson Hot Springs reopened under new ownership October 2018. The resort features a large outdoor pool kept between 94 degrees and 103 degrees. Other amenities include a restaurant, full bar. As for lodging the resort offers several fireplace cabins and also has tent sites available.

History:  Part of the Lewis and Clark expedition visited the springs on their return journey on July 7, 1806. Clark named this spring Boiling Spring. The springs were first claimed in 1884 when a small plunge was built here. In 1911 Mose D Jardine purchased the springs and soon after built a hotel and plunge on main street piping the water from the springs source. The hot springs was locally referred to as Jardine Hot Springs during the families ownership.

Overall:  Jackson Hot Springs appears to be a relaxing place in a small town. Public soaking is available, the pool hours are Thursday - Sunday 8am - 11pm, the cost is $10 for adults, kids, seniors military and students are $7 per day.

More Info:  Visit Jackson Hot Springs web site https://jacksonhotspringslodge.com. Note: This summary was created using information from their website, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Jackson Hot Springs
Photos sourced from Jackson Hot Springs Lodge Facebook page

Directions:  Lolo Hot Springs is a historical landmark along the Lewis and Clark trail. It is located 25 miles west on Highway 12 from the town of Lolo and 7 Miles east of Lolo Pass near the Idaho border.

Features:  Lolo Hot Springs offers an indoor hot spring that ranges in temperature from 90 to 104 degrees and an outdoor cold pool that ranges from 70 to 94 degrees. The resort offers a lodge, cabins, RV and test sites. Other amenities include a restaurant and full bar.

History:  Lewis and Clark visited Lolo Hot Springs, Lewis described it in his journal. More recently in 1965 the springs were home to the nations first luge only run used by Olympic qualifiers.

Overall:  The area provides many recreational opportunities including a folf course, hiking and fishing, the winter offers snowmobiling. We have heard they are under new management and they are working to update the springs. It is a relaxing place to get away!

More Info:  Visit Lolo Hot Springs web site http://www.lolohotsprings.com. This summary was provided with help of Lolo Hot Springs. Thank You!

Lolo Hot Springs
Photos sourced from Lolo Hot Springs Facebook page

Directions:  Located near the Montana Idaho border is located about 24 miles south of Darby, MT.

Features::  This is a full service resort offering a large 20 foot by 70 foot outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, and dry sauna. In the winter months the outdoor pool is covered with a temporary roof. The resort offers cabins, motel and RV park spaces for rent. There is a restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza on the weekends as well.

History:  Development began at Gallogly (named for the early owners) springs in 1892, a hotel was constructed several years later. By 1935 a highway was constructed making travel to the springs easier. During the several years that followed the pool, dining room, and changing rooms that exist today were built. Unfortunately, ownership changed soon after and the springs were closed to the public until the 1970's.

Temperature::  The Lost Trail sources water from the nearby Gallogly Spring, which is 107 degrees at it's source. The water temperatures are cooled to comfortable temperatures based on the season.

Overall::  This seems like an relaxing place, and a great place to stay or stop after skiing at the nearby Lost Trail Powder Mountain or Chief Joseph Cross Country Trails. This resort is family friendly and the pool includes a wading area for children.

More Info:  Visit Lost Trail Hot Springs web site http://www.losttrailhotsprings.com. Note: This summary was created with the help from Lost Trail Hot Springs to allow us to use their photos information from their website. Thank you!

Lost Trail Hot Springs
Photos provided by Lost Trail Hot Springs Facebook Page

Directions:  Located at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Sun River. This resort provides a very unique experience over any of the other in Montana, getting there involves a boat ride across Gibson Reservoir.

Features:  The K Bar L Ranch is blessed with natural geothermal springs that bubble out of a hillside on the property. These waters feed a swimming pool that has soothed and delighted guests for many years. Long before the Ranch built the pool, the Medicine Springs were used by Indians, hunters, trappers, loggers and other folks seeking the healing and relaxing properties of the springs. At a constant temperature of 86F, the water is enjoyable year round. The humidity and warmth arising from the springs create a micro-climate that attracts fireflies during the warm summer months, lending even more mystique to the wonders of nature in this wilderness setting. It is a very unique feature to this property.

Overall::  K Bar L Ranch looks like it would be the ultimate place to get away from it all, the area abounds with fishing, hiking and hunting opportunities.

More Info:  Visit K Bar L Ranch & Medicine Springs web site http://www.kbarlranch.com. Note: This summary was provided by K Bar L Ranch, Thank you!

K Bar L Ranch
Photos provided by the K Bar L Ranch

Directions:  Located 16 miles south of Darby, Montana outside the community of Sula.

Features:  Medicine Hot Springs was recently purchased the owners had planned to open the springs to the public. However, COVID and infrastructure challenges introduced unforeseen complications and they cannot open to the public. They have had two cabins for rent via a third party website recently (2023).

History:  Development began at these springs in the 1880's. The springs were a Bitterroot Valley tradition for nearly 100 years before becoming private for the last 20 years. The springs have been a important feature for generations in the area.

Temperature:  117 degrees at the source. Pool is kept at 104 degrees in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Medicine Hot Springs
Current photos provided by Medicine Hot Springs 2019
Historical Photos provided by Ravalli County Museum

Directions:  Located South of Three Forks Montana in Norris Montana 44 miles south of I-90 off US Highway 287 or roughly 35 miles west of Bozeman.

Features::  A features a large 30' by 40' wooden pool. The floor of the pool is directly built over the springs. The water is anywhere between 100 degrees to 106 degrees depending on the season and outside temperature. There is a bar and restaurant on site featuring local beer and locally sourced food. The springs also features an onsite RV park for those who wish to stay overnight.

History::  The pool we see today was contsructed in 1865 by local miners. In the 1970's though the 1990's it had a "wild" reputation hosting weekly nudie night and later offering soakers over 150 beers in glass bottles while soaking. Today under new ownership the springs have shed this reputation and are more family friendly.

Overall::  Norris is a lively unique place, the resort features live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights via a stage overlooking the pool. This is one of a kind for Montana.

More Info:  Visit Norris Hot Springs web site https://norrishotsprings.com. Note: This summary was added with the help of Norris Hot Springs, Thank You!

Norris Hot Springs
Photos provided by Norris Hot Springs

Directions:  Located 8 miles west of Whitehall, MT just off I-90 at Pipestone exit.

Features::  The springs feature five cabins that sleep up to four guests. In addition, they have two “glamping domes” described as extra heavy-duty dome tents suitable for year-round use. All accommodations include private hot soaking tubs!

History::  The current Pipestone Hot Springs are located across the highway from the Pipestone Hot Springs source. Pipestone was discovered in 1862, the springs got it's name from a material the tribes in the area used to make clay pipes.

Overall::  Pipestone seems like a great place for an friends group or couple’s getaway. The private cabins and outdoor private tubs are unique and not found elsewhere in Montana. In addition, there are many recreational opportunities in this area.

More Info:  Visit Pipestone Village and Hot Springs web site https://pipestonehotsprings.com. Note: This summary was taken from Pipestone Hot Springs website.

Pipestone Village and Hot Springs
Photos taken from Montana Hot Springs and Pipestone Facebook pages

Directions:  West of Pony, MT.   To reach Pony take highway 287 to Harrison, MT.  Once you reach Pony follow the signs to Potosi Campground, you will reach the springs 6 miles down the road before the campground.

Features::  Not to be confused with the nearby Upper Potosi Hot Springs. Potosi is home to four cabins you can reserve via AirBnB. The main pool is unlike any hot springs pool in Montana, one side of the pool is a rock wall. They also have a hot pool and sauna. The pools and cabins are not next to each other and does require a short walk uphill to reach the pools.

Overall::  We visited here on their public day in August of 2022. The main pool was kept cool since it was a warm day. Potosi Hot Springs is only open to cabin guests and would be great place to stay for families or couples.

More Info:  Visit Potosi Hot Springs web site http://www.potosihotsprings.com/. Note: This summary was created using information from their website, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Potosi Hot Springs
Photos provided by Potosi Hot Springs. Bridge photo by Montana Hot Springs, August 2022

Directions:  Located between St. Regis, MT and Paradise, MT. From St. Regis take exit 33 and travel 19.5 miles on Montana 135 towards Paradise and junction Montana 200. Quinn's will be well signed on your right.

Features::  Quinn's has updated their entire pool area and it now features a waterfall feature. This update was a major improvement over the previous pool configuration. There is a bar and restaurant on site as well. As for lodging they have many cabin options depending on levels of amenities as well as adult only cabins along the river.

History::  The springs were first claimed in 1885 by Martin Quinn who was a local miner in the area. In years that followed Quinn and his family constructed a bathhouse and residences at the springs. Before 1910 the springs could only be reached via the floating down the Clark Fork River or via horseback climbing down the steep mountains above the springs. By 1910 the railroad reached the opposite bank of the river from the hot springs, a swinging bridge was built to bring guests across the river, this lasted for nearly 40 years. It remained in the Quinn and descendants family through 1974.

Overall::  Quinn's is known for and is a popular wedding and event venue. Due to the recent updates at Quinn's it has become very popular. If you'd like to plan a getaway here, book it early!

More Info:  Visit Quinn's Hot Springs web site http://www.quinnshotsprings.com/. Note: This summary was created using information from their website and historical research, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Quinn's Hot Springs
Photos sourced from Quinn's Hot Springs Resort Facebook page

Directions:  Located in Hot Springs, MT in the Camas Recreation Center.

Features:  Rose's Plunge offers an outdoor pool for soaking. We have heard this facility is very clean, it is an orderly facility and expects users to follow the rules. It is also not a kid friendly place.

Overall:  This is a local hot springs plunge, it's a small low key no frills place to soak. The plunge is spoken of as one of the best soaking spots in Montana.

More Info:  Soaking here is five dollars a day payable via honor box on the side of building. The hours of operation are dawn to dusk.

Rose's Plunge
Photos provided by Jeff Birkby and Brandi Hyatt

Directions:  Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is located 17 miles east of Malta and 10 miles west of Saco on US Highway 2. Turn north at the Sleeping Buffalo Rock Monument, and go one mile north. The resort is on the east side of the road.

Features::  The springs have large swimming pool kept at 90 degrees, a hot pool at 106 degrees and a small cold pool at a chilly 47 degrees, guests also have access to a large sauna. There are five updated cabins with full kitchenettes for rent and an RV park onsite. They also offer a snack bar and convenience foods to visitors.

History::  Development began in 1924 when a wildcat oil rigger was drilling and hit a mixture of natural gas and hot water. In 1930 American Legion Posts in the surrounding communities worked together to develop the springs. The resort development became part of New Deal when the WPA project gave many employment in the area through the Great Depression.

Overall::  This is the only hot spring on the vast stretch of the high-line. Sleeping Buffalo has recently undergone a major renovation where the entire facility was updated and modernized.

More Info:  Visit Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs web site http://www.sbhotsprings.com/. This summary was created using information from the experience had by my family, their website and helpful information from Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs. Thank you!

Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Top photos sourced from Sleeping Buffalo Facebook page
Bottom photos courtesy of Montana Hot Springs 2019

Directions:  Sleeping Child Hot Springs is located 15 miles south east of Hamilton.

Features::  Another resort that was closed to the public since 1996, it is now open private residence operating as a vacation rental. Their website describes Sleeping Child as featuring a 30 by 60 hot spring pool, sauna and two hot tubs.

History::  The springs are said to have gotten their name from a legend. In this story the Nez Perce Indians were battling in the area against the US Army. The tribe left their children behind at the springs in hopes they would be safe. Once they returned to the springs they found the children sleeping and unharmed; protected in the warmth provided by the springs. This was the origin behind the name Sleeping Child. The current building was built in the late 1990's after the 1890's era hotel was torn down.

Overall::  This looks like a very nice high end place to stay especially if you want some peace and quiet. The property can be booked per night starting at $1,500 for four bedrooms and 8 guests. The price is $3,000 per night for up to 20 guests and the remainder of the bedrooms.

More Info:  Visit Sleeping Child Hot Springs rental listing on VRBO. This summary was created using information from their website and historical researched information.

Sleeping Child Hot Springs
Photos provided the real estate listing and historical hotel photo Montana Memory Project

Directions:  Located in Hot Springs, MT. Hot Springs is located 71 miles north of Missoula.

Features::  One large outdoor swimming pool kept at 95 degrees, a soaking pool kept at 101 degrees and a hot pool kept at 107 degrees. There is a small bar, restaurant and coffee shop on site as well. This is a old historic building which several room choices, some rooms no not have a bathroom.

Overall::  This was a unique resort to visit. The pools were nice however just be aware that since this is an older structure the sound proofing leaves a bit to be desired.

More Info:  Visit Symes Hot Springs web site http://www.symeshotsprings.com. This summary was based on the experience had by MontanaHotSprings.net and their website, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Symes Hot Springs
Room photo provided by montanahotsprings.net Other photos sourced from Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths Facebook page

Directions:  Located in White Sulphur Springs, MT. White Sulphur Springs is located 72 miles east of Helena on US Highway 12.

Features:  Three soaking pools ranging from 105+ degrees to 98 degrees. There is a warm pool (about 103), hot pool at about 105 or more and a warm pool around 98 degrees. They have done some updating here lately with the addition of new rooms, these are a significant upgrade over the old wing rooms or cabins.

Overall:  These hot springs would be a great stop if your in the area. The area around White Sulphur is home to great fishing and Showdown Ski Area located to the north of town. The town is home to several great resturants too! If you stay at the springs and must have a nice hotel room, stay in the 200 block of rooms.

More Info:  Visit White Sulphur Hot Springs web site http://www.spahotsprings.com/. This summary was created after a visit from Montana Hot Springs in January 2023

Spa Hot Springs
Photos by Montana Hot Springs, January 2023

Directions:  Located 4.5 miles NE of the town of Hot Springs. From the turn off to Hot Springs go north on state highway 28 for 1.5 miles, take a right on Kopp Road for 2 miles, turn left on Camp Aqua Road for a half mile.

Features:  There are several outdoor flow through plunges which allow you to control the temperature available for soaking. The water is around 104 degrees at the plunges.

History:  The springs here became a reality by accident. When Mollie Bartlett daughter of Montana's second governor Robert B. Smith homesteaded this land, water was scarce here. She proceeded to drill a well for a water source, after days of drilling a huge column of hot water erupted from the well. Later in the early 1940's Mrs Bartlett raised money to open a treatment center for children suffering from polio; the area was renamed named Camp Aqua.

Overall:  Wild Horse has recently reopened after a five year closure. The artesian well known as the "Mother Dragon Geyser" reportedly provides delivers 1,200 GPM of 120 degree water. There are RV sites with electrical hookups, tent sites and tipi rentals are offered onsite. Daily soaking is $5 per person.

More Info:  Visit Wild Horse Hot Springs web site https://wildhorsehotsprings.com/. This summary was created using information from their website, at this time they have not replied with further information.

Wild Horse Hot Springs
Photos sourced by Wild Horse Hot Springs Facebook page

Directions:  Located 6 miles north of the town of Gardiner in the small community of Corwin Springs on US 89.

Features:  This is a brand new development that opened in March 2019. The facility features a 3,750 square foot pool at a comfortable 102 degrees. It will also feature 104 degree hot plunge and a 70 degree cold plunge. A restaurant is planned for the future.

History:  Historically these springs have been used for different purposes since the late 1890's however most recently before this project they have not been publicly accessible.

Overall:  This is new development using water sourced from nearby LaDuke Hot Springs which has not seen much use recently. The facility has a strict NO alcohol policy, don't go here expecting a party crowd. Soaking fees are $18, they are $10 if you are a Montana resident.

More Info:  Visit Yellowstone Hot Springs website http://yellowstonehotspringsmt.com

Yellowstone Hot Springs
Photos by Montana Hot Springs, October 2022