If you haven’t heard, the western United States has the largest number of naturally occurring hot springs of anywhere in North America. Simply put, hot springs are created by superheated water that rises through fractures in the Earth’s surface eventually cooling to emerge as a source of hot mineral water. Since we are geographically very close to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s largest active volcano system, this area also encompasses one of the greatest concentrations of hydrothermal features.
Humans have enjoyed and benefited from these hydrothermal features for thousands of years, and the Indigenous People of North America considered hot springs as sacred places where the “Great Spirit” lived. Believing in the miraculous healing powers of the heated mineral water, these indigenous people designated these areas as neutral ground where many different tribes could relax and enjoy them at the same time, without conflict.
Today, as the popularity of hot springs has increased, coupled with the trend toward getting back to nature, it has become increasingly important to honor, preserve and protect these unique features - not unlike the earliest settlers of these lands.
We are blessed to have access to so many different hydrothermal hot springs. Some have been commercialized and modernized while being surrounded by their location’s unique natural beauty. Others remain undeveloped and ready for the outdoor enthusiast to seek out on their own adventure across the landscape. Whichever way you prefer to enjoy these relaxing and potentially healing waters, there is nothing quite like sitting in a hot spring surrounded by friends and family.
Here, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite commercial, and a few non-commercial, hot springs to explore throughout this region, and we encourage you to give each of them a visit!
Commercial Hot Springs
Boulder Hot Springs Inn and Spa
This historic inn is located between Butte and Helena just off I-15 and rests in the midst of SW Montana’s spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.
www.boulderhotsprings.com
406-225-4339 | Boulder, MT
Bozeman Hot Springs
For more than a century, visitors have come to relax in these natural hot springs. A small pool enjoyed only by a few in the late 1800s has evolved into a destination for residents and tourists alike.
www.bozemanhotsprings.co
406-586-6492 | Bozeman, MT
Broadwater Hot Springs
Helena’s only geothermal mineral hot springs take pride in their mineral hot springs water with a selection of pools of different temperatures.
www.broadwatermt.com
406-443-5777 | Helena, MT
Chico Hot Springs
In the heart of the Paradise Valley between Livingston and Emigrant, Chico is a destination resort offering luxury and rustic accommodations and unforgettable hot springs pools.
www.chicohotsprings.com
406-333-4933 | Pray, MT
Elkhorn Hot Springs
A rustic, heartfelt Montana getaway situated in the Grasshopper Valley just north of the Idaho border. Since 1918, Elkhorn has provided guests a good night’s rest, rejuvenating waters, and country-style eating.
www.elkhornhotsprings.com
406-834-3551 | Polaris, MT
Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont is known throughout the Northwest for its pools which are fed by an unlimited supply of 155°F natural hot spring water, cooled to various temperatures for comfort and enjoyment.
www.fairmontmontana.com
800-332-3272 | Anaconda, MT
Jackson Hot Springs Lodge
The pool at Jackson features geothermal water from the core of the earth rich in minerals and free of chemicals. Used for generations to treat a variety of ailments, the refreshing water of Jackson ranges from 100-106°F.
www.jacksonhotspringslodge.com
406-834-3151 | Jackson, MT
Norris Hot Springs
Norris is known as the ‘Water of the Gods’ and is a series of artesian springs, flowing at a constant rate of 60 GPM at an average temperature of 120°F. Locally milled fir planks laid directly over the source create the unique 30’ x 40’ pool.
www.norrishotsprings.com
406-685-3303 | Norris, MT
Quinn’s Hot Springs
With 5-natural flow-through hot springs pools offering a variety of inviting temperatures that range from 100° to 106°F, including a cold plunge at 55°F, Quinn’s provides a range of health and heart benefits to every soaker.
www.quinnshotsprings.com
406-826-3150 | Paradise, MT
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
The only hot spring along Montana’s northern tier, Sleeping Buffalo has attracted bathers from North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and all of Montana since the 1920s. The source is a 3200’ well that produces more than 900 GMP of 108°F water.
www.sbhotsprings.com
406-527-3320 | Saco, MT
Spa Hot Springs Motel & Spa
The chemistry of these waters has often been compared to famous spas in Germany due to the high concentration of sulfur, magnesium, and lithium which has many health benefits – beyond just relaxation.
www.spahotsprings.com
406-547-3366 | White Sulphur Springs, MT
Symes Hot Springs
One of Montana’s hidden treasures, this grand resort hotel of yesteryear specializes in small-town hospitality and includes both indoor and outdoor mineral baths and pools.
www.symeshotsprings.com
406-741-2361 | Hot Springs, MT
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Relax and unwind in Montana’s newest hot springs experience. Just eight miles north of the north entrance to Yellowstone Park, this is a soaking experience unique to the world for its peace and tranquility.
www.yellowstonehotspringsmt.com
833-977-7464 | Corwin Springs, MT
Non-Commercial (natural) Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Spring - near Salmon, ID
Jerry Johnson Hot Spring - near Lolo Pass, ID
Stanley Hot Spring - near Lolo Pass, ID
Kirkham Hot Springs - near Lowman, ID
Written by Julie Hilley