The Most Amazing Hot Springs in Montana

Montana is home to many natural wonders and some of the nation’s best hot springs. These nine mineral springs offer year-round healing and relaxation within Treasure State's best natural scenery.

Boiling River, Gardiner

Boiling River is the most natural hot spring in the whole state, as well as one of the largest. It is located at the northeast entrance of the immensely beautiful Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner. The freezing waters from the river naturally blend with the nearby boiling hot springs in a warm, bubbling pool for the best scenic relaxation. 

The springs are easily reachable from the 45th parallel bridge via a short hiking trail. The park's hydrothermal attraction is surrounded by complete wilderness for an au naturel soak in peace and tranquility. It is a popular local place to hang out in the region during a steaming soak in a fun atmosphere. Every now and then lucky few will get the area to themselves for a stranded vibe and oh-so-pleasing experience in raw Montana wilderness.

Bozeman Hot Springs, Bozeman

The springs are only eight miles west of Bozeman, as well as a quick drive from the Big Sky Resort and West Yellowstone. There are twelve chlorinated pools with temperatures from 59 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, two types of sauna, and lockers for a full-day of wellness. One can switch between the large indoor pool, hot tubs, and a prophylactic cold tub for muscle relief. The naturally-occurring mineral benefits in the waters include sodium, silica, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, and sulfate.

The complex was built around the blissful Mineral Springs pools for an ideal family-camping destination with RV-equipped sites and rentable cabins. It is a no-alcohol location with nightly campfires, live music, and free breakfast during the stay. There is also a gym, water aerobics, morning lap swims, and birthday parties on-site. The outdoor pools are especially idyllic for wintertime soaks in a steaming tub within snowy Montana scenery and fresh mountain air.

Chico Hot Springs, Pray

The springs are a long-time local favorite, as well as one of Montana’s first resorts and a family destination since the early 1900s. Chico is also a popular vacation destination to get out into the wilderness around. It is set within half-an-hour south of Livingston, and just an hour from the Yellowstone National Park entrance near Gardiner. The beautiful springs feature two open-air and chemical-free, mineral pools, along with many amenities. There is luxury lodging, a historic fine-dining room, poolside grill, and a day spa for massages and body wraps.

The Historic Main Lodge and the nearby Fisherman's Lodge offer atmospheric stays. There are also luxury cabins with personal spa tubs, and rustic ones featuring private decks. One can choose to "glamp" at the renovated train caboose with a covered wagon for a unique overnight experience in Montana. There are many proximate activities around the springs including hiking, biking, fly fishing, and river rafting, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and guided horse rides during winter.

Fairmont Hot Springs, Anaconda

The springs are one of the most popular resorts in the whole Northwest, despite their remote location near the off-the-radar town of Anaconda. The upscale resort offers a complete R&R experience through many pools with soaking temperatures ranging from 88°F to 104°F. There are two natural Olympic-sized swimming pools, indoor and outdoor soaking pools, and even fine dining on-site for a whole vacation-worth, or a few days of wellness. The resort also serves tropical drinks at the pool during summer, for a far-away island vibe.

The springs are set between Helena and the Rockies in a luring outdoor setting with the best Montana wintertime scenery. The fully-equipped fitness center on-site is complimentary for guests who stay at one of the resort's 153 guest rooms, including 22 suites. Both young and old thoroughly enjoy the five-story, 350-foot enclosed waterslide with year-round access. The on-site impressive golf course covers 6,741 yards with an 18-hole, par 72 layout. 

Norris Hot Springs, Norris

Norris Hot Springs are located just south of Three Forks in southwest Montana and are one of the more casual mineral pools in the state. The popular springs feature a lower price range along with a rustic and peaceful setting that attracts families, couples, artists, and road-trippers. Its 30 by 40 feet pool is drained every night for chemical-free cleaning, and re-filled with a mix of natural and heated mineral waters.

There is also a stage adjacent to the pools for family-friendly live performances during soaks. The campgrounds on-site accommodate both RVs and tent camping, as well as feature few good food options for a convenient bite. The 50 Mile Snackbar and the 50 Mile Grill both serve organically-sourced dishes, including gluten-free affairs from the nearby garden that is also open to guests for strolls and relaxation.

Quinn's Hot Spring Resort, Plains

The popular hot springs destination in western Montana is one of the state's best with a wide range of natural treatment procedures. The relaxing hot pool reaches 106 degrees, while the ice pool helps improve circulation and offers prophylactic benefits when switching between the two extremes. There are many lodging options around the springs, including two lodges at the resort with river-view rooms overlooking the adjacent Clark Fork River.

The 25 river-side and canyon cabins all boast private amenities and wild vistas from the doorstep. The Hardwood House Restaurant offers fine-dining options for all meals of the day, while the Quinn's Tavern is great for a quick, delicious bite before heading out, as well as for a fun evening of socializing into the night. There are several events and resort packages where guests get unlimited access to the waters, while day-time visitors can reserve a three-hour window to spend at the pools. 

Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Sato

Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is an extremely popular destination with fantastic outdoor views year-round, and the only of its kind in Montana's northern tier. The springs were discovered by accident in the 1920s when a local prospector drilled for oil and tapped into a gushing well of hot water. The locale began drawing visitors to remedy ailments, and the health resort was soon established around the 3,200 ft. deep well that produces up to 900 gallons of water per minute.

Today the luxurious spa resort offers both upscale and comfortable staying options at affordable prices. One can choose between resort cabins, suites, or an RV parking area inclusive with a concessions stand. Beautiful surroundings embrace the pools with a picturesque backdrop for fabulous photo ops. The mineral-rich main pool features a steady 108°F temperature, while the nearby hot tub and sauna provide diversified healing benefits. 

Spa Hot Springs Motel & Clinic, White Sulphur Springs

The popular springs with wellness and rejuvenation properties were a long-time favorite among the Native American tribes in the region. It is also the prime destination for relief-seekers throughout Montana with a convenient location near the center of the state. The resort was established by a clever local in the mid-1800 who ventured to construct a cabin surrounding healing waters. The modern-day resort comprises a spa and motel complex with contemporary amenities and lovely murals.

The two outdoor pools and one indoor pool feature respective temperatures of 103°F, 98°F, and 105°F. They are free of charge for overnight guests, and accessible for day visits. The waters boast naturally high mineral content, while the resort does not add chemicals nor uses them in cleaning the pools. World travelers even compare the spring's special blend to the globe-renowned mineral springs in Baden-Baden, Germany, and still choose the former. 

Yellowstone Hot Springs, Gardiner

The popular springs are set scenically only 10 minutes north of the Gardiner entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is the first national park in the whole world that also houses other extraordinary hydrothermal formations. The countless recreational activities around the springs match the plenty of comfortable options to stay in the area. Nature lovers thoroughly enjoy sighting diverse wildlife in the region, while the magnificent Yellow Spring River offers expansive banks for basking and summertime water fun.

The spectacularly-set Yellowstone Hot Springs are in high demand for promoting mental well-being on top of physical healing properties. The outdoor pools comprise over 4,000 square feet, where no spot eludes the beautiful mountain views, while the pools feature a colorful display of bright hues that radiate from the center. The iconic Montana hot springs offer both cold and hot mineral water soaks that range in temperatures from 67 to 104 degrees for year-round visits. There is also a campground with lodging options at Yellowstone Destinations across the springs. 

These hot springs are the best getaway for wellness-seekers, R&R, and spa experiences. They are sprinkled conveniently throughout the state for a rewarding soak and many activities in the surrounding area.