The US is home to approximately 1,161 thermal springs. We understand that this may be way too niche to be considered common knowledge, but once it sinks in, it’s pretty neat, right?
The state of Montana houses quite a few of those. 61 to be exact. And even though it may not be as rich as Florida for example, which boasts more than 700 springs, it’s still impressive. There’s nothing quite like unwinding in thermal lagoons surrounded by the trademark mountainous landscapes of Montana.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time or if you’re a hot springs ‘veteran’ in need of a refresher. If you’re interested in learning about some of the best soaking options in your state, we got you.
Montana’s best thermal springs are a compilation of both natural and commercial. If a thermal soak with extra amenities is more your thing, then you can check out the top picks for the best commercial springs in Montana. If you vibe with the complete opposite, then find your favorite all-natural and free hot springs in Montana.
1. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort
Some people even say that Quinn’s Hot Springs is service and thermal activity at their best. There you’ll find top-notch spa services and numerous rustic-style accommodation options overlooking mountains and rivers. Most importantly, you’ll get a chance to soak in beautiful curved-shaped thermal pools situated next to a big rock wall that cascades the liquid straight into the pools and makes for incredibly aesthetically pleasing scenery.
Quinn’s is available for both day users and overnight guests. However, overnight guests get the extra privilege of having the pools all to themselves, without any underage kids around. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a special type of serenity with your loved ones.
The lowest thermal water temperature is 90°F and goes up to 106°F. There’s also an ice pool available at a temperature of 55°F.
A 4-hour pass is $18 per person, making it relatively budget-friendly compared to other resorts.
2. Nimrod Hot Springs
With its clear blue waters and a waterfall cascading into this warm hot spring lake, regularly changing and cleaning out the liquid, Nimrod Hot Springs is everyone’s favorite road trip-stopover. It doesn’t stop there, though. With an underwater cave situated somewhere on the bottom of the lake, Nimrod is also the perfect destination for the adventurous-type. Reportedly, it’s not exactly hard to find for those who have experience with diving and using scuba equipment. So gear up and go “hunting.” With that said, you’d be correct to assume that this spring is wide and deep enough to be considered a lake instead of a pool.
This spring is full of the bluest of waters (courtesy of the waterfall, which tirelessly takes care of that) and is so beautifully nestled among mountains and hills, and just all things green, that for a second you’ll actually feel like Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon.
Unlike most hot springs in the world, this one boasts a warm and comfortable temperature of 70°F, making it a perfect summer destination. As a result, you should expect crowds especially in the summer months when school’s out and college kids hit the area to have fun in their usual fashion. However, if you plan just right and visit at an appropriate time, you might just be able to avoid crowds all together. You can find tips on this here.
3. Potosi Hot Springs
Even though this probably has never been intended, Potosi Hot Springs is a literal dream for couples looking to get away. It may be our biased opinion but hear us out: These digital-free springs are nestled deep into Tobacco Root Mountains and surrounded by the trademark Montana scenery, consisting of three private pools, one of which is burrowed extremely comfortably on the bushy cliff among stunning views; how could that not be a fairytale-like environment for the lovebirds?!
However, you can make a reservation for families too, obviously. Seeing as all the pools are private and require advanced bookings, you will not be bothered by prying eyes. Overnight accommodation is also available and suitable for all sorts of travelers. Whether it’s the tents that you’re looking for or warm, cozy cabins – Potosi’s got you.
All cabins are priced at $350 and include the use of the springs.
4. Bozeman Hot Springs
Want to feel like a main character? Then Bozeman Hot Springs is the place to be. Now you may be thinking: “why would I go to hot springs if I wanted to feel like a main character?” and the answer to that question is a fireline that stretches from one end of the rock wall to another, and decorates the Bozeman Hot Springs unusual yet glamorous infrastructure (tip: come at night. It’s cooler then). Said infrastructure is also full of several half moon-shaped thermal pools that are big and deep enough to accommodate dozens of visitors. And even if you find them crowded, you can always opt for soaking in their indoor pools.
A fitness center is also available for you to take advantage of whenever your heart desires.
Pool temperatures range from 59°F to 106°F and the average admission rate is $17.
Bozeman Hot Springs is perfect for family retreats and even having fun as a big group. There is the option to rent certain venues of the facility for celebrations and special occasions.
5. Broadwater Hot Springs
As the one and only hot springs in Helena, the capital of Montana, Broadwater Hot Springs is the place to go if you’re looking for 5-star service at a budget-friendly hot springs establishment. Broadwater may not be a luxury spa and retreat, but it’s still extremely alluring and top-notch in what it does, offering visitors a beautiful environment, almost all spa services, a fitness center, curved-shaped pools of varying temperatures (83°F-103°F) and purposes and a restaurant serving the most delicious meals in the area.
If you have any dietary restrictions, the restaurant staff would be more than happy to serve you customized meals.
Seeing as it’s a very family-frequented establishment, you should expect a lot of kids around. However, as a facility that’s all about the highest class of comfort and service, there are pools specifically designed for kids along with the ones that only operate for adults.
The price range is $15-$20.
6. Elkhorn Hot Springs
Visiting Elkhorn Hot Springs simply for a thermal soak is never enough. Even though it boasts two mineral-rich outdoor pools along with a Grecian sauna, its mountainous location is so convenient that not taking advantage of all the activity opportunities that it offers would be the disappointment of the decade. Cross country skiing, snowmobiling, conquering the Maverick Mountain, etc. It’s all there. Soaking in the 96°F-106°F thermal pools of Elkhorn is the best apres-outdoor-adventure activity that you could reward your body and soul with.
Overnight accommodation options are aplenty.
Hot springs use prices range from $7 to $10.
You can learn more on their official website.
7. Yellowstone Hot Springs
You should definitely make a stop at Yellowstone Hot Springs, regardless of whether or not you’re on your way to Yellowstone National Park.
Previously known as Corwin Hot Springs, this facility that unites plenty of soaking options both thermal and non-thermal is a dream for everyone who loves the outdoors and is somewhat adventurous. It’s perfect for those who are just starting out. On top of all the necessary amenities, you will also find an RV park next to the Yellowstone River, electric-only RV sites and tent camping grounds.
Most importantly, you will also find 3 concrete-built pools with a temperature that can reach a comfortable 105℉.
Prices range between $8-$15.
8. Renova Hot Springs
Renova Hot Springs offers an all-natural, non-traditional – or traditional, depending on how you look at it – soaking opportunity far away from the city hustle and bustle, despite being situated on private property. Only 24 minutes from Whitehall, Montana, with fairly easy access, you’ll find two shallow springs situated next to each other, hand built into rock-walled pools. Seeing as it’s built in the river channel, river water oftentimes streams into the pools, regulating the thermal water temperature, making it range between 110°F – 122°F.
Renova is one of the best soaking opportunities in the state of Montana for seasoned outdoors-people looking for a challenge and unincorporated experiences in the wilderness. However, always check the conditions before you go because during rainy and snowy seasons, getting there may be impossible.
Etiquette Guidelines
Every hot spring has its own quirks. They all have a set of rules that you need to follow regardless of what kind of spring you’re visiting. For more general and very important “hot springs etiquette,” we highly recommend you take a moment to check out our carefully compiled easy-to-read list of “dos and don’ts” here. And always, always respect our nature – pack out what you pack in and LEAVE NO TRACE.
Final Thoughts
Everyone needs to unwind once in a while. Soaking in thermal springs has been a common method to do just that for centuries. If you’re in Montana, why not give your body and mind their deserved rest. And between us, with this list that we compiled, we kind of helped you with half the work.
As you can see, there are plenty of hot springs that you can check out in Montana. Obviously, there are plenty more that did not make this specific list but could become some of your favorites nonetheless, but here you’ll find some of the signature hot springs of the state that definitely deserve your attention.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
