Montana has a lot of spa locations and over the years, there are a few that stood the test of time. One of them is the Spa Hot Springs Motel and Clinic. Located in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, the Spa Hot Springs Motel is known for its historic and restorative mineral water. The local valley offers cozy accommodations and delicious food.
Run by a Montana local, this historic spa along the downtown White Sulphur Springs has been providing comfort and healing since the late 1860s. Aside from the natural wonder, the location has 16 poolside rooms, with complete motel amenities, plus camping. It’s great for families, friends, and couples. They have other guest services and novelty items you can bring home as memorabilia, as well.
Spa Hot Springs Motel History
For years, the land surrounding this small town was shared by Native Americans who nicknamed the hot springs “Wampum Waters.” These tribes —Flathead, Blackfeet, and Crow— believed in the mineral hot springs’ medicinal ability to heal those who entered the pools.
The tribes agreed that the area would be a valley of peace, where all were welcome to come and strengthen their mind and bodies. In the late 1800s, the tribes introduced a man named James Brewer to the springs. He built a cabin and a bathhouse nearby. He created an area where visitors could come and dip into the healing waters.
It was rumored that the mineral hot springs help all kinds of human conditions, such as “arthritis, rheumatism, skin and stomach disorders, and a wide variety of muscle and joint ailments.” The hot waters, full of minerals like sulfate, chlorine, and lithium, ease fatigue and release tension. The springs slowly gained more attention and it eventually evolved into the vacation spot that it is now.
The results have been undeniable that this Montana location has been compared to the world-famous Baden-Baden hot springs in Germany. To this day, Spa Hot Springs Motel reveres the legacy of healing and peace that has surrounded the history of the pool.
Natural Hot Spring Pools
Open year-long, the water in these hot springs is comprised of Chloride, Sulfate, Bicarbonate, Nitrate, Lithium, Sodium & Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron & Alumina, as well as Silica. All-in-all, together with the magnificent heat of the water, they provide rejuvenation for anyone who experiences them.
Also enjoy their unique murals painted by Montana local artist Mike Mahoney, whose works have been commissioned by the USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Boone & Crockett Club. This particular mural reflects the life and history of White Sulfur Springs.
Spa Hot Springs Motel offers three separate pools for visitors to experience. Each pool ranges in temperature and size; guests are encouraged to try all three. The Motel prides itself on providing a clean and comfortable stay for all its guests. Each night the pools are drained and cleaned, and then they are refilled with natural water from a 35 footwell.
There are no chemicals added as the water circulates into the three pools. The water is recorded to come in around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Two of the three pools are located outside, with temperatures at 103 degrees in the hotter pool and a comfortable 98 degrees in the other. Both are perfect temperatures for casual relaxation.
The large mural, depicting scenes from the scenic west, decorates the walls near the outside pool. If you’re looking for something even warmer, try out the last pool, which sits inside around 105 degrees. With several options of pools, you can find one that fits your comfort level.
Motel and Camping
For guests planning on making a trip out of the visit, Spa Hot Springs Motel has reservations and walk-ins available for anyone needing a room. With options ranging from camping spots to cabins, there are plenty of options to fit your preferences. Poolside rooms include king or queen mattress preferences, appliances, and easy access to the pools.
There are a variety of room options that can fit a group of people or individuals. For those looking for something a little cozier and private, Tenderfoot cabins can be rented nearby. All of these rooms are non-smoking but allow pets. That means that guests can bring their dogs with them. As mentioned before, there are spots designated for campers who have brought their tents.
These spots are located beside RV plug-ins that offer electric hook-ups. It is important to note that there are no water or sewer hook-ups. If there are any problems with your accommodations, you can reach out to the front desk which offers 24-hour service and free coffee. The best food option available is a small place called Haugan Express, located in the parking lot.
You can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the fall, summer, and spring. After taking a dip, try out the warm meals and a coffee at Haugan Express.
Water Aerobics Classes
On the premises of Spa Hot Springs Motel, free water aerobics classes are offered four times a week in the spring and fall. Feel free to join in at any time! After relaxing in the mineral hot springs, guests will find no end to the number of other activities available. Take a break from your day-to-day life and dip your feet into the outdoors at Sap Hotel Springs Motel.
Nearby Attractions
Boasting the perfect location for outdoor activities, Spa Hot Springs Motel is situated near Showdown Ski Area, Silver Crest Cross-Country Trail System, King Hills, Newlan Creek Reservoir, and Lake Sutherlin. It doesn’t matter the time of the year that you visit, you will have a plethora of outdoor activities at your fingertips.
Bring your skis, kayaks, and fishing gear. Over 1,000 acres of trail and forest access surround you when you visit Spa Hot Springs. Hunting and snowmobiling are popular in the area. The central location is perfect for guests wishing to visit Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks.
If you’re not in the pool, you can also visit nearby attractions like the 2 Basset Brewery, Red Ants Pants, the Castle Museum, or the Arrowhead Meadow Golf Course.
Details
Address: 202 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Phone: 406-547-3366
Season: Year-round
Website: spahotsprings.com
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