14 Best Hot Springs in Montana

Montana is home to an abundance of natural hot springs, which provide healing and relaxing mineral waters. Many of the springs in Montana are conveniently located to ski resorts and parks, making them a great place to relax after a full day of activity. Many others are part of their own resorts, so guests can step out of their luxurious rooms or rustic cabins and watch the stars from the comfort of a steaming pool. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.

14 Best Hot Springs in Montana

• Boulder Hot Springs, Photo: Boulder Hot Springs
• Bozeman Hot Springs Spa, Photo: Bozeman Hot Springs Spa
• Broadwater Hot Springs, Photo: Broadwater Hot Springs
• Chico Hot Springs, Photo: Chico Hot Springs
• Elkhorn Hot Springs, Photo: Elkhorn Hot Springs
• Fairmont Hot Springs, Photo: Fairmont Hot Springs
• K Bar L Ranch & Medicine Springs, Photo: K Bar L Ranch & Medicine Springs
• Lolo Hot Springs, Photo: Lolo Hot Springs
• Lost Trail Hot Springs, Photo: Lost Trail Hot Springs
• Spa Hot Springs Motel, Photo: Spa Hot Springs Motel
• Norris Hot Springs, Photo: Norris Hot Springs
• Quinn's Hot Springs, Photo: Quinn's Hot Springs
• Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Photo: Courtesy of C. Strom - Fotolia.com
• Symes Hot Springs, Photo: Courtesy of Günter Menzl - Fotolia.com
• Cover Photo: Courtesy of kojihirano - Fotolia.com

Spotlight: Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

Nestled in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountain Range just north of Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is a historic resort is located in the heart of Paradise Valley that offers a quintessential Montana getaway. Established in 1900 and listed on the National Historic Register, the year-round resort boasts a variety of comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining and live entertainment, upscale facilities, and an array of outdoor adventures and activities for the whole family.

Western-style accommodations range from guest rooms in the historic main lodge to rustic cabins and chalets and large log cabin homes. Set on 152 acres of pristine mountain landscapes, the resort’s facilities include two family-friendly restaurants, two mineral swimming pools, a full service day spa, and wellness center, a Western saloon, and a modern conference and convention center. Recreational and outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as trips to the nearby world-renowned Yellowstone National Park.

Guest Accommodations

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa features a variety of comfortable accommodations, ranging from standard guest rooms in the Main Lodge to rustic cabins and chalets for couples wanting extra levels of privacy and ample log cabin homes for families. Once the original hotel, the historic Main Lodge is a three-story Victorian Inn that houses the standard guest rooms, the main dining room where breakfast is served and has access to the Saloon and the Poolside Grille.

Accommodations vary in size, layout and location, however, all are decorated with cozy, mountain-style décor and custom furnishings, double, king or queen-size pillow-top beds dressed in luxurious linens, comforters, and plush pillows, and private or shared bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, thick towels, and branded bath products. Some rooms have vanities in the sleeping area, while others have spacious sitting areas with overstuffed armchairs, sofas or pullout sleepers sofas, loveseats, work desks and chairs, and armoires.

Larger accommodations such as the cottages and log cabin homes have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens with all the appliances and utensils necessary for self-catering, and outdoor balconies or decks with spectacular mountain views.

The newest addition to the resort is the custom-built Conestoga Covered Wagon, which can accommodate up to four guests and offers a glamping experience. The wagon features one king-size bed and twin bunk-beds, a fantastic deck and outdoor chairs, climate control with cooling and heating, electricity and water, and the bathroom facilities are nearby in a small outbuilding with a composting toilet and dry sink.

Dining

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa has a renowned landmark dining room that serves creative continental cuisine in a casual and elegant atmosphere. Seasonal menus feature fresh seafood, prime meats, and fresh locally sourced salads and vegetables, accompanied by an extensive wine list. The Poolside Grille serves more casual fare such as fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and ribs, while the Western Saloon offers pub-style grub such as barbecue ribs and chicken wings, along with craft beers, signature cocktails, and wines from around the world.

Amenities and Recreation

Upscale amenities and facilities at the Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa include a full-service day spa that offers an array of pampering and indulgent massages and body treatments in elegantly decorated treatment rooms, a renowned restaurant, poolside grill and bar, and a modern convention center for events and functions. Two mineral swimming pools are ideal for relaxing, and for those who love the great outdoors, the resort offers a wealth of activities, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing, to river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as trips to the nearby world-renowned Yellowstone National Park.

Weddings & Events

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is an ideal location for special events, ranging from personal celebrations to business and corporate functions. The resort’s picturesque mountain setting in the heart of Montana, deluxe accommodations and first-class amenities and facilities make for a perfect venue for any gathering, from weddings to conferences of all sizes. Professional services include a team of experienced wedding staff on hand to take care of every detail, from floral arrangements to catering, cakes and Champagne, master photographers and video professionals to capture every memory and more.

163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065, Phone: 406-333-4933

More Romantic weekend getaways in Montana

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More Ideas in MT: Tizer Botanic Gardens

Located in Jefferson City, Montana, the Tizer Botanic Gardens are a feast for the eyes. Though Montana’s dry soil is often unforgiving when it comes to horticulture, the Krotts, who started this garden in 1997, were able to beat the odds by planting a variety of trees, vegetables, and flowering plants on their 6 acres of land. In doing so, this green-thumbed pair created a major tourist hub for the city. Over time, their work culminated in official recognition from the Denver Botanic Gardens, with which the Tizer Gardens are now affiliated.

History

The story of the Tizer Gardens began in 1997, when a young married couple, Richard Krott and Belva Lotzer, purchased a small plot of land between the Elkhorn Mountains and Prickly Pear Creek. Soon after settling into their new home, the pair took up gardening as a way to relax. As their passion for gardening grew, the Krotts purchased six more acres of land, which allowed them to expand their garden exponentially. Three years after moving in, the gardens began attracting visitors. Soon, what had started as a mere hobby turned into a major undertaking. Tizer Gardens went from welcoming 200 weekend visitors to 2,000 the very next year. In 2003, Tizer Gardens introduced a nursery, which allowed the Krotts to share the plants they had so carefully cultivated. Shortly after that, the gardens attracted the attention of the Denver Botanic Gardens, which led to the Tizer Gardens being designated as an official Botanic Garden and Arboretum. This unprecedented accolade was the first of its kind in Montana. The Denver Botanic Gardens included Tizer Gardens in its Plant Select program, designating it as Montana’s only demonstration garden for the institution. What started out as a calming way to connect with nature grew to become one of the city’s major tourist destinations as well as a point of pride for the community. Today, Tizer Gardens attract 15,000 visitors annually, host several notable festivals, and employ several full and part-time staff who help the Krotts keep the operation running.

Attractions

Vegetable Garden

The harsh Montana soil rarely sees even 60 consecutive frost-free days. This fact makes the vegetable garden at Tizer Gardens a most extraordinary accomplishment. Visitors can see some of the best raspberry and strawberry batches that Jefferson City has to offer. Depending on the day, it may be possible to taste a few of the vegetable garden’s offerings. Separate from the main vegetable garden, the gardens also have an asparagus patch. This unique vegetable is known for the green ferns and beautiful berries that it sprouts during certain growth phases in its lifecycle. These colorful ornaments can usually be observed during the fall, when the green ferns turn a golden yellow.

Structures

Tizer Gardens have several structures for visitors to explore on their property. Throughout the landscape, they form a perfect backdrop for showcasing different species of plants. The Gazebo Garden allows visitors to get better acquainted with cotton candy meadowsweets, climbing clematis, and several species of bushes. One of the most impressive sights near the gazebo are the 9-foot-tall delphiniums. These beautiful ornamental flowers range from misty lilac to deep purple in color. Their name originated from the Latin for dolphin due to their shape.

Another notable set of structures comprise the children’s garden at Tizer Gardens. Here, the youngest visitors can play amongst gnomes and fairies while gazing up at the upside-down trees planted there.

For visitors looking for quiet contemplation, the meditation garden is one of the most tranquil locations at Tizer. Peppered with Buddha statues and wooden benches, this meditation space provides a sheltered ambiance for those seeking solitude.

Those seeking to purchase Tizer Gardens memorabilia to commemorate their visit will enjoy a stroll in the direction of the Old Homesteaders Cabin. This renovated 100-year-old cabin houses the gift shop and snack hut, where ice cream and popcorn is sold.

Events

There are several annual events that are hosted at Tizer Gardens. The holiday season allows visitors to see the gardens as a winter wonderland, where they can carol, enjoy hot chocolate, and roast hot dogs. This cherished event brings the community together to celebrate nature, togetherness, and the Christmas spirit. Visitors can also expect to be able to purchase stocking stuffers from a variety of local vendors as well as beautiful Christmas wreaths.

The summer months see much of Tizer Gardens in bloom. From high tea to dress-up fairy-themed parties, Tizer Gardens has much to offer in the way of family-friendly entertainment.

38 Tizer Road, Jefferson City, MT 59638, Phone: 406-933-8789

More Things to Do in Montana

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More Ideas in MT: Discovery Ski Area

Discovery Ski Area in Philipsburg, Montana, is the premier location for skiing in the winter or biking in the warmer months with drops of 1,050 vertical feet, wall rides for bikers, and 2,200 acres of slopes for skiers in three core areas. Discovery Ski Area can be found in Philipsburg Montana and operates year-round with outdoor sport activities on the mountain. There are three different faces to the mountain with the front being the perfect setting for downhill skiing with beginning and more advanced courses.

The second side, Off the Granite Chair features runs that are steeper and more equipped for advanced skiers with more experience. The backside of the mountain has rugged terrain and is also home to Discovery Bike park in the summer months from June to October which features challenging courses for Intermediate to experienced mountain bikers.

The total area of Discovery Park is 2,200 acres with vertical drops reaching 2,388 feet and a summit elevation of 8,158 feet. The longest run, Winning Ridge, is 1.5 miles and the annual snow fall is expected to reach just over 200 inches per year. There is a total of 67 trails at Discovery Ski area and they are divided between beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert, although expert does comprise the majority at 30%. Cross country skiing is also available with 5 km being offered and a terrain park with 2.5 acres of boxes, rails and jumps that is open on the weekend only.

During the summer months of June through mid-October, Discovery Ski Area is only open for the Discovery Bike Park and operating hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Winter hours vary and are posted on their website.

Attractions

There is plenty to do at Discovery Ski Area other than hitting the ski slopes and the entire family can enjoy the area, even those who may not ski or be too young to enjoy skiing. Discovery is considered a family style resort and although doesn’t offer five-star dining or themed hotel rooms, does have amenities to suit a variety of needs.

Discovery Day Lodge- Families can enjoy a rec room, locker room, and staging area that leads right out onto the base of the mountain.

Discovery Café- The café serves cookies, coffee, and light lunch fare. Connected to the café in an outdoor patio with grills that visitors are welcome to use and tables. The mountain views are beautiful and this area of the lodge can get very lively during busy times.

The Tap ‘er Lite Bar- Serving Microbrews and other adult beverages, this pub is the perfect place for those 21 and older to relax after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Noel Shop- The small gift shop is the place to find all the discovery gear you will need for enjoying your ski trip from gloves to goggles, jackets, and t-shirts, even skis and poles.

Grandma’s Kitchen Restaurant- Serving home style comfort food that is made from scratch, and daily entrée specials, this family restaurant is the place to get a hearty meal at the end of an exhausting day of winter sports.

Group lessons are available on the weekends for all levels of skiers. If there are less than 3 students enrolled, the lesson will be considered private and the lesson time will be adjusted accordingly. More information about differences between group and private lessons is available online.

Kinderski- For kids aged 3-6, Kinderski is an introductory class to snow sports. Parents can drop off their kids to this class that has one instructor for every 4 kids and serves lunch in the full day program. Programs are also available for half days.

Kid Kruizers- For ages 6-12, this class focuses on skiing and snowboarding skills that are just past the introductory level. Kids will learn how to overcome their apprehensions and become more confident with their equipment.

Adult 5-week Program- Adult programs run for 5 consecutive Wednesdays or Fridays. Sessions have specific starts dates during the year and preregistration is required. There will be a two-hour lesson each day where participants will learn about the mountain and trails and specific skill sets.

Snow Sports School- The Discovery Ski School instructors are trained by PSIA certified clinicians and work with thousands of students each year to develop their skills through private and group lessons for age 13 and older. Lessons can be bought individually or in packages.

Discovery Ski Club and Race Team- This nonprofit organization provides technical training for kids between the ages of 5 and 16 who want to work with coaches and small groups to enhance their all mountain skiing skills or race training. Kids can participate in USSA sponsored events. There are multiple programs included in the club with more information found on the Discovery Ski website.

180 Discovery Basin Rd, Anaconda, Montana, 59711, Phone: 406-563 2184

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