Soaking in the warm and rejuvenating waters at one of the Montana hot springs destinations is a treat that all Montana visitors should enjoy. You'll find hot springs in Montana mostly throughout the western portion of the state, and you might be surprised to know that you can enjoy them year round. Basically, the hot springs in Montana are formed when superheated water from deep within earth's crust rises to the surface. This superheated water dissolves minerals during its ascent, and these minerals remain in the water. It's believed by many that the mix of minerals and the warmth of the water combine to encourage therapeutic effects. If nothing else, a dip in one of the Montana hot springs pools should prove to be relaxing. Resorts have sprung up around some of the hot springs in Montana, while some featured areas remain more natural and undeveloped. At the more developed hot springs sites, large pools, soaking tubs, and steam rooms are what you can expect to find.

The Chico Hot Springs resort is among the most popular of its kind in the Montana mountains, and it's been around for quite some time. Established in 1900, the Chico Hot Springs resort has had plenty of time to develop, and today there's plenty to enjoy here. Fine dining establishments, a complete day spa, and an array of lodging options are just some of the things that the Chico Hot Springs resort boasts. As for superheated, spring-fed pools, there's two of them here. The larger pool averages a temperature of around 96 degrees, while the smaller pool is usually around 103 degrees. You can swim in the pools from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. if you're a resort guest, and admission is included in the rates. For day guests who are not staying at the resort, an admission fee is required, and you can access the pools between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Lockers and changing areas are available to all pool visitors, and while you can't bring food in, there is a poolside restaurant. As a side note, if you are planning a Montana wedding, the Chico Hot Springs Resort deserves a look. There are some facilities here to help you set the perfect stage for your special day.

Found near Butte, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is another great place to enjoy a fun and relaxing Montana vacation. You're not limited to just soaking in superheated mineral water when you visit the more developed Montana hot springs resorts. At the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, for instance, you can enjoy a round of golf on the local 18-hole course during the warmer months. You can also hit the Discovery Ski Area during winter if you are looking to do some Montana skiing. Outdoor recreational possibilities abound in the Montana mountains, and it's great to come back to a hot springs resort like Fairmont after an activity-filled day. There are no less than four spring-fed pools at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and they are available 24 hours a day for resort guests. Should you be visiting just as a day guest, you can access the pools, and the waterslide for that matter, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The temperatures in the pools here range between 88 degrees and 104 degrees, depending on which of the pools you choose to swim in. As for the waterslide, it is 5 stories tall and 350 feet long! The guest rooms at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort are amenity-filled, and some feature full kitchens, so staying overnight is recommended.

Montana Map

When building up your list of hot springs to visit in Montana, you'll do well to also consider the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are found in Yellowstone National Park. You won't find a resort development at the Mammoth Hot Springs, but you will be treated to some pretty amazing views. The step-like Mammoth Terraces, which are natural terrace-like formations over which much of the superheated water here flows, have long been a popular Montana attraction. When you see them, you'll understand why. You can stop at a number of different terraced areas when visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs, and all are spectacular in their own unique way. Like the Chico Hot Springs Resort and the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the Mammoth Hot Springs area is just one of more than a dozen hot springs destinations that you can visit in Montana, so you won't be lacking when it comes to options.