'Limp in, leap out': Montana town touts healing waters

Erin Madison | The Great Falls Tribune

The town of Hot Springs has a motto -- "Limp in, leap out."

Fitting the town's name, the small western Montana community offers numerous hot springs, and throughout history, people have traveled there to soak in the healing warm waters.

Long before the area was settled or frequented by trappers, the Pend d'Orielle Indians took advantage of the hot springs, calling them "Big Medicine."

Hot Springs, now home to about 550 residents, was once a booming town of about 1,000 people with several hotels. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes built a large bathhouse in the town in the late 1940s. That structure has long since been shuttered, but the town offers several other options for those wishing to soak in the mineral waters. Hot Springs offers a unique combination of ranching roots and alternative healing.

Hot Springs is located in a valley with its own microclimate. Located about 60 miles from Kalispell, Hot Springs tends to be warmer than Kalispell or Missoula, with less rain and more sunshine.

Drive: Hot Springs is located on Montana Highway 28, about 30 miles southwest of Flathead Lake. For a nice loop, travel from Great Falls to Missoula on Highway 200. Then take Highway 93 north toward Polson. Follow the road along the west shore of the lake and head west on Highway 28. To return, travel east to Highway 93, then north through Somers and east along the north end of the lake. Take Highway 83 south through the Seeley Swan Valley to return to Highway 200.

Soak: The Symes Hot Springs Hotel and Mineral Baths offers three public pools, ranging in temperature from 107 degrees to 95 degrees. The mission-style hotel was built in the 1930s, and a visit today is like stepping back in time. The hotel aims to give guests an escape from telephones and televisions. Take in a massage or a concert while you're there. Symes often hosts live music. Visit symeshotsprings.com or call 888-305-3106.

Stay: Rather than a shared pool, Alameda's Hot Springs features private hot mineral baths in each suite. The hotel grounds are home to apple and plum trees and an organic garden. Guests also will find a 30-foot geodesic dome with wood-burning stove, a geothermal heated floor and large windows. The dome is used for dance, yoga, music and other gatherings. Visit alamedashotsprings.com or call 406-741-2283.

Stretch: After a dip in a hot pool, enjoy a private or group yoga class at Earth & Sky Studio, 240 Chisholm Trail Road. For a schedule of classes, call 406-741-5117 or visit ridinglight.com.

Don't miss: Towanda Gardens Nursery & Trading Post is much more than a gardening store. Towanda offers annual and perennial plant starts, trees and more, but it also has in-season fresh produce and local and fair trade goods. The nursery is open for picnicking, camping or just relaxing under a shade tree. Visit facebook.com/towanda-gardens or call 406-741-2424.

Take your juice with a side of astrology: The Rainbow Zen Organic Juice Bar offers organic dining options as well as astrology, tarot and metaphysical teachings. Shoppers will find unusual gift items and products for the mind and body. Call 406-741-2142.

Dine: Fergie's Pub & Grill serves fresh-made pizza on whole wheat crust and prides itself on its excellent burgers. Play a game of shuffleboard or billiards while you're there. Call 406-741-2416.

Look: Visit the Hot Springs Artists Society's "On the Wall" Gallery. The organization also hosts live performances. For a schedule, visit hotspringsartist.org.

Learn: The LaRue-Hot Springs Museum has a collection of historical items related to homesteading and the Flathead Indian Reservation. Admission is free. Visit hotspringsmtchamber.org/museum.htm.

Gather: Hot Springs hosts the annual Montana Herb Gathering on July 19-21. The event brings together herbalists, crafters, manufacturers, farmers, students and other herbal enthusiasts from across the state.