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Bozeman Hot Springs: LAPC & FOWC

In June 2024, we visited hot springs in three western states, and Bozeman Hot Springs in Montana was our favorite. The modern rustic design is beautiful inside and out. We arrived early in the day, and it was peaceful and serene.

There are 12 pools at Bozeman Hot Springs. Water temperature ranges between 57 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Outdoor pools at Bozeman Hot Springs

Outside, two curving pools flank the stage with another one in front. I like how they incorporated big angular boulders into the landscaping.

The curving outdoor pools include Big Pool, Kiddie Pool, and Middle Pool.

There is a large rectangular pool nearby.

This is Springs Pool.

Indoor pools at Bozeman Hot Springs

Inside, three smaller pools are at one end of a large pool and four are at the other. This picture shows Upper Left Hot Tub, Upper Cold Plunge, and Upper Right Hot Tub.

I zoomed in a bit to show you the seals spouting cold water. They were a nice whimsical detail.

The large indoor pool is known as Big Pool, appropriately. I liked being able to do some swimming here between time spent in the other pools.

At the other end of Big Pool, you’ll find Kiddie Pool, Adult Hot Tub, Lower Cold Pool, and Lower Right Hot Tub. Note that Adult Hot Tub has the hottest temperature of any of the pools.

This sign shows the current temperature of the outdoor pools. The temperature fluctuates throughout the day.

History

Jeremiah Mathews originally purchased the springs in 1879. He built five private bathing rooms and a 14 foot by 18 foot plunge bath. In 1890, E. Myron Ferris purchased the springs and built a two-story motel, plunge bath and private baths. The springs supposedly treat several kinds of ailments. After World War I, the parcel containing the springs was raffled off. In the early 1920s, Sam Collett purchased the springs. His renovations included a dance hall. Later, it was turned into a roller skating rink.

When we were there in June 2024, they were putting the finishing touches on the latest renovations. Robyn Duffy-Carlson and her late husband, Tom Duffy, bought the property in 2013. Since then, they have added three outdoor pools, a live music stage, and a business hub. The most recent renovations included redoing the locker rooms.

Other amenities

This facility also includes several other amenities. There is a fitness center that opened in 2010. It offers classes and personal trainers. Accommodations at Bozeman Hot Springs include RV camping sites, tent sites, and one-room and two-room cabins. For a list of upcoming events there, see this page.

A cafe provides comfortable seating next to striking artwork.

There is more seating nearby.

Things that made this hot spring stand out for me were the overall design, the number and type of pools, and the restrooms. Everything was clean and inviting. The pools include cold pools if you want to cool off after being in a hot one. The restrooms had nice showers, changing rooms, and lockers.

The restrooms had something else… hot water! A couple of the other commercial hot springs we visited did not have hot showers, even though they are built atop one of the most geologically hot places on earth.

If you’re looking for a great place for rest and relaxation, be sure to visit Bozeman Hot Springs.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Serenity

Fandango’s One Word Challenge (FOWC) – Visit

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SoyBend

Centered in Bend, Oregon, my blog branches out into nature, history, and art-related topics.

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