Hot Springs

"Southern Gateway of the Black Hills"

Population: 4,129 • Elevation: 3,535

The city of Hot Springs was founded as a frontier health spa to capitalize on springs of warm mineral waters rising in Fall River Canyon. The town is set in a sandstone canyon with classic turn-of-the-century style sandstone buildings. The springs continue to feed Fall River, which winds through historic downtown Hot Springs.

It Really Is the Water
Six major thermal springs which emerge from the ground within the town of Hot Springs converge in a single canyon. The biggest spring of them all, and one of the warmest at 87 degrees, flows up through the gravel bottom of Evans Plunge.  It totally re-charges the water in the huge indoor water park seven times a day, then overflows into Fall River.

Just down the stream from Evans Plunge, in the downtown district, you can join local citizens who journey daily to fill their domestic water containers at Kidney Springs.  They swear by the stuff for drinking, cooking and washing.  The water flows out of the rock canyon wall and into a basin at the Kidney Springs Gazebo, a Victorian trellis topped with a statue called "The Gift of Water." The water tastes just fine, but it seems odd that it is warm, not cold.

Ice Age Woolly Mammoths
Over 26,000 years ago, mammoths and other prehistoric animals died in this ancient spring-fed sinkhole. The Mammoth Site, the world's largest in situ (bones left as found) mammoth dig site and research facility, is located inside a protected building with guided tours offered year-round.



Wild American Mustangs Roam Free
Fourteen miles southwest is Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Hundreds of unadoptable wild American Mustangs roam free in 11,000 acres of spectacular canyons, forests and grasslands along the Cheyenne River.  For fun and adventure, take a two-hour guided tour or a three-hour cross-country tour.                                     

Fourth Longest Cave in the World
The entrance to Wind Cave National Park lies nine miles north of Hot Springs.  320 million years went into the process of creating 119 miles of carved limestone with outstanding displays of speleothems or cave formations.

Angostura Recreation Area
Fishermen and water enthusiasts alike are attracted to Angostura Reservoir's clear water and sandy beaches.  The reservoir is home to walleye, large and small bass, catfish, perch, crappie (fishing licenses are required).  Three marinas with 155 boat slips service the boaters and four campgrounds line the lake shore, offering a variety of camping.

Black Hills Putt 4 Fun
605-745-7888
Enjoy an outdoor adventure. Play 18 holes of challenging miniature golf complete with a crystal blue waterfall, bubbling fountains & authentic Western decor. With its narrow bridge & pools of water, our tricky 5-hole is great for laughs.

Southern Hills Golf Course
605-745-6400
18-hole, Par 70. 5,905 yards requires more than one go-round to get the lay of land. The course is a combination of playability & aesthetic appeal making your golf game more enjoyable than other courses.