A Pit Stop a Day (Day 7): Boulder Hot Springs

Boulder Hot Springs\’ historic hotel

31 Hot Springs Road
Boulder, MT

On Day 7, we said goodbye to Glacier and the Many Glacier Hotel and drove south to Big Sky, Montana, with a midway stopover in Boulder.

Boulder Hot Springs Inn and Spa is located almost mid-way between Butte and Helena just off Interstate 15 in Boulder. Sitting on almost 300 acres, it’s in a very pretty location, and the geothermal waters are wonderful. We found the hotel to be a bit imposing and not a little bit ‘quirky’ (think granola mixed with rural charm); the building has a colorful history (which includes a resident ghost!) and not all of it has been completely restored. Overnight accommodations are available (with what I hear is a great breakfast), but we stopped over for just a few hours to enjoy their main draw: their geothermal hot springs.

Calvin soaking in the geothermal waters.

Before arriving, I had worried that Boulder Hot Springs might not be best suited for energetic kids, but as soon as we walked into the friendly, casual lobby I knew I had nothing to worry about. Several families (and other adults and couples) were enjoying the mineral pools, and the kids’ play bothered no one. The resort offers both indoor ‘soaking pools’ (one for men and two for women…they’re separate because clothing is optional…yep, you read that right!) and a co-ed (swimsuits required) outdoor pool (which was quite warm but not hot). Our kids enjoyed the novelty of the soaking pools (everyone was clothed on the day we visited) but spent the majority of their time in the outdoor pool, where there were several pool toys available for use and which looked out over the nearby meadows.

Extra Tip! Bring towels if you have them. They are available to rent on-site if you forget, however.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Distance off the interstate: 10 minutes off I-15.

Swimming Hours:

SUMMER (April 1 – October 31)
10am to 9pm

WINTER (November 1 – March 31)
12pm to 8pm

Admission Prices:

$7 per adult
$4 per child
$4 over 60

Room rates range from $69-$90 for single or double rooms. Bed and Breakfast rooms range from $99-$139.

Food Services: Full breakfast with room available. Otherwise, Boulder is a small town with a few offerings, but Helena is only 30 minutes away as well.

Bathrooms: On-site (as well as changing rooms and showers).

Website: Boulder Hot Springs

Directions: From I-15, take Hwy 69 through Boulder to Hot Springs Road.

Up next: We spend two days enjoying the Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana!


View Larger Map

 

Shares