Hot Springs
FAQs: HOT SPRINGS
Are there really hot springs in Hot Springs, SD?
Yes, and it's the most common question visitors ask. The town gets its name from natural mineral springs that have been bubbling up from the ground for centuries. The two main spots to experience them are Evans Plunge and Moccasin Springs. Evans Plunge is a family-friendly aquatic center with both indoor and outdoor pools, a water slide, and a sauna. The natural springs flow at a rate of 5,000 gallons per minute and refresh the entire pool every hour and a half. Moccasin Springs offers four outdoor, spring-fed pools ranging in temperature from 88°F to 102°F, along with spa services, though it's adults 18 and older only.
For a more natural soak, Cascade Falls is very popular during the summer season. The water isn't actually hot. It bubbles up at about 67°F but it's an ideal temperature when you're looking to cool off on a hot day. Cascade Falls is about ten miles south of downtown Hot Springs and it can get busy during the summer.
What is Hot Springs, SD known for?
Hot Springs is best known for several things: its warm mineral springs, the Mammoth Site, the World Fossil Finder Museum, having the only Pakistani restaurant in South Dakota, and its location in the southern Black Hills.
The town also has a distinctive look, with historic sandstone buildings and a long history as a health resort destination built around its natural springs.
What else is there to do in Hot Springs besides the springs?
More than most people expect. The city center contains over 35 sandstone buildings, giving the downtown a striking and historic character unlike anywhere else in the Black Hills. Wind Cave National Park is just ten minutes away; the Mickelson Trail offers 109 miles of biking on a rails-to-trails conversion; and the Freedom Trail follows the Fall River right through the center of town. The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, where wild horses roam freely on 14,000 acres, is another standout attraction just south of town.
Is Hot Springs, SD worth visiting?
Yes, it’s definitely worth a stop. Hot Springs is quieter and less crowded than places like Rapid City or Keystone, but that’s part of the appeal.
It’s a great place if you enjoy:
• Relaxing in mineral springs
• Learning about Ice Age history at the Mammoth Site or World Fossil Finder Museum
• Using it as a base to explore nearby spots like Wind Cave National Park or Custer State Park
• Walking among historic sandstone structures while shopping
• Enjoying small-town festivities and supporting a friendly and kind community
Think of it as a slower-paced, scenic gateway to the southern Black Hills rather than a busy tourist hub.
How big is Hot Springs, South Dakota?
Hot Springs is a small town, with a population of about 3,395 people as of the 2020 census.
That small size is part of its charm. It’s easy to get around, has a close-knit feel, and offers a more relaxed experience compared to larger Black Hills destinations.
Is Hot Springs a good base for exploring the Black Hills?
Absolutely! Hot Springs has long been known as the "Southern Gateway" to the Black Hills, and its location puts you close to a remarkable concentration of attractions. Wind Cave National Park, the Wild Horse Sanctuary, Angostura Reservoir, and Cascade Falls are all just minutes away, while Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore are all within an hour's drive. If budget is a factor, traveling between March and May generally means the lowest lodging prices in town.