2017-01-14 04:35:34
City of Hot Springs Before the arrival of the white man, the Black Hills were known by the surrounding Native American population as a winter sanctuary from the brutal cold and blizzard blasts of the Northern Plains. And, then as now, the area of Hot Springs was particularly prized as the most inviting refuge in the sheltering mountains. For under the surface of this beautiful river valley are numerous hot springs (hence the town’s name) that have served to relax and rejuvenate visitors to the area for hundreds of years. This warm water resource has much to do with how the town developed and the role it serves today, both as a vacation destination and as a growing regional arts mecca and cultural center. A HISTORIC RESORT From its earliest beginnings in the mid-1880s, Hot Springs established itself as a destination for those seeking renewal – physically, mentally and spiritually. Hot Springs has claimed fame as the Black Hills’ home for “Wellness Tourism.” Pioneer businessman Frederic Evans was among the first to see the commercial potential in the therapeutic healing waters. In 1890, he erected a building enclosing the largest natural warm-water spring. With a flow rate of nearly 5,000 gallons per minute, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs never contains the same water; there’s an entire change-over every hour and a half. Evans also constructed the first, and perhaps most magnificent, of the town’s distinctive sandstone edifices – the Evans Hotel – with sandstone from his own quarries. Eventually, Hot Springs built an entire downtown district comprised of more than 35 sandstone structures. In recent years, an array of gift shops, art galleries, restaurants and accommodations have restored the unique downtown interiors. EVANS PLUNGE MINERAL SPRINGS Open year-round, Evans Plunge is still a preeminent attraction in Hot Springs, and a nice warm soak in the 87 degree mineral waters is a supreme luxury. Try out everything: the waterslides, fun tubes, Tarzan rings, water basketball, spa tub, steam room, and saunas. MAMMOTH SITE Hot Springs is home to the world-famous Mammoth Site, the largest in situ (bones left as found) mammoth dig site contained inside a building. This American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited site is the final resting place for large Columbian and Woolly mammoths (61 of them!) That became trapped after sliding into a springfed sinkhole approximately 26,000 years ago. HORSE HISTORY At Windcross Conservancy Spanish Mustang Preserve, experience the front lines of a critical battle to save the first horse of America, the Spanish Mustang. Tours are available to take you out among the mares and foals. Also visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary where a herd of more than 500 horses runs free on 11,000 acres. HEIGHTS & DEPTHS A short drive south of Hot Springs will lead you to Angostura Reservoir and Recreation Area, offering crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the state. Along the western side of the reservoir is Sheps Canyon Recreation Area, providing great access to the boat ramp and excellent shore fishing opportunities. There’s a different wilderness experience at nearby Wind Cave National Park, one of the world’s longest caves with over 140 miles of mapped passageways filled with extensive areas of “boxwork” formations. Above ground, the park is home to abundant wildlife such as bison, elk, deer, antelope, prairie dogs and coyotes. AWARD-WINNING GOLF Squeeze in a round at the Southern Hills Golf Course, an award-winning course in one of the most beautiful settings in the Hills - an ideal location for weddings too. Back in town, the Union Depot Visitor’s Center on North River Street, combined with the paved Freedom Trail provide the starting point and main artery of a recently completed trail system, including a stroll along the lush banks of the Fall River. You’ll go past a waterfall, by the Kidney Springs gazebo and within view of century- old downtown sandstone buildings. You’ll see the four-story 1893 schoolhouse, now home to the Pioneer Museum in Hot Springs, and the lovely grounds of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which houses the Battle Mountain Museum. A short drive from town, be sure to absorb the beauty of Chautauqua Park. This outdoor sanctuary is a prized location for outdoor weddings, family gatherings and community festivals. A visit to Hot Springs promises to be the culmination of naturally healing waters, relaxing spa services, and invigorating outdoor recreational opportunities.
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