2019-01-18 01:15:42
The city of Hot Springs was founded as a frontier health spa, capitalizing 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. Check out their Walking Tour that takes you along Fall River, and tells you all about the beautiful and unique architecture of Hot Springs. Under the surface of this beautiful river valley are six major thermal springs, which have relaxed and rejuvenated visitors for hundreds of years. The springs continue to feed Fall River, which winds through historic downtown Hot Springs. They are also responsible for playing a pivotal role in the town’s development over the years, which has positioned itself as a growing regional arts mecca, cultural center and healing retreat. HISTORY The original settlers of 1879 called the town Minnekahta, meaning warm waters, and established it as a destination for those seeking renewal — physically, mentally and spiritually. The town’s name was changed to Hot Springs in 1886, as ranchers staked their bankroll on cattle and helped build the city of Hot Springs. In 1890, pioneer businessman Frederic Evans was among the fist to see the commercial potential in the therapeutic healing waters. He embarked on an ambitious venture to turn the whole town into a health spa. Evans built the Evans Plunge over a group of small springs and one giant thermal spout of warm mineral water. Evans also constructed the fist, and perhaps most magnifient, of the town’s distinctive sandstone edifies — 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 modernized and restored the unique downtown interiors. EVANS PLUNGE MINERAL SPRINGS Open year-round, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills. The natural spring-fed waters maintain an average pool temperature of 87 degrees. A whopping 5,000 gallons of water per minute fl w into Evans Plunge from a thermal spring at the north end of the pool, refreshing the entire pool every one and a half hours. Swim, splash and soak in the warm mineral waters. Be sure to try the waterslides, fun tubes, Tarzan rings, water basketball, spa tub, steam room and saunas. THINGS TO DO Hot Springs is home to The Mammoth Site, world famous for the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world. This American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited site is the final resting place for more than 60 large Columbian and woolly mammoths, as well as an additional 87 animal species, that became trapped in a spring-fed sinkhole during the last Ice Age. Tour this indoor active dig site and view Ice Age fossils. See the front lines of a critical battle to save the Spanish Mustang, the fi st horse of America, at Windcross Conservancy Spanish Mustang Preserve. Or, visit the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary where a herd of more than 500 horses run free on 11,000 acres. Stop into The Morris Grand Gallery, an international destination with contemporary and European works, Native American art and artifacts, jewelry, pottery, minerals and sculptures. The gallery is housed in a building that once was a theater that hosted opera, plays, vaudeville and movies. Indulge your senses as you search for one-of-a-kind treasures. Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons provides a unique adventure and an opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty of the Black Hills from an exciting perspective. Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, historic Hot Springs and the surrounding area offer spectacular views unlike any other. The annual Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for Aug. 24 and 25, 2019. The celebration in the sky includes balloon launches, a night glow, arts and crafts, and more throughout town. OUTDOOR RECREATION A short drive south of Hot Springs will lead you to excellent camping and boating opportunities at Angostura Reservoir and Recreation Area. The reservoir has crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline and some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the state. Sheps Canyon Recreation Area is located along the western side and provides access to the boat ramp and prime shore fishing a eas. Just west of town, squeeze in a round at the Southern Hills Golf Course, an award-winning course in one of the most beautiful settings in the Hills. The golf course also provides an ideal location for weddings and reunions. The Union Depot Visitor’s Center on North River Street is the starting point and main artery of the Freedom Trail. Look up and see the four-story 1893 schoolhouse, now home to the Pioneer Museum in Hot Springs, as well as the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which houses the Battle Mountain Museum. For Hot Springs business listings, turn to page 149.
©South-Dakota. View All Articles.