​Escape to the tranquil beauty of Hot Springs, Montana, and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating experience like no other. Our excursion offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and soak your cares away in the area's renowned mineral hot springs. Nestled in the heart of the Flathead Indian Reservation, these natural geothermal pools provide a soothing warmth and therapeutic minerals, known for their healing properties. Spend your day alternating between the different pools, each offering a unique temperature and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you seek a peaceful solo retreat or a relaxing getaway with loved ones, this trip promises a blissful escape and a chance to reconnect with nature's serenity. Join us for a day of pure relaxation and discover why Hot Springs, Montana, is the ultimate destination for a revitalizing soak.

Long before the Symes Hotel was built, these sacred waters were a place of healing and diplomacy for Indigenous peoples, who called them "Big Medicine." For the Kootenai people, who have a deep and ancient connection to this land, the springs have another powerful name: "Nupika Wu'u," or "Spirit Waters." These springs were a neutral ground where tribes could gather in peace, a testament to their deep spiritual significance.

My great-grandfather, a Kootenai medicine man, was a logger who, in his youth, was severely injured when a massive pine tree fell on him, breaking his back. The accident left him crippled, and he relied on a cane to walk. A quiet man who rarely spoke English, he made it a point to have me walk with him every day. As a young girl, I would accompany him to a well in town where he got his water. I knew what he was sharing with me was very special. He drank a glass every day, believing it was the source of his healing and provided all the nutrients he needed. Although that well has since been closed, he lived to be very old, never once needing to visit a hospital, and always credited his perfect health to the healing waters.

These are the very same waters you'll find at the Symes, believed to possess some of the highest mineral concentrations in Montana.

The Symes Hotel itself is an exquisite piece of history. Built in the 1930s, this grand mission-style resort has meticulously preserved its original charm. You'll find unique antique furnishings, including classic waterfall vanities and claw-foot bathtubs in the rooms. Outside, the vibrant red neon signs still glow, a nod to a truly captivating past.

Soaking Schedule:

• General Hours: The hotel, including the mineral baths, is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. 

• Guest-Only Plunges: The guest-only plunge pools are open 24/7, excluding cleaning times.

• No Day Use: The Symes Hot Springs Hotel does not offer day use of the plunge pools due to the lack of separate shower and bathroom facilities near the pools. 

Soaking Schedule and Prices:

• Public Pools: Open daily with varying hours, including 3 pools (hot, warm, and swimming). 

• Day Soaking Price: $15 for adults, $6 for children 11 and under, with 10-soak punch cards for $70. 

• Private Soaking (2-person jetted tub and sauna): $35 per hour. 

• Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7:00am-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 7:00am-10:00pm. 

• Hotel Package: Includes massage and accommodations. 

• Lodging Options: Tent and RV sites with varying hookup options. 

• Mineral Baths: The hotel features famous medicinal baths fed by mineral water rich in silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonate, and bicarbonate. 

• Benefits of Soaking: Soaking in the mineral water can help with detoxification, softening skin, and potentially alleviating skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema. 

• Precautions: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health conditions should consult with a doctor before soaking.

• The hotel has a restaurant and coffee shop. 

• The hot springs are known for their mineral-rich water. 

• Pools can get crowded on weekends. 

• Bring flip-flops, a robe, a towel, and water for soaking. 

The Symes Hotel does not have a bar, but they do allow guests to bring their own alcohol for personal consumption in certain areas, with the understanding that it's not for parties, according to TripAdvisor users and Yelp posters. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly for specific policies regarding alcohol consumption within the hotel premises. Key points:

• No on-site bar: The hotel does not have a dedicated bar for serving alcohol. 

• Bringing your own: Guests are generally permitted to bring their own alcohol for personal use, but not for large gatherings. 

• Considerate consumption: The hotel requests that guests be mindful and avoid excessive drinking or parties, as this could lead to them being asked to leave. 

• Restaurant and events: The hotel does have a restaurant that serves beer and wine, and also hosts events with live music and food.