Hot Springs Travel Guide

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Located in the picturesque Black Hills region of South Dakota, Hot Springs is a charming city that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. Known for its thermal springs and stunning landscapes, this small town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Hot Springs is famous for its namesake natural hot springs, which have been attracting visitors for centuries. The thermal waters, rich in mineral content, are believed to have healing properties and offer a rejuvenating experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the warm waters at the Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, one of the oldest continuously operating mineral springs in the country. The facility features indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and even a natural spring-fed creek, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and fun.

Beyond its hot springs, Hot Springs is also home to several fascinating historical sites. The Mammoth Site is a must-visit attraction, where visitors can explore an active paleontological dig site that has yielded an impressive collection of mammoth remains. The site offers guided tours and educational exhibits, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the prehistoric world.

For history buffs, a visit to the Hot Springs VA Medical Center is a must. This historic site, originally established as a military hospital in the late 19th century, played a significant role in caring for wounded soldiers during the Indian Wars and both World Wars. The center now serves as a medical facility and houses a museum that showcases the history of the site and its impact on the community.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Hot Springs area. The nearby Black Hills National Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also explore the scenic beauty of Wind Cave National Park, home to one of the longest caves in the world and a diverse range of wildlife.

Alternative names: Population: 3.5 thous.Area: 3.54 mi²Elevation: 3488 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°25'59"N, 103°28'37"W

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South DakotaUnited States

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Hot Springs Top Attractions

Hot Springs Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hot Springs offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: The Mammoth Site, Pioneer Museum, Hot Springs National Cemetery, Chautauqua Artisans Market. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Geologic formation • Science museum
The Mammoth Site
The Mammoth Site is a museum and paleontological site near Hot Springs, South Dakota, in the Black Hills. It is an active paleontological excavation site at which research and excavations are continuing.
43°26'1"N • 103°28'37"W
Pioneer Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
Cemetery
Hot Springs National Cemetery
Hot Springs National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery in the city of Hot Springs in Fall River County, South Dakota. It encompasses 8.7 acres, and as of 2014, had 1,501 interments. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs manages it through the Black Hills National Cemetery.

43°26'8"N • 103°28'52"W
Chautauqua Artisans Market
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping
43°33'23"N • 103°28'44"W
Wind Cave National Park
National park • Park
43°25'46"N • 103°28'12"W
Governor Leslie Jensen House
The Governor Leslie Jensen House, at 309 S. Fifth St. in Hot Springs, South Dakota, was built in 1899 for Christian Jensen, and it was the longtime home of Christian's son and South Dakota's 15th governor Leslie Jensen.
Neighbourhood
Battle Mountain Sanitarium
The Battle Mountain Sanitarium was a division of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers located in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Day trips

Hot Springs – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hot Springs, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Crazy Horse Memorial (Custer), Sylvan Lake (Custer State Park), Lincoln Borglum Museum (Keystone).

29 milesN
Mountain carving in progress since 1948
Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer
The Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills near Custer, South Dakota, is a monument of profound historical and cultural significance. This colossal mountain carving, dedicated to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, stands as a testament to the spirit and endurance...
29 milesN
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park
Sylvan Lake is a lake located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. It was created in 1891 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch Creek.
31 milesN
History museum, Museum, Art museum
Lincoln Borglum Museum, Keystone
The Lincoln Borglum Museum is located in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, South Dakota. It features two 125-seat theaters that show a 13-minute movie about Mount Rushmore. A view thought by many to be one of the best is located at Grandview Terrace, above the Museum.
40 milesN
Sanctuary for slithery creatures
Reptile Gardens, Rapid City
Reptile Gardens is an animal park located south of Rapid City, South Dakota, on the road to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The park is open the first Saturday in March through November 30 each year.
46 milesN
Park, View point, Monuments and statues
Dinosaur Park, Rapid City
Dinosaur Park is a tourist attraction in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. Dedicated on May 22, 1936, it contains seven dinosaur sculptures on a hill overlooking the city, created to capitalize on the tourists coming to the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore.