Lava Hot Springs: Hot Springs, Gardens and Local History

Lava Hot Springs offers a range of themes to consider when planning a trip: hot springs and swimming pools, water attractions, tours, gardens and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can start by thinking about which of these you want to shape your stay. Timing also matters for some activities.

Hot Springs and the History of the Springs

People have long gathered at the springs of Lava Hot Springs to bathe, relax and pray. The town’s history is therefore closely tied to the use of the springs. In 1918, the State of Idaho built a natatorium on property owned by the Lava Hot Springs Foundation. Today, the Foundation oversees the operation of the swimming pools and hot springs in Lava Hot Springs. Visitors interested in the hot springs will find both a historical connection and information about who oversees their operation here.

Water Slides and River Floats

The Lava Hot Springs Water Slides include two speed slides with a 60-foot vertical drop and a top speed of 38 miles per hour. There are also two winding tube slides. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to check current operating information, as details may change. This lets you factor the slides into your plans based on their different designs and the stated measurements, without confusing the two types of slides.

For trips on the Portneuf River, one-, two- and four-person tubes are rented daily at shops in downtown during the summer. Floating on the river is therefore a seasonal activity; rentals are specifically available in summer. Since local rental arrangements may change, it’s best to check the options in advance.

Tours with Lava Zipline

Lava Zipline tours include access to a high ropes course, a geodesic dome and a climbing wall. Individual tour offerings may change. Reservations are required, and tours run year-round on weekends and daily during the summer. This schedule differs from the explicitly summer-only tube rentals on the Portneuf River: Zipline tours also run on weekends outside the summer season.

Gardens and Geological Traces

The Sunken Gardens showcase native and introduced plants and flowers throughout the season. The gardens offer a seasonal look at both groups of plants. The stone walls are also part of their history: they are remnants of algae reefs that formed in the Portneuf River long ago. The plants and stone walls thus draw attention to different aspects of the gardens, from today’s seasonal plant life to the earlier formation of the rock features.

Insights into Local History

The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits about the history of the Lava Hot Springs area. The Poha-Ba exhibit provides information about the Shoshone-Bannock in Lava Hot Springs. Visitors can also learn more about Bob Dempsey and the era of trappers and traders. The museum also displays a preserved original portrait identified as a portrait of John Hall. The topics range from the history of the Shoshone-Bannock in Lava Hot Springs to other people and periods covered by the museum.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Lava Hot Springs is 11 miles from Interstate 15 and about 35 miles from Pocatello. Many attractions are within easy walking distance of Main Street. These details help with orientation on two different levels: the distances put Lava Hot Springs in the context of regional travel, while Main Street is a reference point for visiting many attractions in town.

Discover more destinations: McCammon, Pocatello.

View the broader travel overview: Bannock County.