Hot Springs: Springs, Mammoth History, and Architecture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hot Springs, you can shape your choice around the things that interest you during your trip: spring water and swimming at Evans Plunge, Ice Age finds at The Mammoth Site, building history in the historic district, or trails along the Fall River. These highlights give Hot Springs different facets—from prehistory to outdoor recreation.

Spring Water and Ice Age Finds

Evans Plunge is a highlight for anyone interested in spring water and aquatic activities. The water is naturally fed by springs, and the average pool temperature is 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The indoor and outdoor pool areas include four slides, two whirlpools, a sauna, and a steam room. There are also swimming lanes, swing rings, water basketball, and water volleyball. Founded in 1890, Evans Plunge is considered the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills. Here, a long history and a wide range of amenities go hand in hand.

The Mammoth Site offers a very different perspective on the past. Tours take visitors through a covered, active excavation site where they can see Ice Age fossils. More than 60 mammoths have been excavated there, including 58 Columbian mammoths and three woolly mammoths, as well as at least 87 other late Ice Age animals. The finds show that the site is about more than mammoths—it also features other animals from that era. Offerings include self-guided tours, extended educational programs, and Summer Educational Programs. The Mammoth Site is open year-round.

Architecture and History in Hot Springs

The Grand Staircase connects Hot Springs’ recreation district with the Battle Mountain Sanitarium. Built in 1915, the pink sandstone staircase has 204 steps. The Battle Mountain Sanitarium is also located in Hot Springs and was built from local pink sandstone. Most of its buildings date from before 1930, and many are still used for their original purposes. The staircase and buildings illustrate different aspects of local architectural history.

Buildings in the historic district feature a variety of Victorian styles, often described as Richardsonian Romanesque Victorian. Most are two stories tall and have a Romanesque appearance, with features such as rounded arches or arched windows. Murals in the district depict the history of Fall River County. Together, the architecture and art offer different historical perspectives on the district.

The Fall River Pioneer Museum is housed in a four-story sandstone building that served as an elementary school until 1961. The museum houses unique artifacts and treasures from the pioneer era. When planning your trip, you can also consider this site through the history of its building: its former use as a school and its pioneer-era collection belong to different chapters of the local past.

Walking, Cycling, and Other Activities

The Fall River Freedom Trail begins behind the Mueller Center, follows the Fall River to Kidney Springs Park, and continues from Evans Plunge Mineral Springs to Upper Chautauqua Park. This scenic, paved trail is suitable for walks or leisurely bike rides. The round trip is about 2.3 miles. When planning, you can take both the approximate total distance and the trail surface into account.

The Fall River also flows through Brookside Park, where visitors can swim, wade, and go tubing. Golf enthusiasts will find Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs, with an 18-hole course, a driving range, and a putting green; the clubhouse is also available for rental. Each of these options offers its own focus and complements the city’s sightseeing and history.

The Historic Union Depot is an original railroad depot built in 1891. It offers visitor information during the summer season. Since this service is seasonal, checking visitor information before your trip can help with planning.

For the broader travel overview: Fall River County.