What to do and see in Hot Springs, United States: The Best Places and Tips

January 24, 2018 Randal Brittian

Hot Springs (Lakota: mni kȟáta; "hot water") is a city in and the county seat of Fall River County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,711. In addition, neighboring Oglala Lakota County contracts the duties of Auditor, Treasurer and Register of Deeds to the Fall River County authority in Hot Springs.
Restaurants in Hot Springs

1. Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

1800 U.S. 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747 +1 605-745-6017
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

America's International Treasure. This National Natural Landmark is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site/museum. More than 62 Columbian & woolly mammoths have been unearthed, as well as over 85 other species of associated Ice Age fauna. Hands-on activities for children, an educational experience for the entire family. One of the top fossil interpretive sites in North America. Open year-round. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. New Learning Center opened May 2015, two new 53-seat theaters, universally accessible walkways, new HD Introductory video, New Digital TourGuide system.

Reviewed By christiansonm83 - Dodgeville, Wisconsin

we weren't too sure about going here but was glad we did. The kids actually loved it. They were really paying attention to the tour guide and actually asking questions. At the end in the gift shop they have these really big,really colorful glass paperweights.

2. The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

Hot Springs, SD +1 800-252-6652
Excellent
78%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

This 11,000-acre ranch breeds wild horses, letting them run free and unbroken.

Reviewed By SRusher - Twin Cities, MN

We stayed two nights on premise at one of the cabins and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. My traveling companion grew up with horses, while I did not. But the sanctuary itself is a beautiful place and the staff are all friendly and you can see the committment to what they're doing, so it's hard not to catch "horse fever". Our stay included the three hour private tour, which I would definitely recommend as our tour guide took us in and among the horses and many walk right up to the vehicle for a pet. You also get to take in some beautiful South Dakota scenery.

3. Sage Meadow Ranch

26840 Iron Shoe Trl, Hot Springs, SD 57747-8804 +1 605-745-4866
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 62 reviews

Sage Meadow Ranch

Reviewed By Julian G - Warrington, United Kingdom

Booked the day before for my wife and I both novice riders, Holly matched our experience and size (short straw for Amarillo the horse getting me) to suitable horses which were already prepared for our arrival. Beautiful surroundings, peaceful, small intimate facility. Very enjoyable 2 hour ride through a mixture of grassland and woodland. Holly was very knowledgeable and good company on the ride, I can't praise it enough. If you want to go trail riding go here!

4. Cascade Falls and Swimming Hole

Northeast Fall River, Hot Springs, SD
Excellent
58%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Cascade Falls and Swimming Hole

It is a small cascade fed by natural spring water with a swimming hole at the base of it. There is a pavilion and parking area next to it.

Reviewed By MyPrairieGirl - North Dakota

The pizza shop owner told us about Cascade Falls. What a fun place! Totally natural area with both deep and shallow pools. We got there late (after the eclipse) so we didn't swim but waded instead. There are vault toilets and picnic tables.
Looking for something different, check it out! Bring a lawn chair too!

5. Angostura Recreation Area

13157 N Angostura Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747-7258 +1 605-745-6996
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Angostura Recreation Area

Reviewed By eileen1218 - Hot Springs, South Dakota

boating, tubing, fishing fun! what more is there to say. we live closeby and take our boat out as often as possible to this wonderful lake. Walleye fishing at it's finest too.

6. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

1145 N River St, Hot Springs, SD 57747-3078 +1 605-745-5165
Excellent
30%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
10%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 358 reviews

Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

The world's largest natural warm water indoor swimming pool. *NOT A HOT WATER SPRING* Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is consistently 87 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the Lakota called it "Minnekahta" meaning "warm water." 5,000 gallons of water flow from the mineral springs every hour, completely refreshing the water in the pool numerous times every day. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs opened in 1890 and is the oldest attraction in the Black Hills. Currently owned & operated by the City of Hot Springs, Evans Plunge is proud to be open year round and offers both an indoor and an outdoor pool, plus a health club, which is included with admission!

Reviewed By Louann P - Franklin Square, New York

We almost didn't go to this hot springs pool because the temperature of the water didn't seem hot enough but we were pleasantly surprised. I think it was around 84 degrees. It had also recently had a makeover. We really enjoyed watching the young people trying to do the ring swings across the end of the pool. After leaving we felt deliciously relaxed. If I lived there I would go once a week to feel that good.

7. Pioneer Museum

300 N Chicago St, Hot Springs, SD 57747-1657 +1 605-745-5147
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Pioneer Museum

Reviewed By Wif52 - Harvard, IL

What a wonderful building to house a museum! This is a former schoolhouse with three floors of exhibits and memorabilia of several generations.

It is well thought out and has a wide variety of items. I liked that each former classroom houses a specific type of exhibit, from a room full of wood-burning stoves and heaters to old washing machines.

There are odd displays, like the Siamese Calves and other unique items like antique "curling irons", which look like some type of hideous torture!

It was thoroughly enjoyable and interesting and I would recommend it to anyone!

Note: There is an elevator available for those who have difficulty traversing three stories of stairs.

8. Southern Hills Golf Course

1130 Clubhouse Drive, Hot Springs, SD 57747 +1 605-745-6400
Excellent
62%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Southern Hills Golf Course

The best golf course in the Black Hills, the Southern Hills Golf course boasts 18-holes of leisurely play over its 5,905 yards. A short undulating course will have you using every club in your bag. Southern Hills Golf Course is a well-rounded combination of playability and aesthetic appeal that makes your golf game more enjoyable than any other course.

Reviewed By CaptainDan330 - Arden Hills, Minnesota

This is an absolutely beautiful course. The price is right too. We were there during high season and it seemed like we were the only ones there. Very nice clubhouse too. For more on the Southern Hills Golf Course check out http://livedan330.com/2015/07/28/southern-hills-golf-course-hot-springs-sd/

9. Hot Springs Chamber Seasonal Visitor Center,

630 N River St, Hot Springs, SD 57747-1300 +1 605-745-6974
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Hot Springs Chamber Seasonal Visitor Center,

Reviewed By Carol A S - Marietta, Georgia

The Hot Springs Visitor Center is located in a re-purposed railroad station on North River Street, right in the heart of the historic district. In times past, trains brought thousands of tourists to the area who disembarked to find rest and health in nearby bath houses. The station is built from local sandstone, cinnamon in color. Inside you can see the old waiting room and ticket window. The station floor and woodwork is original and shows craftsmanship hard to find in modern times. There is a railroad car outside, but alas,it no longer moves. The station overlooks the Fall River, where springs and seeps emerge from sandstone bluffs. Similar to other visitor centers, there are racks full of brochures, maps and announcements about local attractions, lodging, eating and events. However, the historic setting makes it worth a visit. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about local places. There is free parking adjacent to the station on the north, and bathrooms inside. The visitor center makes a good starting point for a "constitutional" walk along the Fall River (paved) with a stop to sip the curative waters of Kidney Springs, and a healthy lunch at one of the many restaurants on River Street. It's is a great place to start your visit to the Hot Springs area.

10. J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve at Cascade Springs

SD Highway 71, Hot Springs, SD +1 307-746-2782
Excellent
33%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 12 reviews

J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve at Cascade Springs

Reviewed By Granny-Gourmet - Minot, North Dakota

Friends talked us into a stop at Keith Park and Whitney Preserve, actually two different places, but close by on South HWY 71 (Cascade Road). Keith Park has good picnic areas and the springs and bridges are enjoyable. Don't get too lost in the beauty because there is ample poison ivy, the possibility of snakes, and biting insects. But welcome to summer. We didn't have as much time as wanted to enjoy a long walk at Whitney Preserve, but again, with planning for a longer walk, we'll be back. The usual warnings: poison ivy, snakes and insects.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.