Entry No. 26 — the Helena file — filed under: haunted
Boulder Hot Springs Inn & Spa
A rambling California Mission-style hotel from 1910 wraps around geothermal pools fed by springs a miner first tapped in the 1860s. The indoor plunge runs a scalding 104-106 degrees while the long outdoor pool sits cooler and seasonal; the cavernous old building is widely rumored to be haunted. It now doubles as a quiet retreat center, so the vibe is faded-grand rather than waterpark.
The story
Long before anyone laid down a brick of the current 1910 California Mission-style building, a miner tapped into the geothermal springs surging beneath Peace Valley back in the 1860s. Instead of letting the site turn into another forgotten mining pit, developers built a cavernous resort around the hot water. Today, the rambling hotel sits on nearly 300 acres of wetlands, meadows, and forest roughly 30 miles south of Helena off Interstate 15.
You will not find waterslides, halogen lights, or chlorinated chaos here. The property operates as a quiet retreat center, preserving a distinct faded-grandeur vibe. The hallways creak underfoot, high ceilings echo, and local lore insists the upper floors hold more than a few persistent ghosts who never checked out.
The real draw remains underground. Geothermal springs pump directly into the historic bath facilities. The indoor plunge stays at a scalding 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, offering an intense soak that cooks you to the bone, while a longer outdoor pool provides a cooler, seasonal swim surrounded by valley air.
What it's like
Drive down South Hot Springs Road and park outside a sprawling 1910 hotel that looks distinctly out of place in rural Montana. Inside, the atmosphere is muted, peaceful, and slightly uncanny—think creaking floorboards and whisper-quiet hallways rather than a bustling waterpark. Pay for your pool pass, brace yourself for the searing 104–106°F indoor plunge, and take a turn in the cooler outdoor pool if you're visiting in season. Before heading back onto I-15, take a quiet walk through the grounds and keep an eye out for the building's reputed paranormal residents.
The move: Soak in the historic geothermal plunges, then wander the creaky 1910 hotel hallways and grounds before driving back.
📍 Before you go Pools generally open daily 10am-8pm (call ahead, hours vary seasonally); outdoor pool is seasonal. About 30 miles south of Helena.
- 📍 Boulder
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 31 S Hot Springs Rd, Boulder, MT 59632
Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Comet/Rumley Mine — Pair a quiet hot spring soak with a drive to this nearby 1883 silver and lead mining town tucked in the hills.
- Elkhorn State Park (Ghost Town) — Match the haunted 1910 hotel atmosphere with a visit to two 19th-century boomtown structures preserved in Montana's smallest state park.
- Ringing Rocks — Follow up a mineral plunge by trekking to an isolated boulder field where striking the rocks produces chime-like tones.
Good to know
How hot is the water in the pools?
The indoor plunge runs at a scalding 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, fed directly by natural geothermal springs. The outdoor pool is kept at a cooler temperature.
Is the outdoor pool open year-round?
No, the outdoor pool operates seasonally, though the indoor geothermal plunges are available year-round.
Where is Boulder Hot Springs located?
It is located at 31 S Hot Springs Rd in Boulder, Montana—about 30 miles south of Helena, roughly halfway to Butte off I-15.
What are the hours for pool visitors?
Pools are generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though hours vary seasonally, so call ahead to confirm before driving out.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · sosmt.gov · visitmt.com
last checked: 2026-06-24