South Dakota

The Lakota name for South Dakota’s mineral water destination was Minnekahta, meaning “warm waters,” prompting founding fathers to rename the community Hot Springs in 1882. The town developed into a health resort and once featured 29 bathhouses and more than 87 warm-water wells.     

Of the 29 bathhouses, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs has withstood the test of time. The water has an average temperature of 87 degrees and pours in at a rate of 5,000 gallons per minute, and there is a large indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, fitness center and hot tubs.

Minnekahta Bath House and Hot Springs Hotel was established in 1890 and revived in 2019 as Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. Moccasin Springs has four pools ranging in temperature from 88 to 102-plus degrees, a private soaking tub room, massage therapy and spa treatments. 

You will still find folks filling their jugs from Hygeia Springs (Kidney Springs Gazebo) with the natural mineral springs.