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Like many states in the American Midwest, South Dakota is a popular tourist destination thanks to its myriad outdoor landmarks and natural beauty.
Along with rolling prairies, majestic lakes, sweeping pine forests, and granite mountain peaks, South Dakota is also home to an internationally recognized man-made wonder, The Mount Rushmore National Monument.
From intrepid hiking trails to excursions into national and state parks, there are many ways to explore South Dakota’s idyllic natural attractions. One of The Mount Rushmore State’s most popular destinations is the small spring community of Hot Springs, which boasts the only naturally occurring hot spring in the region.
Offering a soothing retreat perfect for finding bliss after more intrepid adventures throughout the state, Hot Springs is home to several facilities and businesses boasting unique soaking experiences.
From maintained thermal baths to cold water spring alternatives, this is everything you need to know about South Dakota hot springs to best enjoy the region’s natural mineral waters.
South Dakota Hot Springs Map
Types of South Dakota Hot Springs
While only one hot spring presides in South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State features plenty of natural mineral springs scattered throughout its idyllic countryside, including warm spring and cold-water spring alternatives. These are the three types of thermal springs you can expect to find in the state.
Hot Springs in South Dakota
South Dakota has only one natural hot spring, located in the town of Hot Springs, just south of Black Hills National Forest. This is the only place in the state where thermal waters naturally exceed 95°F, feeding into Fall River, which flows through the heart of town. While the river offers a natural soaking experience, it can get crowded since it remains the sole geothermal attraction in the region.
For a more comfortable visit, travelers can explore several developed facilities in town. Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is the most well-known, offering a large indoor pool filled with naturally heated mineral water, making it a popular choice for families. Those looking for a quieter retreat can visit Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, an adults-only facility featuring historic soaking pools in a peaceful outdoor setting. For those wanting to extend their stay, Stroppel Hotel & Mineral Baths provides overnight accommodations along with private mineral baths, allowing guests to fully experience the therapeutic waters in a more intimate environment.
| Hot Spring | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | Planning a Visit? |
| Evans Plunge Mineral Springs | Community | Check South Dakota Hot Springs Map | Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Adults: $14; Children (3-15) $10; No permits required | Get all the essential information on Evans Plunge Mineral Springs soon. |
| Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa | Community | Check South Dakota Hot Springs Map | Wednesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed Monday & Tuesday | Soak Pass: $29 for a 2-hour session | Ages 18+ only | Get all the essential information on Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa soon. |
| Stroppel Hotel & Mineral Baths | Resort | Check South Dakota Hot Springs Map | Plunges: Wednesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last call at 6:30 PM) | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (last call at 4:30 PM) | Monday and Tuesday: By appointment only (24-hour notice appreciated) | Plunge: $15 for a 30-minute session | Room rates range from $90 to $112 per night and include one free 30-minute plunge per stay | Get all the essential information on The Stroppel Hotel and Mineral Baths soon. |
Warm Springs in South Dakota
While Hot Springs is home to South Dakota’s only true hot spring, the state does have another naturally heated water source—Cascade Falls. Located about eight miles south of Hot Springs, this mineral-rich pool maintains a steady temperature of 67°F (19°C) year-round, making it a warm and inviting swimming hole even outside of summer.
Cascade Falls is a completely undeveloped site, offering a more natural soaking experience surrounded by South Dakota’s scenic landscapes. Fed by six artesian springs, the crystal-clear water flows over smooth rock formations, creating a tranquil setting for visitors looking to relax in nature. The surrounding area is home to unique vegetation, including ferns, prairie gentian, and orchids, adding to the secluded charm of the location.
Since there are no facilities or maintenance, Cascade Falls is free to access, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind in a warm, mineral-rich pool without the structure of a developed resort. Though it doesn’t reach the 95°F threshold required to be classified as a hot spring, it remains a unique and scenic alternative for those seeking a peaceful soak in South Dakota’s natural beauty.
Community Hot Springs in South Dakota
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, established in 1890, is the oldest tourist attraction in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The facility features a naturally spring-fed pool with a consistent temperature of 87°F (31°C), offering a refreshing experience for visitors. The pool is complemented by amenities such as water slides, hot tubs, a sauna, steam room, and fitness areas.
Admission rates are $14 for adults (ages 16 and up), which includes access to the health club facilities, and $10 for children aged 3-15; children under 2 enter free. Evans Plunge operates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; it is closed on Tuesdays.
Visitors have praised the clean, refreshing water and the variety of activities available, noting that while the water may feel cooler than expected initially, it remains comfortable for all ages.
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa
First established in 1890, Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa has been a wellness retreat in Hot Springs, South Dakota, for over a century. The resort continues to attract visitors seeking natural relaxation in its geothermal mineral pools, which flow at a natural temperature of around 93°F (34°C).
The spa complex features four distinct soaking pools, including the historic original pool, first built in 1913. Guests can also enjoy modern amenities such as a sauna, hot soaking tubs, and a cold plunge pool for hydrotherapy benefits. The facility is adults-only (18+), ensuring a quiet, rejuvenating environment.
Beyond the pools, Moccasin Springs offers massage and spa treatments, yoga classes, and an onsite restaurant, The Buffalo Dreamer, which serves locally sourced meals. The spa is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and a two-hour soak pass costs $29 per person.
South Dakota Hot Springs Resort
Stroppel Hotel & Mineral Baths
The Stroppel Hotel & Mineral Baths, located in Midland, South Dakota, is the only natural hot spring destination in the state outside of Hot Springs. First discovered in 1939 by John Stroppel, the geothermal water was found 1,790 feet underground, and today, the springs continue to provide visitors with a uniquely soothing soak.
The mineral water emerges at 119°F from its source and is cooled to a comfortable 110°F and 107°F in two indoor soaking pools. Unlike many commercialized hot springs, Stroppel Hotel maintains a simple and traditional atmosphere, focusing on pure mineral bathing without modern water treatments. Visitors can enjoy single-day soaking sessions, spa treatments, or extended wellness retreats, with options ranging from two-day stays to immersive 7-day and 21-day wellness programs.
