Hot Springs, South Dakota

The Southern Gateway to the Black Hills! For generations, Native Americans visited this area for the rejuvenating warm mineral springs. The water was used for physical and spiritual cleansing and healing. Today, visitors to Hot Springs can still enjoy these healing waters along with larger than life attractions and unique shops.

Things to Do

Mammoth Site of Hot Springs Sign
MAMMOTH SITE OF HOT SPRINGS

1800 US 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD
This National Natural Landmark is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site/museum. The World’s largest mammoth research facility is a “Must See” AAA GEM Attraction. More than 59 Columbian & woolly mammoths have been unearthed, as well as over 45 other species of associated Ice Age fauna. Hands-on activities for children, an educational experience for the entire family. Groups welcome.
www.mammothsite.com – 605-745-6017

Places to Stay

America's Best Value Inn - Hot Springs Lodging
AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN by the RIVER

602 N.W. River St., Hot Springs, SD 57747
This 2-story exterior design property offers 31 tastefully decorated guestrooms featuring cable TV with HBO, in-room perked coffee/tea maker, hairdryer and iron with ironing board. We proudly offer complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, seasonally heated pool and small meeting facility
www.americasbestvalueinnbytheriver.com – 605-745-4292

Where to Eat

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Looking for a great place to eat in Hots Springs? So are we. Contact us if you’d like to see your business here.

our history

Primitive Beasts

The Hot Springs area was once home to gigantic prehistoric creatures. Mammoth, giant short-faced bear, and saber-toothed cats roamed wild until their extinction. Today, evidence of these beasts can be found at the Mammoth Site. An indoor archaeological site that has unearthed the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.

Native American Settlers

Lakota and Cheyenne tribes fought for control of the area. They believed that the warm mineral waters possessed spiritual and physical healing abilities.

Name Change

The first group of white settlers originally named the town Minnekahta, meaning warm water. However it was renamed Hot Springs in 1886. Theses settlers also believed in the healing ability of the springs. They established bath houses and health spas that used the warm waters for healing and relaxation purposes.

Hot Springs Today

The beneficial effects of the mineral springs are still being used today. People from around the world visit Hot Springs for relaxation and rejuvenation.