Dakota Hot Springs is about 30 miles or 35 minutes from Pueblo and offers easy access. You can drive up to the inn and walk around the grounds. This resort offers limited handicap accessibility. However, there are other ways to access the facility. You can check out the Pioneer Museum and Cascade Falls. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your trip to Dakota Hot Springs. We hope these tips help you plan your stay in this charming area.
Cascade Falls
Near Hot Springs, South Dakota, lies a beautiful swimming hole – Cascade Falls. The falls are named for their crystal-clear waters and are often called “the Old Swimming Hole.” Cascade Falls was discovered in the 1880s and quickly became a hotspot, as its mineral water made it ideal for swimming. At that time, the town grew rapidly, but a crash in the economy halted further expansion. Today, it’s still one of the region’s favorite swimming holes.
Near Hot Springs, a ten-mile drive takes visitors to Cascade Fall. This easy-to-access waterfall features vault toilets, picnic tables, and a large parking area. The fall has a clear, blue pool, and several sections of its creek are perfect for swimming. There’s no fee to visit the waterfall, and the area adheres to Leave No Trace principles. It’s a beautiful destination to soak up some sun.
The natural turquoise color of Cascade Falls has drawn people from miles around to swim there for a century. Its varying depths and slow-moving water make the pool the perfect place to connect with nature. You’ll hear the soothing whispering of the waterfalls and the sound of birdsong as you relax. The beauty of Cascade Falls is also the perfect place to escape the bustle of city life.
Evans Plunge
In 2013, the City of Hot Springs purchased the Evans Plunge. Now, the facility is focused on becoming a wellness destination for its guests. The goal is to make healthier food options more affordable, appealing and accessible for visitors. A healthier vending system is a good place to start. The calorie content of the food must be clearly displayed at the point of sale. To get there, the Evans Plunge made some significant changes.
Located on the North Side of the resort, the Evans Plunge is a natural mineral water pool that stays at a comfortable 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermal springs located at the northern end of the recreational area flow 5,000 gallons of water per minute into the pools. The water is clear and odorless, and promises both relaxation and fun for guests. For children, the Evans Plunge is a great place to cool off while parents are relaxing.
The Evans Plunge is the most popular attraction in Hot Springs. The high ceiling makes it feel like a high-rise building. You can even purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. The Evans Plunge also features a fitness center and a souvenir shop. It’s a great place to bring the whole family for a day out. Just remember that you should dress appropriately for the weather and don’t forget your wallet and keys.
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa
If you’re looking for a rejuvenating spa getaway, consider the hot springs of Moccasin Spring Natural Mineral Spa in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The mineral water from this spa is famous for its silky texture and pleasant aroma. Located in the Southern Black Hills, the spa combines the history of the city with modern facilities. The hotel’s original rock walls and stone foundations have been preserved and transformed into modern aquatic pools.
The original bathhouse was built in 1890 and remained in use until it was razed and rebuilt in 2019. In 2019, it has become a health-focused destination that offers hot, mineral-filled water from 88 to over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The spa offers rustic yet luxurious accommodations with a private soaking tub, sauna, and 5-Element Dance studio. Guests can even take a yoga class or attend a 5Element Dance class.
For relaxation, Moccasin Spring Natural Mineral Spa offers massages and spa treatments that focus on different methods of healing and relaxation. Visitors can also get a foot treatment at the spa. A foot mask, mineral water soak, and cuticle grooming are just a few of the services included in this service. Guests may also wish to stay at the hotel while visiting the spa. There are several options for lodging in the area.
Pioneer Museum
In the fall, the town of Dakota Hot Springs offers a great way to enjoy the outdoors. This park features a Pioneer Museum located at 300 N. Chicago St. The museum is housed in a four-story schoolhouse built in 1893. Throughout the museum, visitors can see antiques and pioneer items. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and visit the museum for at least one hour. You can reserve a picnic site at the Pioneer Museum.
The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm, depending on the season. The Pioneer Museum at Dakota Hot Springs is also open on a holiday. However, it might be closed during winter. The museum offers free tours and is free. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to plan an extra trip and make reservations ahead of time to avoid crowds. The museum is a great place to educate kids about the relationship between land and culture.
The Pioneer Museum at Dakota Hot Springs is an excellent way to learn about the history of the area. Visitors will enjoy 25 exhibits in the historic former elementary school, including original artwork, sculpted alabaster, and heirloom quilts. Old wash machines, wood cookstoves, and handcrafted tools are also on display. You can easily reach Wind Cave National Park and the Mammoth Site from the museum.
Penrose
Located in the Banana Belt, near the town of Pueblo, Colorado, Dakota Hot Springs, formerly known as “The Well,” is an open-air, clothing-optional hot springs pool. The well was abandoned in 1924 when oil company Conoco found water instead of oil in depths of about two thousand feet. The hot springs’ location in the Arkansas River Valley makes them a perfect destination for a day trip from Pueblo. While soaking in the water, make sure to take in the views of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, which dominate the view.
Guests are permitted to drink alcoholic beverages and to bring food and drinks. Glass is not permitted anywhere near the soaking pools, but the resort does allow visitors to bring their own alcohol. The hot springs are not dog-friendly, but it is still worth stopping by to take a soak. While it may be cold in the winter, the temperature is warm enough to be relaxing. Visitors will feel rejuvenated and relaxed after a day at the hot springs.
The water temperature of the Dakota Hot Springs is 108 degrees at the wellhead and flows into a six-foot-diameter circular tub. Visitors will notice no sulfur odor from the water, which is pure mineral water. The water is warm enough to be comfortable during summer, but it may be too hot on some days. For this reason, visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a towel. If you’re traveling by car, consider booking your accommodations at the Dakota Hot Springs in advance.
The Mammoth Site
If you’re looking for a great day out in the Black Hills, head to The Mammoth Site in South Dakota. It’s a paleontological dig and museum located near Hot Springs, South Dakota. The museum offers the opportunity to see the ongoing research and excavation at this active site. If you’re curious about the mysterious creatures of the prehistoric era, you can learn more about their lives here.
A geology and archaeology professor stumbled upon the site while teaching a class at Chadron University. A group of students and a professor started doing more extensive research on the site, and found remains of six mammoths. They returned to the site in the summer of 1975 to find more remains and information. The site is close to Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. Once you’re done exploring this site, don’t forget to visit Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, as they’re worth seeing.
The Mammoth Site in Dakota Hot Springs is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the mammoths that lived in this region. Although most of the fossils were of North American Columbian mammoths, researchers were able to find evidence of three woolly mammoths as well. The rare combination of mammoths was never found before. They were joined by fossils of camels, llamas, giant short-faced bears, prairie dogs, and prairie dogs. Also found were thousands of bird feathers and mollusc shells.
