Discovering the Midwest’s Best Hidden Mineral and Hot Springs for Adventure and Relaxation
Looking for an epic adventure that will recharge your mind and body? Look no further than the hot springs found throughout the Midwest! These hot springs offer unique and unexpected locations that excite any hiker or overlanding enthusiast. Here’s the cherry on top: not only are they incredibly cool, but they also come with the natural health benefits of hot springs.
These hot springs are not just your average outdoor spots—they come with a seriously therapeutic twist! These bad boys have been giving humans healing powers since forever. Okay, maybe you won’t walk away with superpowers. Yet many Indigenous Americans considered these sites sacred and revered them for their healing and revitalizing properties. Additionally, pioneers on the Oregon Trail relied on these hot springs to ease their aches and pains after long days of travel.
The journey to these hot springs is an adventure in itself as you navigate stunning landscapes to reach your destination. But once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful and relaxing retreat that will soothe your sore muscles and calm your mind. So, if you’re ready for a journey that combines adventure and rejuvenation, the hot springs and mineral springs in America’s heartland are waiting for you!
Missouri
Maramec Spring Park, located about two hours southwest of St. Louis, offers visitors a variety of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Maramec Spring Park even boasts two museums and a café, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Hike through the lush wilderness of the Mark Twain National Forest along the soothing Meramec River. Learn valuable historical insights about the park and the surrounding natural area.
Along the way, observe the trout hatchery and be sure to bring quarters to buy fish food for the abundant rainbow trout that call these emerald waters home. The water in the spring bubbles from 350 feet below the earth’s surface. This provides minerals that give the water its unique coloring. Relax next to this peaceful spring and enjoy all the bounties nature offers in one of the best hot springs in Missouri.
South Dakota
Cascade Falls offers travelers a quick reprieve in the warm waters of Cascade Creek. It’s located 8 miles south of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and just off Highway 71. Cascade Falls is the perfect pitstop with a surprise hot spring. The site sports an awesome picnic area. And, the calm waters of Cascade Falls create an ideal swimming hole suitable for people of all ages, including children.
For over 100 years, Cascade Falls has been a historic public swimming area. It is surrounded by lush, distinctive vegetation found nowhere else within the state due to the unique conditions created by the hot springs. The beautiful turquoise waters make Cascade Creek one of the best natural hot springs in South Dakota. If you desire a more waterpark or spa-like experience, check out Evans Plunge and Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa.
Nebraska
Victoria Springs State Park
Victoria Springs State Park is nestled in picturesque Anselmo, Nebraska. This state park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with refreshing waters from a natural mineral spring. At one point, the spring’s water was even provided in bottles! The bottling company that once operated at Victoria Springs has since closed its doors, leaving a tranquil and natural setting in its place.
Victoria Springs is a recreation area that offers visitors a plethora of activities, including fishing, swimming, and paddle boating. Weekend campers can bring tents or an RV or rent a rustic cabin along the water’s edge. The area is replete with historic bounties, too, including a one-room schoolhouse built in 1876 that remained a functioning school until the 1960s. With so much to offer, it’s a wonder Victoria Springs remains one of Nebraska’s hidden gems!
Boiling Sands Springs
Boiling Sands Springs provides a unique experience for outdoor adventurers. Located along several points on the Dismal River, Boiling Sands Springs showcases a natural phenomenon. Here water pushes up through the sand from an aquifer about 100 feet below the sand’s surface, creating the fascinating illusion of “boiling” sand. The easiest and most scenic way to access these springs is via kayak or raft since most of the surrounding land is privately owned. If you can make a day trip down the Dismal River, drop in at the Boiling Sand Springs!
Iowa
Backbone State Park, Iowa’s oldest state park, is a must-see for any travel itinerary! Richmond Springs is a natural spring pool located within the lush bounds of this historic park. Richmond Springs is surrounded by towering cliffs and verdant green foliage resembling a fairytale setting. The clear waters are provided by the spring below ground, pumping more than 2000 gallons of water into the pool every minute!
Waders can observe the tiny bubbles that escape through the sandy sediment at the bottom of the pool. Make no mistake — this is no hot spring; the water in this pool is a cool 48 degrees. Backbone State Park offers abundant hikes, from easy to challenging. Richmond Springs is a popular place to cool off and relax after a long hike. If Iowa is your destination, you won’t want to miss Backbone State Park and Richmond Springs!
Arkansas
All right, let’s set the record straight! Arkansas is not in the Midwest—it falls into the West South Central region. But listen up, fellow Midwesterners, because Arkansas is absolutely worth the trip. Suppose you happen to find yourself in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area. In that case, you can embark on thrilling hikes, indulge in camping escapades, and soak up the breathtaking sights. Immerse yourself in the revitalizing embrace of Arkansas’ many natural hot springs.
The state boasts an impressive 47 natural hot springs, most of which are within Hot Springs National Park. Known as “America’s spa,” it is a wonder that offers numerous hikes varying in difficulty and many bathhouses to relax in post-hike. Hikers will encounter many natural hot springs along many hikes within the park. However, be warned that these hot springs are a scalding 147 degrees, making them unsafe to bathe in. The springs at the bathhouses at the bottom of the mountain offer much more comfortable temperatures and have been in operation since the mid-19th century.
So, if you’re from Kansas or Missouri—or even if you’re a little farther away—don’t sleep on the incredible natural health benefits of hot springs waiting for you in Arkansas.
Recharge and Chill: Experience the Natural Health Benefits of Hot Springs
If you need some R&R, hitting up hot springs and mineral springs is one of the best ways to nourish your spirit. No matter which springs you choose to visit; you can’t go wrong when it comes to their natural beauty and therapeutic vibes. So, pack your bags, grab a towel, and let the Midwest hot springs’ mesmerizing allure and healing properties soothe your body and soul. They’re waiting for you to dive in and discover the ultimate blend of rejuvenation and exploration!
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