The History Behind America’s Most Iconic Hot Springs

For centuries, hot springs have drawn people to their mineral-rich waters for healing, relaxation, and spiritual renewal. But beyond the soothing warmth lies a deep and fascinating history that reflects the changing face of America—from Native American traditions to the rise of luxury spas, and even federal land protections. These naturally occurring geothermal wonders tell stories of ancient rituals, Western expansion, and wellness trends that continue to evolve today.

Let’s take a journey through time and discover the history behind some of America’s most iconic hot springs.

1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

“The American Spa”

Long before it became a national park in 1921, Hot Springs, Arkansas was considered sacred by Native American tribes like the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw, who believed the waters had powerful healing properties.

In the 19th century, it was transformed into one of the country’s first health resorts. Bathhouse Row, a series of ornate bathhouses built between the 1890s and 1920s, offered hydrotherapy treatments to the wealthy and ill. Even gangsters like Al Capone were known to visit for both business and wellness.

Historical Highlight: Hot Springs Reservation, established in 1832, predates the National Park Service itself, making it America’s oldest federally protected area.

2. Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado

The World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool

These waters, located in the Rocky Mountains, were revered by the Ute tribe, who believed the springs were a gift from the Great Spirit.

In 1888, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool opened, drawing visitors via the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. It became a luxury destination for well-heeled travelers and celebrities, and it played a role in early health tourism. Today, it remains a popular family-friendly resort that retains its original charm.

Historical Highlight: Teddy Roosevelt reportedly visited Glenwood after a bear hunting trip in Colorado.

3. Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Home of the “Mother Spring”

Pagosa Springs is named after the Ute word “Pag-Osah,” meaning “healing waters.” The Mother Spring here is the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, with a measured depth of over 1,000 feet.

Used for centuries by Native American tribes, the area became a battleground of sorts in the 1800s, as white settlers claimed the land. A small sanitarium was eventually built in the early 20th century, marking the start of its use in Western-style wellness practices.

Historical Highlight: The spring’s healing reputation was so strong that battles were sometimes paused so warriors could soak in its waters.

4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Aurora Views and Remote Healing

Discovered by gold miners in 1905, Chena Hot Springs quickly became a refuge for those looking to heal from the rigors of frontier life. Its location deep in Alaska’s interior made it a hidden treasure, but word spread fast, especially among miners suffering from joint pain and frostbite.

In the mid-1900s, the resort grew to include lodges, a greenhouse, and eventually an ice museum. Today, visitors flock to the springs for its healing waters and stunning views of the northern lights.

Historical Highlight: The hot springs were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, preserving its legacy as a pioneer-era healing center.

5. Sierra Hot Springs, California

A Spiritual Sanctuary in the Sierra Nevada

Sierra Hot Springs has been used for centuries by the Washoe tribe and later became popular among settlers and back-to-the-land spiritualists. In the 1970s, the site evolved into a nonprofit retreat center, drawing people interested in yoga, meditation, and bodywork.

Unlike commercial resorts, Sierra Hot Springs is known for its rustic, clothing-optional atmosphere and deep sense of community among wellness seekers.

Historical Highlight: The lodge building, constructed in the late 1800s, still stands today and adds a Victorian charm to this deeply spiritual setting.

6. Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

A Ghost Town Turned Luxury Retreat

Once a remote mining town in the 1800s, Dunton was abandoned for decades before being transformed into a high-end hot springs resort in the 1990s. The log cabins were restored, and the saloon, dance hall, and bathhouse brought back to life.

It’s now one of the most exclusive hot springs destinations in the U.S., blending Wild West history with five-star luxury.

Historical Highlight: The bathhouse features graffiti from the original miners — preserved as part of the resort’s authentic atmosphere.

7. Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

America’s First Spa Town

Even before the American Revolution, Berkeley Springs (originally called Bath) attracted settlers seeking its curative waters. George Washington himself bathed here and even surveyed the area as a young man.

The town became one of America’s earliest spa resorts, with its bathhouses dating back to the 18th century. The warm springs remain a central feature of this charming Appalachian town.

Historical Highlight: The Berkeley Springs State Park features a stone bathhouse built in 1815 — still in use today.

8. Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington

A Hidden Gem of the Northwest

Once used by Native Americans and early pioneers, Goldmyer Hot Springs remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most secluded geothermal wonders. Located deep in the Cascade Mountains, it can only be reached via a 4.5-mile hike.

In the 1900s, a rustic lodge and bathhouse were built, and the site became a quiet destination for those seeking solitude in nature. Now maintained by a nonprofit, it remains a testament to sustainable preservation.

Historical Highlight: Goldmyer has strict visitor limits to protect the pristine condition of the springs and surrounding old-growth forest.

From Sacred Ground to Spa Culture

The evolution of hot springs in America reflects a larger story: one of cultural reverence, health exploration, and changing views on nature and wellness. Native American tribes first recognized their healing powers. Then came settlers, who sought to tame and commercialize them. And now, travelers continue to rediscover these springs with a new focus on eco-consciousness and mindfulness.

Whether you prefer a luxurious soak in a historic bathhouse or a rugged trek to a hidden pool in the woods, America’s hot springs offer not just warmth—but wisdom, history, and a deep connection to the land.