(Full disclosure up front: This article is somewhat self-serving.)
I’ve been wanting to visit a hot spring for a while. The problem? My husband isn’t thrilled about my idea. So, to help convince him, and maybe you, too, I’ve come up with five great reasons to visit a Midwest hot spring.
Locations
We live in the Midwest. I figure my best chance of talking my husband into checking out a hot spring is to find a location that’s not too far away. After just a bit of research, I’m pleased to announce that there are many hot springs with great reviews. And these are all located in the Midwest, too!
Rationale
Before I list the hot spring locations I’ve found, I want to tell you (and my husband) the five great reasons why visiting a hot spring should be on an RVer’s “must-do” list.
- Stress relief and relaxation. Hot springs are well known for their therapeutic benefits. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water can help ease tension and soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and help to relieve stress. Soaking in hot springs can help you relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Scenic surroundings. Visiting a hot spring is more than a warm soak in a big tub! Most of the Midwest’s hot springs are located in beautiful natural areas, with many situated within national parks or forests. Think how relaxing it would be to explore the nearby scenery, then end the day with a wonderfully tranquil soak.
- Outdoor activities. The Midwest’s hot springs are often located near outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, fishing, zip-lining, skiing, and more. This provides a perfect opportunity to combine relaxation with adventure.
- Cultural experience. Some Midwest hot springs have a rich history and cultural significance. Visiting these hot springs can provide a glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and history.
- Affordable. Midwest hot springs tend to be more affordable than the more popular springs in other parts of the country. What’s more, travel time and fuel costs will be less because they are closer to our stix-n-brix home.
Midwest hot springs
Here are the hot springs I’m considering. Most are located within a day or two drive from our “middle of the Midwest” stix-n-brix home. If you have a favorite hot spring that’s not on my list, please add it to the comments following this article.
- Sulphur Springs. Located in the small town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Sulphur Springs is known for its natural mineral-rich hot springs. They welcome the public to come for a relaxing soak.
- Hot Springs National Park. Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the setting for several hot springs that are open to the public in this National Park. Visitors can also enjoy the historic Bathhouse Row and take a bath in one of the traditional bathhouses.
- Eureka Springs. Also in Arkansas, Eureka Springs has several natural hot springs that are open to the public. The town also draws many visitors who enjoy the town’s wonderful Victorian architecture.
- Hot Springs. Located in Hot Springs, South Dakota, this town features several hot springs, including the Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, which hearkens back to the 1890s.
- Hot Springs State Park. Multiple hot springs are open to the public in this Thermopolis, Wyoming, State Park. There is a free bathhouse where visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters. (For those of you who may think Wyoming is not in the Midwest, you may have a point. But it’s Wyoming, so there’s a chance my husband would actually consider visiting the hot springs there!)
- Glenwood Hot Springs. This Glenwood, Colorado, location claims to have the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. There are also smaller thermal pools nearby. (I know, I know. Colorado as a Midwest location may be stretching things a bit. But it’s Colorado! So, you understand, right?)
You’ll be the first to know if we take an RV trip to a Midwest hot spring. In the meantime, if you go, be sure to check each location’s website for hours of operation, admission fees, and any other important information as you plan your trip. A visit to a hot spring can be a physically relaxing and mentally refreshing experience. I really hope to visit one soon!
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##RVT1100
This husband will do almost anything to “stay out of hot water”. (I must admit that I did enjoy Hot Spring Arkansas.)
I took your comment to me one step further, Kelly, since your comment as it stands is just fine. 😆 Take care. 😀 –Diane
I did not want my “humor” to take away from a good article.
No worries, Kelly. It was just fine.👍 I wish more of our commenters were as conscientious as you are! Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
Conscientious? I just don’t want to get in hot water with Diane. Good Night
Same difference, Kelly. (Whatever that means.) 😉😄 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Nice! What is it with our husbands not truly wanting to experience this fun activity? I used to go to Mammoth for snow skiing and in the cold evening we would go soak in the hot spring with friends and refreshments. Hmm, maybe that’s it! Used to and now I am more sensitive to the temperatures??? I rather be enjoying the company of my Darling Husband together alone in the comfort of our RV & Stk-n-brk home. That’s my answer, smiling.
My husband isn’t “into” them as well…but I was able to talk him into going (for me) to the ones in AR and WY since we were in that area. They were great! I can’t remember if he ever got in, but I sure did, and they were GREAT! I let him take pictures…and sit back and enjoy the scenery. GO, spend a few days, camp, walk around, and BATHE, it’s an experience you won’t forget! I wish there were some closer to where we live (a jacuzzi just isn’t the same).
Didn’t know that Colorado is in the Midwest.
Hi, Bill. That’s why Gail said she was “stretching things a bit” when she added Colorado to the list. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Three in AR and three more out West, once you cross the plains I think you in the West.
When we travelled by motorcycle, years ago, we went to Eureka Springs, AR countless times. It was worth being a full day’s ride for us. Without fail, the city had an event there every single weekend, including many car shows. Always got a room without reservations, and best of all, you pay for a trolley pass that takes you everywhere, all day. You really don’t want to drive, let alone ride a bike in downtown Eureka Springs. It is literally stuck to the side of a mountain, so park and ride. The trolley stops almost everywhere, including RV parks.