Hot Springs, Thermal springs destination in Fall River County, South Dakota
Hot Springs is a city in Fall River County, South Dakota, built around natural mineral springs that flow through the area at varying temperatures. These thermal waters feed facilities like Evans Plunge and Moccasin Springs, offering swimming and leisure opportunities.
The settlement was originally named Minnekahta, a sacred site for Native Americans, before European settlers transformed it into a health resort in the late 1800s. This shift from indigenous land to spa destination shaped how the town developed.
The downtown features more than 35 buildings constructed with local pink sandstone, reflecting early twentieth-century architectural choices. Walking through these streets, you notice how the stone gives the town a distinctive appearance.
The water temperatures vary across the springs, so you may want to check which pools best suit your preferences before your visit. The terrain is relatively flat, making walking and exploring easy throughout the area.
The Mammoth Site preserves one of the largest collections of mammoth fossils still being excavated in their original location in North America. You can see where scientists continue to work uncovering these remains.
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