Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the landmark inn was first built as
a bathhouse and saloon in 1863 by a prospector who hoped to lure local miners in
for a warm bath and a cold drink or two. The Victorian hotel was built in 1881 and
enlarged in 1890. In 1910, under the eye of a Butte millionaire and banker, the hotel
was renovated and redecorated in Spanish mission style by a snazzy New York firm.
The hotel and hot springs attracted presidents and celebrities, among them Teddy
Roosevelt. After countless owners and some neglect, including a temporary closure
in the late 1980s, the hotel has been renovated (although not to its former glory, it
must be noted) and updated, and it provides guests with cozy accommodations, fant-
astic food, and some of the best soaking waters anywhere.
There are both indoor plunge pools and an outdoor swimming pool, varying in
temperature 70-106°F. The indoor pools are separate for men and women and are
bathing-suit-optional, giving it almost a European feel. The water is constantly mov-
ing, replenishing itself every four hours, so no chemicals are needed. There are also
steam rooms available on both the men's and women's sides. Spa services, including
massages, are available.
The rooms are simple and “technology-free,” and the focus here is truly on heal-
ing. Bed-and-breakfast rooms range $99-139 and include a full nutritious breakfast.
Guest rooms without breakfast, and often with shared bath, range $65-90 and are
more basic than the B&B rooms.
Slightly more controversial than the soothing hot springs waters are the
radon
mines
in Boulder, which many people believe are the best alternative treatment
for relieving chronic pain and diseases that range from gout and lupus to eczema,
asthma, arthritis, and even cancer. There are a number of radon mines in town thanks
to an abundance of the natural radioactive gas. One of the oldest is the
Free En-
terprise Radon Health Mine
(149 Depot Hill Rd., 406/225-3383, hours vary, by
appointment, $8 for 1 hour, $250 for 30 hours over 10 days), founded in 1924 as
a silver and lead mine. Visitors travel in an Otis elevator 85 feet below the surface
to sit or sleep and breathe in the radon. There is even a special area for pets to be
treated. Wireless Internet is available even underground, and motel accommodations
are available for those undergoing full treatment.
