Evans Plunge Hot Springs
For a relaxing yet historical adventure, treat your family to a dip in the Evans Plunge Hot Springs. With pools of naturally warm mineral water, Evans Plunge Hot Springs has been considered a therapeutic and healing destination for generations. In addition to its famous refreshing waters, today's Evans Plunge Hot Springs offers excitement in the form of swimming, waterslides, float tubes, Tarzan rings, and a health club.
Humans have enjoyed the therapeutic hot springs for thousands of years. The Lakota Sioux referred to the area as "Wiwilakahta," the valley of the healing waters. Both the Lakota Sioux and the Cheyenne claimed possession over the hot springs. Legend has it that both tribe fought a fierce battle above the hot springs, with the Lakota emerging as the victor.
The springs were not only fought over among Native American tribes. In 1876 Colonel W.J. Thornby, one of the first white men to encounter the hot springs, marked his territory with a lead pencil on a nearby cedar: "This is my spring. W.J. Thornby." In 1881 the hot springs was traded by Joe Brimdschmidt to Joe Petty in exchange for a horse worth a mere $35. Eventually, in 1890 Evans Plunge was built over several small springs and a larger one. The brainchild of Fred Evans, the springs lured people with promises of healing liver and gastrointestinal tract diseases.
Today, the springs are no longer touted a as cure-all destiny, but as a fun family recreational center. Five thousand gallons of water flow through the springs per minute, and maintains a comfortable temperature of 87 degrees F. Lifeguards are always on duty.
Open year-round, Evans Plunge Hot Springs is located at the north end of Hot Springs, South Dakota just off Highway 385. Admission prices are:
Ages 2 and under: Free
Ages 3-12: $9 +tax
Ages 13 and up: $11 +tax
With group discounts available for parties of 10 or more, the Evans Plunge Hot Springs makes a great family reunion retreat. Hours of operation vary throughout the year.
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