South Dakota

Evans Plunge Mineral Springs - Hot Springs in South Dakota

08/15/2021

I traveled to South Dakota, relying only on the name "hot springs," which are scattered all over the United States.

It's the state with the mountains where the faces of presidents are carved.

Walking in the old town

Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four presidents are carved into the rocky mountain.

Mount Rushmore

Everyone knows this tourist attraction is located in a place where conflicts between whites and Native Americans were particularly intense.

Fall River 2

Hot Springs, SD is located at the southern end of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, which was considered sacred by the indigenous people.

The hot springs enjoyed by Native Americans became a popular tourist attraction for whites as early as the late 19th century.

Fall River 1

On winter mornings, as you can see here, the entire river of warm water flowing through the old town was filled with fantastic steam.

The town was full of charm that it is hard to believe that it was deserted now.

Kidney Springs 1

You can also visit Kidney Springs Park.

Underneath the historic pavilion, described as Japanese-style, is a drinking fountain.

Kidney Springs 2

Drinking hot spring water is an important aspect of the era when hot springs were part of medical treatment.

The mouthwatering natural water never runs dry.

Hot Springs Waterfall

A beautiful rainbow of warm waterfalls was forming at the southern end of the park.

All the springs were lukewarm, but they were superb highlights of the town walk.

Free-flowing giant pool

Exterior

No one would doubt that Evens Plunge is the landmark of the city.

Although it has been rebuilt, it has been in operation since the establishment in 1890.

Entrance 1

In 2013, the management was replaced by the town.

The reception desk had a high ceiling.

Entrance 2

There was a souvenir shop on the left as I entered.

As a symbol of Hot Springs, it seems to be stimulating some tourism demand.

Shop

The second floor was equipped with a fitness gym.

Gym

It seemed to have great significance as a health center for the community.

Corridor

Head to the changing rooms, passing by panels explaining the history of Evans Plunge.

Changing Room

Clothing was required; valuables could be left in the coin-operated lockers.

Large Pool 2

No matter how you look at it, it's an indoor pool.

There was also a small room with hot tubs called Health Club, but it was under construction.

Health Club

A view of the giant structure from the top of the water slide.

Large Pool 1

At the north end, there was a small pool for families.

Family Pool

The southern end was the deepest, and even adults could not reach the bottom.

Steps

What's significant about this pool, as some of you may have noticed, is that the entire bottom is covered with gravel.

It was just a spring that gushes straight out of the ground and had a roof over it.

Swimming

Because of the enormous amount of water that came out of the pool, the entire pool could be naturally replaced in an hour and a half.

Due to this, chlorination was minimal and I actually didn't detect it.

Large Pool 3

The water temp was 88 degrees F, which was a little chilly when I went up.

Outdoor Pool 1

The door leading to the outdoor pool was closed.

Outdoor Pool 2

However, the outdoor pool didn't seem to be interesting for hot spring enthusiasts.

A must-see for enthusiasts

Warm water was dumped behind the parking lot.

Hidden Pool 1

Drainage from a large hole drilled in the concrete slope recorded a temperature of 84 degrees F.

Capybara
Capybara
This should be a must-see for enthusiasts.
I'm the one who found it.
Alpaca
Alpaca
Hidden Pool 2

It seemed that someone had set up a pool surrounded by rocks.

The amount of warm water was tremendous and worth to see.

Hidden Pool 3

Summary

Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, Hot Springs, South Dakota, U.S.

My rating

Type: Walk-in

Rule: Clothing required

Chemical use: Detected

Water temp: Up to 88 degrees F

Official website

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

-South Dakota
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