Lava Hot Springs Inn

Lava Hot Springs, circa 1950 WaterArchives.org

Long before the town of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, was established by European immigrants, the springs in this area were frequented by the native Bannock and Shoshone tribes who believed they had spiritual healing properties.

Built in the 1920s, the Lava Hot Springs Hospital was eventually used to rehabilitate veterans returning from World War I. The soothing waters of the natural springs were used for therapeutic treatments of the patients recovering here. After the war, the hospital became a place where the town’s elderly was cared for.

Only in the 1980s was this building turned into a hotel, containing 31 guest rooms and multiple pools ranging from 94-107 degrees Fahrenheit.

Know Before You Go

Visitors who would like to use the pools but are not staying at the inn are required to purchase a day pass, which is available at the front desk. Please make sure to stop by it before entering the pools.

*Pool hours: 7 AM- 11 PM

This location is home to a few feline friends- be sure to say hello!

Just below the inn runs the Portneuf River. There are many inner tube rental locations nearby if one wishes to go tubing.

Should you choose to stay here, it may be helpful to know that most of the bathrooms are shared and just across the hall from the guest rooms.