Located in the heart of downtown Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs Inn is a former healing sanctuary turned relaxing getaway where guests can enjoy natural geothermal soaking and explore one of southeastern Idaho's most popular destinations.

The property has a rich and layered past, initially built in the early 1920s as a modern sanitarium offering hydrotherapy to veterans and those in need of healing. Over the decades, it also operated as a hospital and rest home before being restored in the late 1980s and reopened as the inn and spa it is today.

This historic haven still holds whispers of its past—guests and staff have occasionally reported unexplained sounds, creaking floors, or fleeting shadows, giving rise to gentle rumors that the old building may be home to a ghost or two.

Lava Hot Springs Inn Hot Springs Experience

Geothermal mineral water at Lava Hot Springs Inn comes from a deep well at around 145°F and is piped into multiple soaking pools of various sizes and temperatures. Pool temps range from 94°F to 107°F depending on the season, with a refreshing cold plunge pool at 44°F available year-round.

Bathing suits are required in all pools. In addition to soaking, the spa offers massage therapy and aquatic bodywork, designed to improve mobility, reduce tension, and support healing.

Overnight guests at the inn enjoy complimentary access to the geothermal soaking pools during their stay. But you don’t have to book a room to enjoy the relaxing mineral water. You can stay at any other place in the town and purchase pool passes at the front desk.

In addition to being great for soaking, the geothermal mineral water at Lava Hot Springs Inn is also safe to drink. Naturally filtered and free of sulfur, the water is known for its clean, mild taste and mineral-rich composition.

From Lava Inn, you can access numerous other hot springs in the town. For family-friendly water fun, Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex features large outdoor pools, water slides, diving platforms, and an indoor aquatic center—perfect for both relaxation and play.

Lava Hot Springs World Famous Hot Pools nearby offers five geothermal soaking pools with varying temperatures, allowing for a soothing and rejuvenating soak in a beautifully maintained setting.

Just steps from the inn, the Portneuf River offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, tubing, and other outdoor adventures.

Guests of Lava Hot Springs Inn can also take advantage of the property’s shuttle service, which runs to nearby towns including Pocatello, Bancroft, McCammon, Inkom, and notably Soda Springs known for its hourly erupting geyser.

Location: Lava Hot Springs • Southeastern Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Soaking and swimming pools, cold plunge
Clothing: Mandatory in public areas
Amenities & Services: Inn, spa

Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes

Elevation: 5,400 ft (1,645 m)

Water T° (source): 145°F (63°C)
Water T° (soaking pools): 94°F - 107°F (34°C - 42°C)
Water T° (cold plunge): 44°F (7°C)
Odor: None
Water acidity level: Acidic (pH=5.2)
Chemical used: None

Mineral Content:

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) - 576 Mg/L
Chloride (Cl) - 224 Mg/L
Sodium (Na) - 222 Mg/L
Calcium (CaCO₃) - 141 Mg/L
Sulfate (SO₄) - 109 Mg/L
Potassium (K) - 52 Mg/L
Magnesium (Mg) - 28 Mg/L
Fluoride (F) - 0.6 Mg/L