Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs Resort | Northern Montana

Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is the only soaking spot along Montana's northern tier. This developed resort sits 20 miles southeast of the small city of Malta and provides access to geothermal artesian water and various outdoor adventures.

The spring was discovered in 1924 when a wildcat oil driller struck a high-pressure mix of natural gas and geothermal water.

He abandoned the well, and the locals started using the newfound water source for bathing.

In 1927, the local rancher Elbert Davison built a soaking tub at the spring for his son, who suffered from polio. His son's condition improved significantly, and word spread about the healing power of mineral water.

Since gas was also escaping from the well, locals often set it on fire. The flame would keep burning until strong winds put it out.

Later on, the American Legion requested federal funding to shut off the gas without stopping water flow. They were successful, and under President Roosevelt's New Deal, the first resort was built. You can still see the original stonework of the building from the 1900s era.

Nowadays, you can enjoy the hot mineral water just like the Montana cowboys did during the "Saturday night bath" nearly 100 years ago.

You can stay right at the resort or visit it during the day.