Quick FactsOverview
About Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness
Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness, Montana is Helena's only geothermal mineral hot springs complex, at 4920 W US Hwy 12, approximately 4 miles west of downtown Helena on the corridor toward Missoula. The facility sits on Ten Mile Creek in the foothills west of Montana's state capital and traces its roots to the Broadwater Natatorium built in 1889 by Colonel Charles Broadwater. The current facility was rebranded and expanded in 2015 under new ownership and now covers 25,000 square feet.
Seven outdoor geothermal mineral pools are fed by an artesian well reaching 148 to 152 degrees Fahrenheit at the source, cooled to soaking temperatures using natural cold spring water exclusive to the Broadwater site. Pool temperatures span from a cold plunge at 50 to 59 degrees up to hot tubs at 101 to 104 degrees, with soaking pools at 97 to 102 degrees and the recreation pool at 89 to 93 degrees. All pools are outdoors and open year-round with light chlorination. A bar and grill with poolside service, a full fitness center, and live music programming make this more than a simple soaking destination. For visitors looking for hot springs near Helena within a short drive of the state capital, this is the closest and most fully featured geothermal facility in central Montana.
Location & Access
Getting to Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness
Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness is at 4920 W US Highway 12 in Helena, Montana, approximately 4 miles west of downtown on the highway toward Missoula. From central Helena, head west on US-12 for about 4 miles and turn right onto Old Broadwater Lane; the facility is on the right and is well signed from the highway. The drive takes around ten minutes. On-site parking is available and no hiking is required.
There is no direct public transit route to the facility, but it is accessible by taxi or rideshare from Helena. Helena Regional Airport is approximately 8 miles from the facility, making it a convenient stop for visitors flying into the capital. For those driving between Helena and Missoula on US-12, the Broadwater sits just west of the city edge and is a natural stop in either direction. Hot springs near Helena with this level of access from a main highway are rare in Montana.
The facility is open seven days a week, year-round. General pool access is walk-in with no advance reservation required. Hours vary by day, with later closing on Fridays and Saturdays; confirm current hours at broadwatermt.com before visiting as they can shift seasonally and around events. The Springs Taproom and Grill operates on a separate lunch and dinner schedule. No overnight accommodation is available on site; Helena has a full range of lodging within a ten-minute drive.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Is Broadwater Hot Springs Suitable For?
Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness is suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families and locals using it as a regular fitness and wellness destination to travelers passing through Helena who want a soak and a meal. The seven outdoor pools at varying temperatures let visitors build a circuit to suit their preference, from cold plunge to hot soak. The facility is wheelchair accessible, making it one of the more accessible hot springs Montana has that are also close to a city. Children under 15 require adult supervision throughout the pool areas.
The combination of a full fitness center, group aqua fitness classes, the Springs Taproom and Grill, and a live music programme makes this a longer-stay destination than a simple soaking pool. Visitors can combine a workout with a soak, eat poolside, or spend an evening at a live music event. The social, lively atmosphere sets it apart from the quieter retreat-style hot springs found in rural Montana. Solo visitors, couples, and groups all use the complex comfortably.
No accommodation is available on site, but Helena's lodging options are close. Day-use only, walk-in entry, and no reservation required for the pools. Pets are not permitted at the facility. Accessible hot springs Montana that combine fitness infrastructure and dining within a city-edge setting are uncommon, and the Broadwater fills that role for Helena residents and visitors to the capital.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness
Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness is generally safe to visit. The pools are outdoors year-round, meaning weather conditions affect the experience and the surfaces around them. In cold or icy conditions, wet pool decking and pathways between pools can be slippery; wear grip sandals and move deliberately throughout the complex. Keep one hand free when walking between pool areas and do not run on decks in any season.
The temperature range across the seven pools is wide, from 50 degrees in the cold plunge to 104 degrees in the hot tubs. Build heat gradually rather than entering the hottest pool first, and use the cold plunge as a reset between hot sessions rather than as an abrupt switch. Drink water throughout your visit. Exit any pool promptly if you feel lightheaded, unusually fatigued, or short of breath. Visitors with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or heat sensitivity should seek personal medical advice before using pools above 100 degrees.
Swimsuits are required throughout the facility at all times. Light chlorination is used in combination with the geothermal mineral water. Shower before entering the pools and keep personal care products out of the shared water. Children under 15 must be supervised by an adult; there is no lifeguard on duty. The Springs Taproom and Grill serves alcohol in the outdoor shared space; the poolside atmosphere on busy evenings can be livelier than at a dedicated wellness retreat. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the calmest periods for those who prefer a quieter soak. No pets are permitted on the premises.
