Quick FactsOverview
About Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, South Dakota is a city-operated aquatic facility in the town of Hot Springs, fed by a natural mineral spring that has supplied warm water continuously since the facility opened in 1890. Located at 1145 North River Street, it is described as the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills, predating both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
The facility houses a large indoor pool fed directly by a mineral spring that flows at approximately 5,000 gallons per minute, maintaining the water at a consistent 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool bottom is lined with natural river pebbles, and the continuous throughput of fresh spring water refreshes the pool multiple times each day. For visitors exploring soaking pools in South Dakota, the indoor setting makes Evans Plunge one of the only options that operates independently of outdoor weather and seasonal closures.
The site also includes an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, water slides, and a health club, all included with standard admission. The Lakota Sioux called the springs here Minnekahta, meaning warm water, and the site has drawn visitors for bathing and gathering for far longer than the current facility has stood. Evans Plunge is now owned and operated by the city of Hot Springs.
Location & Access
Getting to Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is located at 1145 North River Street in Hot Springs, South Dakota, at the north end of the city just off US Highway 385. It is easily reached by car with a parking area on-site. No hiking or extended walking is required, and the entrance to the building is at street level.
From the north, take US-385 south through the Black Hills and follow the highway into Hot Springs along North River Street. From the south, follow US-385 north through the town. The facility is clearly signed and visible from the main road. Hot Springs sits in Fall River County in the southern Black Hills, approximately 50 miles south of Rapid City. Wind Cave National Park is about 10 miles north of Hot Springs via US-385 and can be paired with a visit on the same day.
For anyone looking for hot springs near Hot Springs with full indoor facilities, Evans Plunge is the most centrally located and fully developed option in the area. It requires no trailhead navigation, outdoor gear, or weather planning to visit. Public transportation options in and out of Hot Springs are limited, so most visitors arrive by personal vehicle. The facility is open most days of the week, though hours vary by season, and the swim team schedule from September to March can limit pool access on certain afternoons. Checking the official website before visiting is recommended, particularly when traveling from a distance.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Evans Plunge Mineral Springs Is Suitable For
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs suits families with children and visitors across a wide range of ages and abilities, as the facility provides dedicated areas for different swimmer types, including shallow kiddie pools, a main pool with room for lap swimming and open play, and water slides that appeal to older children and adults. The fully indoor main pool means weather has no impact on the visit.
For visitors seeking accessible hot springs in South Dakota, Evans Plunge is the most developed option available in the region. The facility is a permanent structure with level entry, locker rooms, and changing areas, making it more accommodating for visitors with mobility considerations than the natural outdoor springs in the surrounding Black Hills. Life jackets are available for smaller children who want to use the slides.
The 87-degree pool temperature is consistently warm and comfortable for extended swims, though it sits closer to a lap-swim temperature than a deep geothermal soak. Visitors expecting intense heat may find it milder than anticipated, while those who find very hot springs uncomfortable may appreciate the moderate warmth. The sauna and steam room, both included with admission, provide a warmer environment for those who want it. The health club further extends the appeal for visitors who like to combine relaxation with exercise during their time in Hot Springs.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is generally safe to visit. As a staffed, city-operated aquatic facility with lifeguards on duty during operating hours, it maintains a supervised environment that is more controlled than the natural outdoor springs in the surrounding Black Hills area. Standard pool safety rules apply throughout the facility, including height and age requirements on certain water slides and supervision requirements for young children in the pool.
The mineral spring water flows through the pool at a high continuous rate, refreshing the pool multiple times each day. This throughput reduces reliance on chemical treatment compared to a conventional pool, though the facility maintains water quality to public health standards. The water is naturally clear and odorless, which is a point of interest for first-time visitors to mineral spring pools.
Swimwear is required in all pool and water areas. Locker rooms and changing rooms are available inside the facility, and visitors should plan to change before entering the pool areas. Footwear is recommended when moving between wet areas to reduce slip risk. Children who are not yet toilet trained must use appropriate swim diapers while in the water.
From September through March, the Hot Springs Swim Team holds practice on certain afternoons, which can limit pool access during those times. Checking the schedule before visiting is helpful during that period. Concessions and a gift shop are on-site. Visitors with questions about group rates or accessibility accommodations should contact Evans Plunge directly before their visit.
