Quick FactsOverview
About Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Montana is a developed hot spring resort near Saco in Phillips County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Malta along the US Highway 2 corridor known as the Montana Hi-Line. It is the only hot spring facility along Montana's northern tier, drawing visitors from across the state and from North Dakota and Saskatchewan since the 1920s. The resort is built around an artesian geothermal well drilled to 3,200 feet, which delivers chemical-free mineral water to the surface at high volume continuously.
The hot spring resort offers three indoor pools: a large warm swimming pool, a hotter soaking pool, and a cold plunge. All pools are drained and refilled nightly. A sauna is also on site. Accommodations range from cabins and suites to RV hookups and tent camping, and a small store provides basic supplies. The facility sits adjacent to Nelson Reservoir, which offers fishing and water recreation nearby.
The springs were discovered in 1924 when a wildcat oil driller struck geothermal water and natural gas in Phillips County. Local communities and the American Legion worked to harness the flow, and the Works Progress Administration later helped develop the site into a public bathing facility in the 1930s.
Location & Access
Getting to Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is reached directly by vehicle from US Highway 2, making it one of the easiest hot spring resorts in Montana to reach without any hiking or off-road driving. From Malta, head east along Highway 2 for approximately 20 miles toward Saco, then follow signs for the resort on Buffalo Trail. The turnoff is well marked and the property is accessible by any vehicle, including RVs and vehicles towing trailers. The resort has a flat, paved parking area and easy walking between parking and the pool building.
For travelers driving the Hi-Line route between Havre and Glasgow, Sleeping Buffalo makes a natural stopping point. Those looking for hot springs near Malta, Montana will find this is the closest developed option, with no other comparable facility along this stretch of Highway 2. Cell coverage in the area can be limited, so downloading driving directions and the resort contact information before leaving Malta is a sensible precaution, particularly for evening arrivals.
The facility is wheelchair accessible throughout, with flat ground and accessible entrances to the pool building. Guests in cabins or suites have pool access included with their accommodation. Day visitors pay a separate entry fee. The resort is open year-round, and the indoor pools mean that weather does not affect the soaking experience regardless of the season.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors, from families with children to older adults and those with mobility considerations, making it one of the more inclusive hot spring resorts in Montana. The indoor setting, flat access paths, and wheelchair-accessible facilities mean that visitors who cannot manage uneven terrain at other springs will find this a practical and comfortable choice. Swimsuits are required and the atmosphere is family friendly throughout.
The three pools offer options for different preferences: the large warm swimming pool suits families and recreational swimmers, while the hotter soaking pool suits those seeking a focused thermal soak. The cold plunge provides a sharp contrast for those who enjoy alternating temperatures. A sauna rounds out the options. Families traveling the Hi-Line who need an overnight stop with activities for all ages will find the combination of pools, camping, and RV hookups particularly practical.
Sleeping Buffalo is also well suited to couples or solo travelers on a road trip who want to break a long drive across northeastern Montana. Because the facility is indoors and open year-round, it works well as a winter destination when outdoor springs elsewhere are inaccessible. For those seeking a hot spring resort in Montana on the Hi-Line without the need for any backcountry driving, Sleeping Buffalo is the only facility in this part of the state. Towels and swimsuit rental are available on site.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is generally safe for visitors of most ages and fitness levels, with managed pools, on-site staff, and facilities that are drained and refilled nightly. The key safety consideration at any hot spring applies here: prolonged soaking in warm water can cause dehydration, fatigue, and lightheadedness, so taking breaks and drinking water regularly is important. The hot soaking pool runs at a high temperature, and visitors new to thermal soaking should start with a short session and exit if they feel dizzy or overheated.
Children should be supervised closely in all pool areas at all times. The large swimming pool can attract active play, particularly when families are present, and other bathers may prefer the soaking pool for a quieter experience during busy periods. Staff are present during operating hours but are not lifeguards: visitors are responsible for their own safety in the water. Visitors with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before soaking.
Swimsuits are required in all pool areas without exception. Keep voices at a reasonable level, give other soakers space, and avoid running on wet pool decks. Glass containers should not be brought poolside. The cold plunge is intended for brief cooling sessions: entering and exiting quickly shows consideration for others waiting to use it.
The geothermal water has a mineral content that some visitors notice as a mild sulfur or metallic scent. This is natural and is not a safety concern. Showering after soaking is advisable. If camping or staying in an RV on site, observe quiet hours and keep pets leashed in the campground, respecting other guests who may be resting.
