Missouri has no naturally occurring hot springs. The state's Paleozoic sedimentary bedrock and the ancient Ozark uplift lack recent volcanism or fault-hosted deep geothermal circulation. Excelsior Springs (Clay County) was a major 19th-century mineral-water resort, famous for its unusual concentration of five mineral-water types in one location, but the water is cool (55-60°F) artesian mineral water, not geothermal. The historic Hall of Waters remains a landmark. Travelers searching for hot springs in Missouri, hot springs near St. Louis, or hot springs near Kansas City will find no in-state hot options. The closest genuine hot springs are Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (approximately 5 hours by car from either St. Louis or Kansas City, Arkansas is Missouri's neighbor and the natural weekend destination). Reviewed and updated June 2026. See our Ozarks and Southern regional map for the drive to Hot Springs, AR.
