The steam rising off the outdoor pools at Broadwater Hot Springs caught the last orange light of a November sunset, and I remember thinking this was exactly why I keep exploring Montana hot springs — that perfect collision of mineral-rich water, mountain air, and the kind of quiet that only exists in Big Sky Country.
Located 10 minutes west of downtown Helena, Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness has been tied to this geothermal source since the 1880s.
The modern facility bears no resemblance to the grand Victorian natatorium that once stood here, but it carries that same mission: accessible geothermal soaking for the Helena community and its visitors.
Quick Answer — Broadwater Hot Springs Helena MT
Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness is Helena’s only geothermal mineral hot springs — a 25,000 sq ft facility at 4920 W US Highway 12 with 7 pools including outdoor soaking pools (97–102°F), a hot tub (101–104°F), a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and the Springs Taproom + Grill. Day use only (no overnight accommodations). Open Monday through Sunday, 6 AM–10:30 PM (later on weekends). [Verify current admission pricing at broadwatermt.com.]
- 7 pools ranging from cold plunge to 101–104°F hot tub, all fed by a natural artesian well (148–152°F source)
- Full facility: sauna, steam room, fitness floor, racquetball courts, swim lessons, spa services
- The Springs Taproom + Grill — full restaurant and bar, poolside beverages, breakfast Sat–Sun
- Live music events: monthly “Boots & Beer” (3rd Tuesday, line/swing dancing) + outdoor stage year-round
- Day use only — no accommodations; not pet-friendly; clothing required
- Best visited weekday mornings for quieter soaking; evenings popular for the social atmosphere
- Address: 4920 W US Hwy 12, Helena, MT 59601 | (406) 443-5777
The History Behind Broadwater Hot Springs
Understanding Broadwater’s history explains why this spot matters to Helena in a way that other hot springs don’t.
The original Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium was built in 1889 by Charles Broadwater, a railroad magnate who envisioned creating a world-class resort to rival the great European spas.
The original structure was enormous — the indoor pool measured 300 feet long and 100 feet wide, making it one of the largest indoor pools in the world at the time. Helena was briefly the wealthiest city per capita in the United States during its gold rush era, and Broadwater’s resort reflected that ambition.
The grand Victorian building fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1946. A recreation facility operating on the same geothermal source opened in subsequent decades under various names — notably as the Broadwater Athletic Club, established in 1982, which served the Helena community through the 1980s and 90s.
In 2015, new ownership acquired the aging facility and rebranded, reimagined, and revitalized it as Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness — the modern facility visitors see today.
The renovation preserved the geothermal heritage while adding the Springs Taproom + Grill, updated fitness facilities, and a programming calendar that includes live music and community events.
The result is a 25,000 sq ft campus that connects directly to a mineral water source that Helena residents have been visiting for over 130 years.
What Makes Broadwater Different
During my visit last fall, I spent an entire afternoon cycling through the various pools, chatting with locals, and discovering why this place remains a beloved gathering spot for Montanans despite its understated appearance.
It’s a genuine community center, not a tourist destination. I ended up chatting with three retired Helena residents who’ve been coming here weekly for over twenty years. That authentic local atmosphere is something expensive resorts simply can’t manufacture.
The water is genuinely special. The natural artesian well produces geothermal water at 148–152°F (seasonally variable), which is then cooled to comfortable pool temperatures using the facility’s own natural cold springs water — a system exclusive to the Broadwater that produces what management describes as “the cleanest water in the state.” The facility’s partnership with Aquify Systems for advanced filtration reinforces this commitment to water quality.
The price is honest. At a fraction of what Montana’s destination resorts charge per soak, Broadwater delivers legitimate geothermal mineral water soaking without the markup. [Verify current day admission pricing at broadwatermt.com before visiting, as rates have increased in recent years.]
For things to do in Helena, Broadwater pairs naturally with an afternoon exploring downtown before an evening soak — a sequence that every Helena visitor should experience at least once.
The Complete Pool & Facilities Guide
Broadwater operates 7 pools total, plus a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and fitness floor — a significantly more comprehensive facility than most Montana hot springs visitors expect.
The Springs Pool
The Springs Pool is a 30′ × 70′ freeform saltwater soaking pool, 3–4.5 feet deep throughout. The perimeter is lined with bench seating, making it ideal for stationary soaking and conversation.
Temperature maintained between 97–102°F. This is where I spent the most time — the combination of size, depth, and temperature makes it the most versatile pool in the lineup.
The Soaking Pool
The Soaking Pool runs 24′ × 60′ with a depth of 3–5 feet, also bench-lined, also at 97–102°F. Functionally similar to the Springs Pool but slightly more compact, which makes it feel a touch more private. This pool tends to fill up more slowly than the Springs Pool during busy periods.
The Recreation Pool
The largest pool on the property at 25′ × 70′ with depth ranging from 3–10 feet, the Recreation Pool runs cooler at 89–93°F. This is the designated family pool area and the one with the waterslides. The deeper end serves lap swimmers during designated swim times.
The Hot Tub
The dedicated hot tub area maintains the highest consistent temperature on the property at 101–104°F — the choice for therapeutic soaking and muscle recovery. Smaller capacity than the main pools, which means it fills quickly on busy evenings. Arrive early or plan for a wait on weekends.
Cold Plunge
The cold plunge completes the therapeutic circuit for those who practice contrast hydrotherapy — alternating between the hot pools and the cold plunge.
Cold plunge temperatures are deliberately low to provide the vascular contrast benefit. If you’ve never done contrast soaking before, the cold plunge is jarring on first contact and addictive by the second.
Sauna and Steam Room
Broadwater’s sauna and steam room operate alongside the pool area and are included with pool access. Multiple Yelp reviewers specifically call out the sauna-steam-cool pool rotation as their primary Broadwater experience: “I always stop in for a workout and then go back and forth from the sauna, steam room, and cool pool.”
The sauna and steam room are particularly popular during colder months when the contrast between dry heat and the outdoor pool in cold air creates a genuinely restorative experience.
The Springs Taproom + Grill
One of the most significant recent upgrades to Broadwater’s identity is the Springs Taproom + Grill — a full-service restaurant and bar that operates on-site, not the “small snack bar” that the facility once offered.
Current Taproom hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: noon – 11 PM (+ breakfast 9–11:30 AM)
- Sunday: noon – 10 PM (+ breakfast 9–11:30 AM)
The menu covers lunch and dinner daily with Montana pub fare: burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and rotating specials. The Taproom pours local beer alongside a broader drinks menu. Saturday and Sunday breakfast service adds a morning option for early soakers.
The poolside experience — soaking in mineral water with a beverage in hand and the Helena mountains in the background — is what distinguishes Broadwater from a straightforward gym with a hot tub. Plan to eat here at least once during a visit rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Note on dining vs. pool access: The Taproom is open to the general public during lunch and dinner hours independent of pool access. You don’t need a pool ticket to eat here. [Verify current menu and drink options at broadwatermt.com.]
Live Music and Events
This is the element of Broadwater’s current identity that most travel guides haven’t caught up on — and it’s a significant differentiator.
Boots & Beer runs every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:30 PM. The event features line and swing dance lessons led by experienced instructors alongside live music in the Taproom. Both beginners and experienced dancers show up — the atmosphere is community-focused and genuinely welcoming.
Beyond Boots & Beer, Broadwater maintains an outdoor stage with live music performances throughout the year. The schedule varies by season — check the current events calendar at broadwatermt.com before your visit, as summer brings more frequent live music programming.
This event calendar makes Broadwater worth planning around rather than just adding to an itinerary. A Thursday evening with Boots & Beer followed by an outdoor soak is a specifically Montana experience that no amount of resort amenity can replicate.
The Fitness Center
Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness isn’t just a hot springs — the fitness side of the operation is substantial enough to draw Helena residents who never enter the pools.
Equipment includes: Free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, circuit training machines. The fitness floor is well-maintained and adequately equipped for a general fitness routine.
Racquetball courts are available — a relatively rare amenity in Montana’s recreational facilities and one that adds genuine value for visitors staying multiple days in Helena.
Swim lessons are offered seasonally through the facility ([check current schedule at broadwatermt.com]). Both youth and adult instruction is available.
Spa services round out the wellness offerings — massage and similar services by appointment. Details and current pricing at broadwatermt.com.
The fitness center can be accessed independently from the hot springs pools, making Broadwater a legitimate daily-use facility for Helena residents and a full wellness destination for visitors.
Practical Information: Hours, Prices, Policies
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness |
| Address | 4920 W US Highway 12, Helena, MT 59601 |
| Phone | (406) 443-5777 |
| info@broadwatermt.com | |
| Website | broadwatermt.com |
| Hot Springs Hours (Mon–Thu) | 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Hot Springs Hours (Fri) | 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Hot Springs Hours (Sat) | 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Hot Springs Hours (Sun) | 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Day admission | [Verify current pricing at broadwatermt.com] |
| Memberships | Available; contact facility for current rates |
| Pools | 7 total (outdoor soaking, rec, hot tub, cold plunge) |
| Sauna + Steam | Yes — included with pool access |
| Taproom | Full restaurant + bar; lunch/dinner daily; breakfast Sat–Sun |
| Accommodations | None — day use only |
| Pets | Not permitted |
| Clothing | Required — bathing suits mandatory |
| Source well temp | 148–152°F (artesian, seasonal) |
| Facility size | 25,000 sq ft |
| Distance from downtown | 10 minutes (west on US-12) |
| Parking | Free surface lot |
Always verify current hours and pricing directly with Broadwater before visiting. The facility periodically closes for upgrades (a July 2026 closure for improvements was announced on the official site). Call (406) 443-5777 or visit broadwatermt.com for current status.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings (6–10 AM): The quietest window. Local lap swimmers use the recreation pool during designated morning swim times, but the soaking pools are typically uncrowded. The best time for therapeutic soaking without noise or crowds.
Weekday evenings (after 6 PM): The social hour. Helena residents stop by after work, the Taproom gets busy, and the outdoor soaking takes on a genuine community gathering character. I prefer this to mid-afternoon on busy days.
Weekends: Busier throughout, particularly Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The tradeoff is a more lively atmosphere and, on Boots & Beer Tuesdays, the most memorable event programming.
Winter soaking: The outdoor pools in cold air while the water stays 97–102°F is one of the genuinely distinctive Montana experiences. Steam rises heavily in cold weather. The sauna-steam-cold plunge circuit hits differently when the air temperature is near freezing outside.
Summer evenings: The outdoor stage and Taproom programming peaks in summer. If Broadwater’s social and entertainment dimension appeals to you, summer evening visits capture the facility at its best.
How Broadwater Compares to Other Montana Hot Springs
I’ve soaked at most developed hot springs in Montana, so here’s an honest positioning:
Chico Hot Springs (Paradise Valley) — Montana’s most celebrated resort hot springs. Better setting, full hotel accommodations, excellent restaurant. Significantly more expensive and more tourist-oriented. Worth the premium if budget allows. Broadwater is the better choice for value soaking.
Norris Hot Springs (Norris, near Bozeman) — Live music, outdoor setting, natural aesthetic, small capacity. A very different vibe — rustic and intentionally atmospheric. No fitness center, no restaurant beyond snacks. Comparable in price.
Elkhorn Hot Springs (Polaris, Pioneer Mountains) — The most rustic of these comparisons. Remote location (1.5 hours from Helena), cabin accommodations, wood stoves. Broadwater wins on accessibility; Elkhorn wins on backcountry isolation.
Bozeman Hot Springs (Bozeman) — The most direct comparison: both are developed urban hot springs serving their city’s residents. Bozeman’s facility is newer with more pool variety. Broadwater has the live music and events programming that makes it more than a gym. Both are solid choices.
Potosi Hot Springs (near Pony) — Primitive, free, hike-in. A completely different category — for visitors wanting wilderness soaking rather than a facility experience.
For the full Montana hot springs comparison, see my best natural hot springs in Montana guide and my Montana hot springs hub.
RV travelers visiting Broadwater on a Helena-area trip should see my Helena RV parks guide and Montana hot springs RV resorts guide.
Combining Broadwater With Helena
The smart Broadwater visit is part of a Helena day, not the whole day. Here’s my recommended structure:
Morning: Explore Helena — the Montana Heritage Center (new state history museum, exceptional), the Montana State Capitol (free guided tours weekdays), the Cathedral of St. Helena, and Last Chance Gulch. Budget 3–4 hours for the core historical circuit.
Afternoon: Drive 10 minutes west on US-12 to Broadwater. Arrive at 2–3 PM, soak through the afternoon. The Taproom handles lunch if you haven’t eaten, or dinner if you’re staying through early evening.
Evening: Return for live music if the Taproom has programming (check the events calendar before your trip). Staying until 9–10 PM for a final outdoor soak under the stars is the version of this visit I recommend most highly.
For the full Helena activity picture, see my Helena things to do guide and Helena activities guide.
Tips From Multiple Visits
Arrive with exact change or a card. The front desk typically handles cash and card equally, but having your payment ready speeds up busy check-in periods.
Start with the sauna, then the pools. If you’re visiting for therapeutic purposes, the sauna-to-hot pool-to-cold plunge circuit is more effective than going straight to the soaking pools. The sauna opens your pores; the mineral water penetrates better; the cold plunge closes everything back up. Do this two or three cycles and you’ll understand why regulars come weekly.
The cold plunge is not optional if you want the full experience. I know. It’s cold. Do it anyway. The vascular benefit and the immediate post-plunge warmth in the soaking pool are why people drive to hot springs in the first place.
Check the events calendar before you book. If a live music event or Boots & Beer Tuesday coincides with your Helena visit, plan around it rather than treating it as an afterthought. The social energy on event nights is genuinely different from a regular weekday visit.
The outdoor pools are better in cold weather. Montana winters make the outdoor pools extraordinary — the contrast between cold air and hot water heightens every sensation. Don’t avoid Broadwater in November through March; seek it out specifically.
The Taproom requires separate payment from pool access. Your day ticket covers pools, sauna, and steam — food and drinks at the Taproom are ordered and paid separately. This is worth knowing before you arrive hungry.
Towels are NOT always provided. I’ve found this inconsistently communicated — bring your own towel. Ask at check-in whether towels are currently available for rent or purchase if you’ve forgotten one.
Morning lap swimmers use the rec pool. If you’re arriving specifically to swim laps, Monday–Thursday before noon in the rec pool is your best window. Lap lanes may or may not be reserved; ask at the desk.
Is Broadwater Right for Your Montana Trip?
Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness serves a specific visitor profile well:
Perfect for: Helena visitors wanting affordable geothermal soaking without a resort price. Visitors who want a full-facility experience (sauna, steam, fitness, food, drinks) in one location. Anyone whose Montana itinerary includes Helena and has a free afternoon.
Less ideal for: Visitors seeking remote, primitive hot springs character (look at Potosi Hot Springs or Elkhorn Hot Springs). Travelers expecting luxury resort amenities (look at Chico Hot Springs). Anyone traveling with pets (not permitted).
The honest assessment: Broadwater is the best value geothermal soaking in central Montana for a visitor who wants real mineral water, a proper facility, food and drinks, and community character — without driving to a destination resort or bushwhacking to a primitive pool. It punches above its price point consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Broadwater Hot Springs in Helena?
Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness is located at 4920 W US Highway 12, Helena, MT 59601 — approximately 10 minutes west of downtown Helena on US-12. From downtown, head west on US-12 (also called Euclid Avenue heading west). The facility is on the right (north) side of the highway with a free surface parking lot. Phone: (406) 443-5777.
How many pools does Broadwater Hot Springs have?
Broadwater has 7 pools total, including outdoor soaking pools maintained at 97–102°F (the Springs Pool and Soaking Pool), a Recreation Pool at 89–93°F, a hot tub at 101–104°F, and a cold plunge. The sauna and steam room complete the thermal circuit. All pools are fed by a natural artesian well with source temperatures of 148–152°F, cooled to comfortable temperatures using the facility’s own natural cold springs water.
What are Broadwater Hot Springs current hours?
Current hours per the official website: Monday–Thursday 6:00 AM–10:30 PM | Friday 6:00 AM–11:30 PM | Saturday 7:30 AM–11:30 PM | Sunday 7:30 AM–10:30 PM. The Springs Taproom + Grill opens at 11 AM daily (noon on weekends) and serves breakfast Saturday and Sunday 9–11:30 AM. Always confirm at broadwatermt.com or call (406) 443-5777 before visiting — the facility occasionally closes for upgrades.
How much does Broadwater Hot Springs cost?
Current pricing should be verified directly with the facility at broadwatermt.com or by calling (406) 443-5777. Recent visitor reports (2025–2026) on TripAdvisor suggest day admission in the $15–20/person range for adults, though prices change. Membership options are available for Helena residents and frequent visitors.
Does Broadwater Hot Springs have a sauna and steam room?
Yes — both a sauna and a steam room are included with pool access at Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness. Multiple visitor reviews specifically call out the sauna-steam-cold plunge rotation as a highlight of the facility. The thermal circuit (sauna → hot pool → cold plunge, repeated) is the approach many regulars use for maximum therapeutic benefit.
Does Broadwater Hot Springs serve food?
Yes — the Springs Taproom + Grill is a full-service restaurant and bar on-site. Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10 PM | Friday 11 AM–11 PM | Saturday noon–11 PM (+breakfast 9–11:30 AM) | Sunday noon–10 PM (+breakfast 9–11:30 AM). The Taproom serves lunch and dinner daily, with Saturday and Sunday breakfast. Poolside beverages are available during pool hours.
Does Broadwater Hot Springs have live music?
Yes — Broadwater now hosts regular live music events. Boots & Beer runs every third Tuesday of the month starting at 5:30 PM, featuring line and swing dance lessons alongside live music. An outdoor stage hosts additional live music performances throughout the year, with the schedule concentrated in summer months. Check the current events calendar at broadwatermt.com before your visit.
Can I stay overnight at Broadwater Hot Springs?
No — Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness is day use only. The facility does not offer accommodations. For lodging near the facility, Helena has numerous hotels ranging from budget chains to the historic DoubleTree downtown. For RV travelers, see my Helena RV parks guide.
Are pets allowed at Broadwater Hot Springs?
No — Broadwater Hot Springs is not pet-friendly. Leave your animals at your accommodation before visiting.
How does Broadwater compare to other Montana hot springs?
Broadwater is best understood as a value-oriented full-facility geothermal experience in a city setting. Compared to Chico Hot Springs (higher end, resort with accommodations), Broadwater offers similar mineral water soaking at significantly lower cost. Compared to Norris Hot Springs (rustic atmosphere, small capacity, live music), Broadwater offers more complete fitness and dining facilities. Compared to primitive options like Potosi Hot Springs, Broadwater is entirely different in character — a developed facility, not a wilderness experience. For a full Montana hot springs comparison, see my Montana hot springs guide.
