I’ve stood in dozens of Montana hot springs over the years, but there’s something specific about Fairmont — the unmistakable sense that you’re at the largest hot springs resort in the state, with the Pintler Mountains rising behind you and an enclosed 350-foot waterslide somewhere overhead.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort isn’t the most rustic Montana experience, and it isn’t trying to be. It’s the family-friendly, fully amenitized, all-weather option in southwest Montana — the place you stay when you want soaking plus golf, waterslides, and the dining room sit-down dinner.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting in 2026, including a critically important update about how pool access actually works now.
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort sits at 1500 Fairmont Road in Anaconda, Montana — about 15 miles west of Butte, 12 miles east of Anaconda, off I-90 Exit 211.
- Four mineral pools (two Olympic-size swimming pools + two soaking pools, one of each indoor/outdoor) fed by a 155°F geothermal source, cooled to 88–110°F depending on pool.
- 350-foot enclosed five-story waterslide is the signature attraction — open year-round.
- Pool access is NOT open to general day-use anymore. Pool privileges are restricted to registered overnight guests, members, and Fairmont RV Park/Chalets guests (the latter with a daily fee).
- Pool renovation underway: new pools expected summer 2026; existing outdoor pools and waterslide remain operational during construction.
- 153 guest rooms + 22 suites, 18-hole championship golf course (6,741 yards, par-72), spa, fitness center, multiple dining outlets, and a small wildlife petting zoo.
- Best window: summer for golf and outdoor pools; winter for the indoor pool + waterslide combo as a family escape from snow-bound months.
- Best comparison context: see our Montana hot springs pillar guide for the full statewide landscape, Chico Hot Springs Resort for a more historic Paradise Valley alternative, and Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort for a multi-pool Clark Fork option.
A Quick Note Before You Book
There are two unrelated resorts called Fairmont Hot Springs in North America: one in Anaconda, Montana (the one this guide covers, at fairmontmontana.com) and one in British Columbia’s Columbia Valley (a different Canadian resort at fairmonthotsprings.com).
Travel articles sometimes conflate them, so when you’re checking prices, policies, or dining hours, make sure you’re on the Montana site. The two are owned by different operators and located more than 700 miles apart.
Where Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Is Located
Fairmont sits in Silver Bow County, Montana, at the base of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness at about 5,118 feet elevation. The setting is open valley country — wide grass meadows, the Pintler peaks rising to the west, and the Continental Divide tracing the horizon east toward Butte.
Address: 1500 Fairmont Road, Anaconda, MT 59711 Phone: (406) 797-3241 Coordinates: 46.043° N, 112.812° W
The resort occupies 500 acres of land — large enough that you can spend a full weekend without retracing your steps. The golf course alone takes up a substantial portion of the property.
For broader regional context, our Anaconda guide covers the town’s mining history and the nearby Big Hole Country.
Directions From the Major Cities
The resort is one of the easiest hot springs to reach in Montana — it’s literally three miles off Interstate 90.
From Butte (15 miles, ~20 minutes):
- Take I-90 west from Butte
- Exit at Exit 211 (Fairmont)
- Follow signs south on Fairmont Road for ~3 miles
- Resort entrance is well-marked
From Anaconda (12 miles, ~15 minutes):
- Take I-90 east from Anaconda
- Exit at Exit 211 (Fairmont)
- Follow signs south on Fairmont Road
From Bozeman (~95 miles, ~1.5 hours): West on I-90 to Exit 211.
From Missoula (~115 miles, ~1.75 hours): East on I-90 to Exit 211.
From Helena (~75 miles, ~1.25 hours): South on I-15 to Butte, then west on I-90 to Exit 211.
Vehicle considerations: The access road is paved year-round, and Fairmont is accessible by standard car in any season. The nearest commercial airport is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, about 18 miles east. For longer-haul flights, Bozeman Yellowstone International (~90 miles) and Missoula International (~110 miles) are the nearest options.
The Pools: What You’re Actually Getting
Fairmont is built around its four mineral pools, fed continuously by natural geothermal water that emerges at 155°F and is cooled in stages before reaching the pool areas.
Pool Lineup
| Pool | Indoor/Outdoor | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic-size swimming pool | Outdoor | ~95–101°F | Large shallow end for families; roped-off deep end |
| Olympic-size swimming pool | Indoor | Slightly hotter than outdoor | Climate-controlled year-round |
| Mineral soaking pool | Outdoor | ~100–104°F | Smaller, dedicated to soaking |
| Mineral soaking pool | Indoor | ~100–104°F | Adult-leaning quieter atmosphere |
The pools use continuous flow-through circulation rather than chlorination — meaning fresh mineral water is constantly entering and old water is constantly draining.
That’s why they feel different from a chlorinated commercial pool: the water has the slightly silky, mineral-rich quality that’s characteristic of true natural hot springs.
The mineral profile includes calcium, sodium, potassium, silica, bicarbonate, sulfate, and fluoride. The sulfur smell is much milder than at some Montana springs (notably Lolo Hot Springs) — Fairmont’s water is more pleasantly mineral than aggressively sulfurous.
The 350-Foot Enclosed Waterslide
The signature attraction. The five-story enclosed waterslide drops 350 feet from upper-floor entry to a splash exit into the outdoor Olympic pool.
It’s the only feature like it at any Montana hot springs property — and it operates year-round because it’s enclosed, which means winter visitors get the surreal experience of riding a waterslide through a glass-enclosed tube while snow falls outside.
If you’re traveling with kids 6+, the waterslide is reason enough to choose Fairmont over the more sedate alternatives like Chico or Bozeman Hot Springs.
2026 Pool Renovation Update
As of mid-2026, Fairmont has additional pools under construction, with the full renovation expected to be open by summer 2026. The current outdoor pools and waterslide remain fully open and operational during construction.
Always check the official site for the latest pool status before booking, particularly if your trip falls during the transition window.
Pool Access Policy — Read This Before You Book
This is the section most travel articles get wrong, including some that still appear in the top-10 SERP. Fairmont’s pools are not open to general public day-use.
Per the resort’s current official policy, pool access is restricted to:
- Registered overnight resort guests — included with your room rate, 7am–10pm
- Pool and golf members — annual memberships with their own access terms
- Fairmont RV Park guests — with a daily fee and proper credentials, 8am–10pm
- Fairmont Chalets guests — with a daily fee and proper credentials, 8am–10pm
Visitors without lodging or membership cannot access the pools. That’s a meaningful change from earlier years when day passes were more freely available.
This policy shift matters for trip planning because it means you can’t drive to Fairmont, soak for a couple of hours, and leave. You need either an overnight stay, an RV/chalet booking, or a membership. Plan accordingly.
If your trip pattern is “drive over for a day soak,” better options include:
- Bozeman Hot Springs — straightforward day-use, 12 pools, just outside Bozeman
- Norris Hot Springs — day-use, single pool, weekend live music
- Broadwater Hot Springs — day-use, Helena-adjacent
- Lolo Hot Springs — day-use, west of Missoula
Lodging at Fairmont
The resort offers 153 guest rooms plus 22 suites — a total of about 175 lodging units, which makes Fairmont one of the largest single hot springs accommodations in the state.
Room Categories
Standard guest rooms: Typical hotel-style rooms with flat-screen TV, coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, private bathroom. Adequate for couples or small families.
Suites: Larger configurations with separate living areas. Some suites can accommodate up to eight people. Larger units have full kitchens — ideal for families or multi-generational group trips.
Fairmont RV Park: Located on the resort property. Guests get pool access for a daily fee. A solid option for travelers with RVs who want the resort experience without lodge prices. For broader RV context, see our best RV parks in Montana and the dedicated Montana hot springs RV resorts guide.
Fairmont Chalets: Separate cabin-style accommodations with their own character. Same pool-access daily fee as the RV park.
Booking advance: weekends in summer book out months in advance. Winter weekends with active waterslide draw families from across the region. Mid-week visits in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) are easier to book on short notice.
The 18-Hole Championship Golf Course
The Fairmont Hot Springs Golf Course is one of the more notable features of the resort, and a destination in its own right for Montana golfers.
- 18 holes, par 72
- 6,741 yards
- Features Montana’s longest hole (a par 5 that crosses the property’s length)
- Features Montana’s largest green
- Designed and built with federal funding in the early 1970s as part of the resort’s expansion under Lloyd Wilder
- Open during snow-free months (typically May through October, weather-dependent)
- Golf packages with lodging are available year-round
For travelers building a golf-focused Montana trip, Fairmont is one of the strongest combinations of golf and hot springs in the West. After a round, the outdoor mineral pool with mountain views is an unusually good post-golf recovery.
Other Resort Amenities
Beyond the pools and golf, Fairmont covers a remarkable amount of ground.
Whispering Willows Spa: Full-service spa with River Rock Massage, Native American Raindrop Therapy, Swedish Massage, reflexology, exfoliations, paraffin wax, mud treatments, hair salon, and manicures/pedicures.
Fitness Center: Cardio equipment and standard gym facilities, complimentary for resort guests, located adjacent to the indoor pool.
Conference Center: Multiple meeting rooms — Fairmont hosts business retreats, weddings, and group events year-round.
Tennis courts, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, frisbee golf. A surprisingly broad range of active outdoor amenities, all included for resort guests.
Children’s playground and game room. Family-friendly without being aggressively themed.
Wildlife petting zoo. A small zoo on the property — modest in scale but a real hit with younger kids.
Treasure Spirits poolside bar (summer): Tropical drinks and non-alcoholic options served at the outdoor pool. The kind of detail that turns a hot springs visit into a half-day hangout.
Dining at Fairmont
Three on-site dining outlets cover the range from fine dining to casual:
Waters Edge Dining Room — The fine dining option. Montana beef, fresh seafood, poultry, plus vegetarian and gluten-free items. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Springwater Café — Casual all-day dining. Sandwiches, paninis, salads, fish-and-chips. Kid-friendly menu. The default option for breakfast and lunch.
Minerals Lounge / Whiskey Joe’s Lounge — Bar with wine, microbrews, seasonal cocktails, snacks, appetizers, and light meals. Opens at 4pm Monday–Friday, noon weekends.
Treasure Spirits Pool Bar — Summer-only outdoor bar service at the pool.
For broader regional eating-out planning, see our best restaurants in Montana roundup.
The History of Fairmont — From Gregson to Wilder
The hot springs at Fairmont have been continuously used and developed since 1869, which makes the resort one of the longest-operating businesses in Montana history. The arc is worth knowing.
The “Medicine Waters” — Indigenous Use
Long before European-American settlers arrived, the Flathead, Nez Perce, and Shoshone peoples used the twelve natural hot pools in the area, which they called “Medicine Waters.” The pools were considered to have healing properties — a tradition referenced in the resort’s own materials today.
The Gregson Brothers (1869–1890)
In 1869, brothers George and Eli Gregson purchased the hot springs site for $60 from a squatter named Hulbert. The brothers had come to Montana in 1864 from Indiana — first mining at Alder Gulch (which would become Virginia City), then in Helena, before farming in the Gallatin Valley near Bozeman.
By 1869 they’d settled at the springs and added 320 acres of surrounding land to their claim.
Initially they ran a dairy operation. Within a decade they’d pivoted to the springs themselves — building a two-story hotel that could accommodate 50–60 guests, a plunge bath, and five large bathing rooms.
By the early 1880s the property was actively advertised as the “Gregson Hot Springs and Pleasure Resort.”
For more on Montana’s frontier-era development, see our Montana history and Montana gold rush guides.
The Railroad Era (1893–1914)
In 1893, a depot for Marcus Daly’s Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway opened a quarter mile from the springs. Special $1 round-trip fares brought visitors every weekend.
The property was at its peak — described in newspapers as “the Saratoga of the Northwest,” with a Mission Revival-style hotel, a 65-by-195-foot warm-water plunge, slides, springboards, and high-dives.
The era ended abruptly in 1914, when fires destroyed many of the original structures.
The Forsythe Era (1916–1959)
After the fires, George Forsythe purchased the property in 1916 and rebuilt. A new hotel went up in 1927. Forsythe ran the property until 1935, after which his wife Victoria continued as proprietor until 1959, when it was sold to Treasure State Industries. By the early 1970s the facility had deteriorated significantly and closed.
Lloyd Wilder and the Modern Resort (1972–Present)
The pivot came in 1972 when Lloyd Wilder — who already owned Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in British Columbia — purchased the closed Gregson property.
He renamed the Montana site Fairmont Hot Springs Resort after his BC property and brought in significant federal funding to build a wholly new complex: the 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, outdoor pool, and approximately 190 guest rooms.
Joe Reber of Helena handled construction; Ken Knight of Great Falls designed the new buildings — a cross of structures with an indoor pool 80×120 feet and a larger outdoor pool, hotel rooms in the south and west wings, lobby and shops in the center, and dining and convention space to the north.
Wilder sold the resort to Leroy Mayes in 1981, then repurchased it in 1990 after the property had gone through two financial companies.
His family has held ownership in trust ever since. None of the original 19th-century structures survive — what you see today is essentially a 1972 build with continuous expansion and renovation since.
Best Times to Visit
Summer (June–August) — Peak All-Around
The full resort experience is available: outdoor pools at their best, golf course in full operation, dining patios open, all amenities at capacity. Expect higher rates and full bookings on weekends. Pool deck space at the outdoor Olympic pool can feel crowded mid-afternoon during peak weekends. For broader summer planning, see Montana summer and best time to visit Montana.
Fall (September–October) — Underrated
Crowds drop noticeably after Labor Day. The fall colors in the Pintler foothills are spectacular. The golf course is still open in early fall (weather permitting), and rates often soften. My personal favorite window — the contrast between cooler outdoor air and warm pool water is at its best.
Winter (December–March) — The Family Indoor Escape
This is where Fairmont’s amenity advantage really shows. The enclosed waterslide running year-round, the indoor Olympic pool, and the indoor soaking pool combine to create a family destination that doesn’t require committing to winter conditions outside. For trip-planning context, see Montana winter weather.
Spring (April–May) — Variable
Mud season for the wider valley. The golf course typically opens in May, weather-dependent. Pools and waterslide run normally. Crowds are minimal — a good window for off-peak rates if you can tolerate variable weather.
Combining Fairmont With a Larger Montana Trip
Fairmont’s location between Butte and Anaconda makes it a natural anchor for southwest Montana itineraries. A few combinations that work well:
Butte Mining Heritage + Fairmont (2 days): Stay at Fairmont; spend a half day in Butte exploring the World Museum of Mining, uptown historic district, and Evel Knievel-era murals. Pool and dinner at Fairmont in the evening. See our things to do in Butte guide for more.
Hot Springs Loop (3 days): Fairmont → Elkhorn Hot Springs in the Pioneer Mountains → Norris Hot Springs on the way back. Three completely different hot springs experiences in a long weekend.
Yellowstone Add-On (5 days): Two nights at Fairmont → drive east to Paradise Valley for Chico Hot Springs Resort → continue south into Yellowstone for park exploration.
Multi-generational Family Trip (5 days): Fairmont (waterslide for kids) → Bozeman (Museum of the Rockies) → Yellowstone day trip → back to Bozeman. Hot springs as the family-friendly anchor that keeps everyone happy.
Golf-Focused Montana Trip: Anchor at Fairmont with multiple rounds at the 6,741-yard course; day trips to other regional courses; evening soaks for recovery.
For broader trip planning, see our Montana trip planning guide and things to do in Montana hub.
How Fairmont Compares to Other Major Montana Hot Springs Resorts
Use this as a quick decision matrix.
| Resort | Day-Use? | Pool Count | Lodging | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont (Anaconda) | No (overnight only) | 4 | 153 rooms + suites | 350-foot waterslide, 18-hole golf |
| Chico Hot Springs Resort | Yes | 2 | Historic 1900 lodge | Paradise Valley setting, dining |
| Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort | Yes | 7 | Lodge + cabins | Clark Fork river setting |
| Bozeman Hot Springs | Yes | 12 | None on-site | Most pools at any MT facility |
| Elkhorn Hot Springs | Yes | 2 + indoor | Rustic cabins | High-elevation Pioneer Mts setting |
| Lolo Hot Springs | Yes | 2 | Limited | Lewis & Clark historical site |
| Symes Hot Springs Hotel | Yes | Several | 1928 hotel | Historic atmosphere, lower prices |
For the full statewide picture, see our Montana hot springs pillar guide.
Practical Info Box
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1500 Fairmont Road, Anaconda, MT 59711 |
| Phone | (406) 797-3241 |
| Closest highway | I-90, Exit 211 |
| Source water temperature | ~155°F |
| Pool temperatures | 88–110°F across four pools |
| Pool count | 4 (2 Olympic-size swim + 2 soaking, indoor and outdoor) |
| Waterslide | 350 ft, 5 stories, enclosed, year-round |
| Day-use access | Not available — overnight guests, members, and RV/Chalet guests only |
| Lodging | 153 guest rooms + 22 suites |
| Golf | 18-hole par-72, 6,741 yards |
| Elevation | 5,118 feet |
| Property size | 500 acres |
| Cell service | Good (close to Butte) |
| Wheelchair accessibility | Pool area accessible |
| Pets | Dog-friendly rooms available (verify policy + fee at booking) |
What to Bring
For a Fairmont overnight stay, the basics:
- Swimsuit and goggles for the waterslide
- Two towels (the resort provides towels, but having backup is useful)
- Sandals or water shoes for the pool deck
- Robe for the walk between rooms and indoor pool
- Sunscreen (the outdoor pools sit at 5,118 feet — UV exposure matters)
- Layered clothing for the walk between buildings (Montana weather changes fast)
- Golf clubs if you’re playing the course (rentals available)
- Cash for tips and gratuities
Safety Considerations
Hydration matters. Mineral water soaking dehydrates faster than you’d expect, especially at 5,000+ feet elevation. Drink water between soaks, not just after.
Time limits. Don’t soak more than 20 minutes at a time in the hotter pools without a break. The combination of heat, mineral content, and altitude can produce dizziness in unprepared guests.
Waterslide rules. Pay attention to posted height and weight restrictions. The 350-foot enclosed slide moves fast.
No lifeguards at the pools — swim at your own risk. Adult supervision for children is the responsibility of the guest, not the resort.
The geothermal source itself is 155°F — pool feeds are cooled before they reach the basins, but always test the water with your hand before fully entering, especially at the soaking pools.
How Fairmont Fits the Broader Montana Hot Springs Landscape
Among Montana’s hot springs, Fairmont occupies a specific niche. It’s not the most historic — Chico has continuous operation since 1900, and Fairmont (as a modern resort) dates to 1972 even though the springs themselves were used since 1869.
It’s not the most rustic — Renova and Nimrod are far wilder. It’s not the most multi-pool variety — Bozeman Hot Springs has 12 pools to Fairmont’s 4.
What Fairmont is: the largest single resort experience built around hot springs in Montana, with the broadest set of non-water amenities (golf, waterslide, fitness, conference).
It’s the answer to “where do we stay if we want a hot springs vacation that includes other things to do” — particularly with kids, particularly in winter, and particularly if you’d rather not split your time across multiple lodging stops.
For visitors building a more diverse Montana hot springs itinerary, see our Montana hot springs pillar guide, the best natural hot springs in Montana, and the Montana hot springs RV resorts sub-hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Fairmont Hot Springs Resort just for the day without staying overnight?
No. Per current resort policy, the pools are only open to registered overnight guests, pool and golf members, and Fairmont RV Park or Chalets guests (with a daily fee). Visitors without lodging or membership cannot access the pools. This is a meaningful change from earlier years when day passes were more widely available. For day-use hot springs near Butte/Anaconda, consider Norris Hot Springs, Elkhorn Hot Springs, or Bozeman Hot Springs instead.
How hot is the water at Fairmont Hot Springs?
The natural geothermal source emerges at approximately 155°F and is cooled in stages before reaching the pool basins. Final pool temperatures range from 88°F to 110°F depending on which pool you’re in. The outdoor Olympic swimming pool runs roughly 95–101°F; the mineral soaking pools sit closer to 100–104°F; the indoor pools tend to be slightly warmer than their outdoor counterparts.
How long has Fairmont Hot Springs Resort been operating?
The site has hosted commercial hot springs operations since 1869, when the Gregson brothers purchased the property and renamed it Gregson Hot Springs. The modern resort dates to 1972, when Lloyd Wilder purchased and rebuilt the closed property, renaming it Fairmont Hot Springs after his British Columbia resort. The Wilder family has held ownership in trust since 1990.
What’s the 350-foot waterslide at Fairmont like?
It’s a fully enclosed five-story slide running 350 feet from entry to splash exit into the outdoor Olympic pool. Because it’s enclosed, it operates year-round, including in winter when snow is falling outside. It’s the only feature like it at any Montana hot springs resort. Height and weight restrictions apply — check signage before riding.
Is Fairmont Hot Springs Resort family-friendly?
Yes — Fairmont is one of the most family-friendly hot springs resorts in Montana, with multiple shallow pool areas for young children, a small wildlife petting zoo, children’s playground, mini golf, the waterslide, and a kid-friendly menu at the Springwater Café. The combination of indoor pool and waterslide makes it work as a winter family destination when outdoor activities are limited.
Are there construction or renovations happening at Fairmont in 2026?
Yes. Pool renovations are underway, with the full renovation expected to be open by summer 2026. Existing outdoor pools and waterslide remain fully operational during construction. Confirm current pool status at fairmontmontana.com before your trip if your visit falls during the transition window.
How does Fairmont compare to Chico Hot Springs?
Different experiences. Chico Hot Springs Resort is more historic (continuous operation since 1900), more atmospheric, smaller scale, with two outdoor pools and a saloon culture you don’t find at Fairmont. Chico is also closer to Yellowstone’s north entrance. Fairmont is larger, has more amenities (waterslide, golf, indoor pool, more lodging), and is more family-oriented. Chico for atmosphere and Paradise Valley access; Fairmont for amenities and southwest Montana convenience.
What’s the dog policy at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort?
Fairmont offers a limited number of dog-friendly rooms. You must notify the resort at booking, sign a dog policy form at check-in, and pay an applicable per-night fee (verify current rate with the resort directly). Dogs are not permitted in restaurants, pools, the main lodge, or the pool lawn area, with the exception of trained service dogs. A maximum of two dogs per room is allowed.
Is there an RV park at Fairmont Hot Springs?
Yes — the Fairmont RV Park is on the resort property. RV park guests can use the pools with a daily fee from 8am–10pm. This is one of the most amenity-rich RV camping options in Montana. For broader RV-with-hot-springs options, see our Montana hot springs RV resorts sub-hub.
What’s the best season for golfing at Fairmont?
The 18-hole par-72 course is typically open May through October, weather dependent. June through September is the most reliable window. The course is at 5,118 feet elevation, so spring openings and fall closings can shift year to year based on snow timing. Confirm current opening dates with the resort before booking a golf-specific trip.
