Healing Waters

 

The Enduring Story of Boulder Hot Springs

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Our family first discovered hot springs in the 1980s when our children were young, making stops at three different springs during our travels. Among them, Boulder Hot Springs in Montana stood out—not just for its healing waters, but for its history, character, and enduring charm. Over the years, as we journeyed to and from Alberta where our children now live, Boulder Hot Springs became a favorite stop. Today, reopened as a hotel and spa, it still retains the spirit of the past with themed rooms and the quiet dignity of a place deeply rooted in Montana history.

The History of Boulder Hot Springs
The site now known as Boulder Hot Springs was first used by Native peoples who traveled through the valley during seasonal crossings, pausing to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters. By the early 1880s, A.C. Quaintance built a hotel that drew local miners and ranchers in search of rest and healing after long days of labor.

In 1909, the main building and baths were rebuilt in California Mission style by millionaire James A. Murray. Through the decades, the resort welcomed presidents, the wealthy, and everyday travelers alike. In 1935, an earthquake destroyed the Olympic-sized pool, but Boulder Hot Springs remained a bustling retreat well into the mid-20th century.

By the late 20th century, the property had fallen into decline until Dr. Anne Wilson Schaef, author and healer, became a guiding force in its restoration. Beginning in 1989, she and her team poured years of effort into saving the hotel—patching old walls, repainting, and steadily bringing life back to the once-dilapidated building. She also headquartered her internationally recognized healing work, Living in Process, at Boulder Hot Springs. Dr. Schaef kept the spirit of the springs alive until her passing in 2020, leaving behind both a restored landmark and a legacy of healing.

A Living Treasure
Today, Boulder Hot Springs continues its tradition as a place of renewal. Guests are welcomed into uniquely themed rooms, each with a character that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. The hot pools, steam, and stillness invite visitors to experience the same restorative powers that have drawn people here for generations.

For our family, it remains more than a stop on the road north—it is a touchstone to memory, history, and healing. Every visit reminds us why Boulder Hot Springs has endured: it offers not only warmth and rest, but also a deep sense of connection with the land, the past, and the people who have kept it alive.

Conclusion
From its beginnings as a Native resting place, to its heyday as a grand mission-style resort, through near ruin, and finally to its rebirth as a hotel and spa, Boulder Hot Springs embodies resilience and renewal. For us, it is both a personal tradition and a Montana treasure.

Keywords: Boulder Hot Springs, Montana history, healing waters, Anne Wilson Schaef, hot springs hotel
Hashtags: #BoulderHotSprings #MontanaHistory #HealingWaters #FamilyTradition #HistoricHotels