Hot Springs in Minnesota: Are There Any & Where to Find Them (2023)
As a popular natural feature in many states, you may be wondering if there are any hot springs in Minnesota.
We certainly have no shortage of natural lakes here, but is our geography enough to also bless us with some beautiful springs?
The answer unfortunately may not be what you’re hoping to hear…
But let’s talk a bit more about whether or not you’ll be able to find any here, and why or why not.
Are There Any Natural Hot Springs in Minnesota?
Unfortunately, there are no natural hot springs in the state of Minnesota.
The geography of Minnesota doesn’t support what needs to happen in order for a hot spring to form.
Geothermal activity needs to be present in the region, whether that be from active or inactive volcanoes.
According to World Atlas, hot springs are most commonly formed when water is heated by the Earth’s magma under the surface.
The water seeps into the cracks of the surface and is then heated by the hot rocks under the Earth’s surface before being pushed back upwards by pressure underground.
Although at one point there were volcanoes in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota DNR, as they created the North Shore, there aren’t any today.
Since we’re lacking in the volcano department, we just don’t have enough geothermal activity here to create and sustain hot springs.
If you’re wanting to soak in a warm pool, it, unfortunately, looks like you’ll have to hit up a hot tub.
What is Boiling Springs in MN?
Boiling Springs is the closest thing to a Minnesota hot spring, located in Savage, just 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities.
It’s located just off of Eagle Creek, which flows out of the Mississippi River.
It’s a large pool of water that is often seen bubbling, or ‘boiling,’ caused by pressure underneath the surface of the pond.
There is some bedrock on the bottom of the pool that traps water, until it escapes and then rolls to the surface, creating the boiling effect that we see.
The pool is also known as Maka Yusota and is a sacred site to the Dakota people.
While they aren’t something that you’re going to want to soak in, it’s an interesting and unique place to visit!
If you do plan to visit, please be respectful and always Leave No Trace.
Are There Actually Hot Springs in Mankato?
No, there aren’t any natural springs in Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and there are none found in Mankato.
There is a webpage on the internet that claims that there are nearly 10 hot springs spread out over 17.5 acres in Sibley Park in Mankato.
While many people may believe this to be true, especially unsuspecting visitors to the state, it’s important to note that it is false.
Mankato is not home to one of the world’s largest areas of hot springs, and we now know that neither is the entire state of Minnesota.
(Although it would be pretty freaking nice, given how cold it is in Minnesota in the winter!)
Although it’s exciting to think that there may have been some there, unfortunately, there are not and the southern city doesn’t house any natural springs.
What States Have Natural Hot Springs?
If you’re looking to soak in a natural pool, you’re going to have to look outside of Minnesota, because there aren’t any here.
But, the good news is that there are plenty of states in the USA that have great soaking!
Specifically, some states on the West Coast are known for their natural hot spring pools.
California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah are just a few of the states offering them.
(Above is a picture of me relaxing in Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon!)
They’re typically in places that are more mountainous, and we know that Minnesota doesn’t have many mountains.
Some of them you can soak in, and others (such as the ones in Yellowstone National Park) should be avoided.
Natural soaking pools only are able to form in locations that have geothermal activity, which Minnesota is lacking.
Are There Any Hot Springs in the Midwest?
Yes, there are actually a few hot springs located in the Midwest.
If you head over to western South Dakota, which is actually one of Minnesota’s border states, you’ll find a few hot springs that you soak in during your visit.
The most popular ones are Moccasin Springs and Cascade Falls, although there are a few more!
You can also find some hotels that have mineral soaking or hot springs elsewhere, such as Illinois, although sometimes these aren’t natural.
FAQs
Where is Boiling Springs in Minnesota?
Boiling Springs is located in Savage, although it isn’t necessarily a hot spring to soak in.
Does Minnesota Have Geysers?
Since there are no natural springs in Minnesota, there are also no geysers. Geysers also need geothermal activity to happen, which we just don’t have enough of.
What Are Natural Hot Springs?
Hot springs are pools of hot water that has been heated by the geothermal heat under the Earth’s surface. They’re typically found in areas with volcanic activity. Many people use them for soaking if they aren’t too hot.
Can You Bathe in Natural Hot Springs?
Yes, many people soak in hot springs because of the high concentration of minerals found in them. They also typically have an average temperature of between 95-105 °F, which is nice for soaking.
How Sanitary Are Natural Hot Springs?
It really depends on the spring that you’re visiting. Before soaking, check for things like water flow, crowding, algae, or anything else that may look really dirty. There are some businesses that have mineral springs that will be sanitary since there are rules for them.
How Long Should You Soak in Natural Hot Springs?
Because they are hot, they can cause dehydration, so try to stick to just 15-20 minutes at a time in the spring. Drink plenty of water while you soak and get out if you feel lightheaded or sick.
Which State is Famous for Hot Springs?
Wyoming is famous for having many hot springs and geysers in Yellowstone National Park, although these are too hot and cannot be soaked in. Idaho has the most springs for soaking in the country, while Oregon is also very popular.
What is the Largest Hot Spring in the US?
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest in the USA. It’s very beautiful with shades of yellow, orange, blue, and green filling the pool. But it is very hot and cannot be soaked in.
Conclusion: Minnesota Hot Springs
I know that you were hoping that I would give you the answer that there are hot springs in Minnesota. But unfortunately, there are not.
If you’re looking for somewhere to soak, you’ll have to head out West or somewhere else that is known for having these pools.
