Hot Springs is known for its restorative, naturally occurring warm water. At Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, guests can experience the calming properties of the mineral-rich water in a natural, hillside location on the edge of town.
“You’ll really come back to nature when you come here with that rest and relaxation,” said owner Kara Hagen. “I’m really grateful to bring this to the community and have the health and wellness aspect of the natural mineral spring waters come back to this area.”
At the spa, guests can soak, treat themselves to spa services, and attend classes and workshops.
RELAX
Spend some time rotating through the hot and cool pools.
“People should come here for relaxation and to make sure that they’re taking care of themselves,” said manager Bohden Balgheim. “Make sure that you’re stress free so you can be the best you.”
Last year, the spa underwent a spacious expansion, adding four massage rooms, five indoor restrooms, and two pools to the existing four.
Three of the six pools remain at their natural temperatures, ranging between 88 and 93 degrees. The other three are hot pools, heated to temperatures up to 106 degrees depending on the day and weather.
“We have a nice hot to cool circular pattern out here now,” said Hagen.
The two newest pools allow guests to switch between a hot and cool pool with ease.
“all of our water is 100% natural mineral springs. It comes from the earth.” – Kara Hagen
“It’ll help us with our capacity issues. We didn’t expect to be as busy as we are in the winter, so my biggest problem is keeping up with the demand,” explained Hagen.
Before the addition, the two hot pools had room for about 12 people each. With the third, larger hot pool, that capacity has nearly doubled as it seats 20.
Warm up in the pool house between soaks, which is heated with a fireplace and has lockers for belongings.
To maintain the natural beauty and cleanliness of the pools, they get frequent refreshes.
“Every week we drain them, clean them, power wash them, and they are good to go,” said Hagen.
RESTORE
“The general vibe that we’re going for is a relaxing environment to heal,” said Balgheim. “We’re coming in to make sure all of our clients feel relaxed and stress free. They’re in a safe space.”
Entering the lobby, ethereal music fills the space as the front desk attendants greet guests.
“Spa services range from massages, Foot Treatments, Facials, Energy Healing, and Reiki work,” said Balgheim. “You name it, we pretty much do it. It’s more about restorative work.”
Though soaking in the pools doesn’t take reservations, spa services book out a few weeks. When planning a trip to Hot Springs, make sure to book any extra services in advance to ensure a spot in the schedule.
Aromatherapy is one example of a massage booking at the spa, where the massage therapist uses oil or lotion with essential oils to create a relaxing environment. Other massages include Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, and Swedish Massage.
For those who can’t decide between the options, there’s Integrative Therapy that combines techniques based on what the therapist specializes in. Polarity Therapy integrates energy healing and massage to release tension and bring a sense of balance.
Moccasin Springs also hosts workshops from time to time, such as Sound Healing, Yoga, Crystal Bowls, and more.
Another new addition to the site is a salt room.
“That himalayan salt wall is good for lowering blood pressure and other health and wellness benefits,” said Hagen. “We’re one of three salt rooms in the Black Hills.”
Memberships
Love Moccasin Springs? Look into getting a monthly, season, or couple’s season membership for unlimited soaking, unlimited yoga classes, and 10% off spa services.
FACT
Buffalo Dreamer is an exclusive restaurant on the Moccasin Springs property that is open for lunch and dinner.
REWIND
The site has seen many forms from the Black Hills Spa in 1881 to the Hot Springs Hotel and Minnekahta Bath House in 1890. The property closed in 1963 and wouldn’t see traffic again until Hagen purchased the property in 2014. After five years of restoration, Moccasin Springs opened to the public again.
“It was just a jungly mess or ruins,” said Hagen.
With a lot of time and effort, they had to clear each of the pools and restore it to its original glory.
“We’ve got such great, natural beauty in this area,” said Hagen. “I can’t imagine what it looked like 125 years ago. It’s so incredibly beautiful. I tried to create that natural modern, rustic feel to take you back.”
When revitalizing the property, it was important to Hagen to maintain the indigenous history that came with the moccasin-shaped, red rock pool. One of the springs on site is known as the Moccasin Spring, which is where the namesake lies.
