Angela Jamison is a native Montanan and she grew up in beautiful Bozeman. I'm the mother of two girls and write a blog about our life here and taking in the simple pleasures of family and food.

The holidays have come and gone. Spring still a distant dream away. We are stuck firmly in the middle of a Montana winter. The ground covered with dirty snow and I longing for color to come back to our valley. This is how January will go. And February…and sadly most likely March, April and May. So what is a summer lover to do? We’ve done the obligatory sledding, ice skating and snowman building. These all pass the time and I try to find the splendor of the season in these things. One of my favorite winter things to do is take a dip in a local hot springs. Probably because it is the only thing you can do in a swimsuit this time of year and not be encumbered by multiple layers. Maybe because it is the one time I feel warm during the bitter cold. Fortunately there are so many places to choose from. A few of my favorites-

Chico Hot Springs

Oh how I love Chico! I have many fond memories. From childhood birthday parties to dancing with friends in the old saloon. From anniversary celebrations to now taking my daughters there. Creating memories for them to hold close to their heart like I do. It’s a short drive from Bozeman, just enough to feel like you are getting out of town. Nestled in the beautiful Paradise Valley, it has a magical feel. You can soak, grab a drink from the bar and have lunch in the grille. Sometimes we are lucky enough to spend the night and soak under the stars.

Unfortunately, I am not the only one who feels this way about Chico. What used to be a quiet spot, has been discovered. Often the pool is full and getting a room, especially in the summer months, is not as easy as it once was. A popular wedding destination and hot spot for tourists I have had to learn to share this lovely place. Despite this, I will forever love Chico and be grateful for those rare times we go when the crowds are light.

Norris Hot Springs

I didn’t discover Norris until later on, so there are no childhood memories from there. The history of Norris is long with the original pool being built by early miners in the area. At one point the pool was fenced, a small bathhouse built and a key left at the hotel in town for local families to use. Later in the 60’s the key was lost but many locals still found a way to soak by jumping the fence. It was bought in 1972 and began charging admission. In the late 80’s part of the property was sold to a gentleman who thought the only thing missing was beer…smart guy. There’s not much better than soaking while sipping a beer. It continued to change hands a couple times and today Norris is a popular hot springs serving food, beer and featuring live music. It’s a nice alternative to Chico in that it still has the quieter, local vibe. Except on music nights…those can get a little full. It’s a close drive from Bozeman, a smaller pool and a nice way to spend a winter day. But, not if it’s too cold…there are only outhouses and chilly dressing rooms…I’m not about roughing it when the temperatures dip.

Bozeman Hot Springs

Sometimes you forget to look in your backyard. It had been many, many years since I walked through the doors into the Bozeman Hot Springs. Memories from my childhood are of it being a collection of small pools in what felt like a concrete building. Since starting a family we haven’t ventured there for soaking, always leaving out the one right here in town. Maybe because it was too close and we wanted a longer adventure. Maybe because early memories didn’t encourage me to go. Whatever the case, after a recent visit to the Bozeman Hot Springs, I realize what a mistake this has been.

Over the past 100 years since the Bozeman Hot Springs has been around, it has grown, evolved and changed hands multiple times. How silly of me to think it would be the same now as it was thirty years ago. Most recent changes made after the fire in 2008. The entire building was damaged so major renovations ensued. It is now so different than what I remember. Nine pools of varying temperatures, one outside, the rest in plus a steam room and sauna. The inside pools beautifully tiled, the room full of natural light from the many windows. No longer does it feel like you are in a concrete room. Instead you instantly feel the calm of the soothing waters around you. A place to get away from it all and turn the world off. There are many beliefs concerning the benefits of soaking in a natural hot springs. Some being the minerals in the water as well as the idea of shocking the body by going back and forth between the cold and warm pools. Relaxing in the warm and then jump starting as you sit in the cold. Water is therapeutic and calming. Getting away from our highly distracted lives for just an hour of serenity can change your entire perspective.

Something I particularly like about the Bozeman Hot Springs is how much they focus on the cleanliness of the water. They take a lot of pride and put this as their top priority. Pools are drained each night, tile scrubbed and disinfected. Because they are in town they are regulated by the Bozeman Health Inspector which isn’t the case for all hot springs. I feel good soaking here knowing this.

Yes, I do believe soaking is one of my favorite winter activities. A way to find a calm amidst the snow storms. A place to find solace while patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the warmth of spring.