Day 5 Host Community: August 14 Lava Hot Springs
Elevation: 5,040 feetPopulation: 502
Lava Hot Springs is nestled in a bend of the Portneuf River (pronounced “port NOOF”, with a French accent). It is a small community that still retains much of its original character. Most of its residents have been here for many generations. The downtown area itself is full of eateries and accommodations of various types. It is popular in both summer and winter. There are many historic buildings and homes. Because of the outstanding architectural and historic features, efforts are currently underway to nominate many of the buildings to the National Register of Historic Places.
Of course, the best reason to come to Lava Hot Springs is for the soothing baths and spas. The naturally occurring hot springs are of extremely high quality. They are odorless and contain a very rich and healthful mineral content. The water contains no harmful metals - it's actually potable!
As is true of most towns in Southeastern Idaho, the establishment and growth of Lava Hot Springs began with the arrival of the railroads. Trains not only brought in workers and jobs, but also helped to open the rich agricultural land of the region. The town was surveyed in 1911 and called Hall City. The town's current lots, blocks, streets and alleys date from that time. Dempsey was down river from Hall City about 1 mile. After Hall City was formed, Dempsey was moved into Hall City and shortly thereafter the town was named Lava Hot Springs Village (July 24, 1915).
In 1911, the state legislature appropriated $500 for a one-room enclosure over the pool, and further improvements were made in 1913, including separate bathing pools for men and women. With these improvements, the pools came to be used on a year-round basis.
By the late 1920s the bathing facilities included an enclosed Natatorium,
an open-air pool with a high diving tower, a Sanitarium, and "mud
bath" or Hot Baths, and the Spa Plunge – an outdoor swimming
pool known for its "water toboggan". The mud bath was used by
men and women, separately of course. The men enjoyed the soothing baths
for an hour, then it was the ladies' turn for an hour, and on they would
go revolving throughout the day. The Old Natatorium, built in 1918, was
destroyed by fire in 1982. Lava developed rapidly in the 1920s, as it
became a destination point for people outside of the local area. The Union
Pacific railroad from Chicago to Portland (Oregon) stopped here, and unloaded
many weary and ill travelers who had come from afar to try the healing
baths of Lava Hot Springs. Hotels, apartments, summer cottages, restaurants
and saloons were constructed to meet the needs of the growing tourist
trade. In 1924, more than 200,000 people visited Lava.
Web Sites:
Chamber of Commerce: http://www.lavahotsprings.org
Lodging:
| Ride Idaho Camping Ranch Inn Motel & Campground 9611 E. US Highway 30 (208) 776-9917 |
Oregon Trail Lodge (4.1 miles from campsite) 196 E. Main Street (208) 776-5920 |
Lava Hot Springs Inn (4.0 miles from campsite) 94 E. Portneuf Street (208) 776-5830 |
| Dempsey Creek Lodge (4.0 miles from campsite) 162 E. Main Street (208) 776-5000 |
Lava Spa Motel & RV Park (4.4 miles from campsite) 359 E. Main Street (208) 376-5589 |
Riverside Inn & Hot Springs (3.7 miles from campsite) 301 Portneuf Street (208) 776-5504 |
| Home Hotel & Motel (4.4 miles from campsite) 306 E. Main Street (208) 776-5507 |
Greystone Manor (4.2 miles from campsite) 187 S. 2nd. West (208) 776-5959 |
River Bridge Inn (4.0 miles from campsite) 64 N. 1st. East (208) 776-5530 |
| EZ Livin Inn (4.1 miles from campsite) 189 E. Main Street (208) 776-5477 |
