Hot Springs in the US: Healing and Relaxation
For centuries, thermal and mineral springs are natural sanctuaries for health, rest, and renewal. While many associate Hot springs with the spas of Europe, the United States has its own rich tradition of hot springs and geothermal bathing culture.
From Native American healing practices to the glamorous resorts of the 19th century, hot springs remain a cornerstone of wellness tourism in America. Today, retirees in particular are rediscovering the benefits of these natural wonders.
A Brief History
The story of hot springs in the United States begins long before European settlement. Indigenous peoples across North America considered hot springs sacred, using them for ritual purification and medicinal purposes. Warm mineral waters draw out illness, soothe muscles, and restore balance between body and spirit.
With westward expansion in the 19th century, hot springs became fashionable destinations. Railroads made it easier for city dwellers to travel to remote areas, and resorts flourished in places like Saratoga Springs in New York and Hot Springs, Arkansas. These venues offered not just bathing but also grand hotels, social clubs, and casinos, making them gathering places for politicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example, frequently visited Warm Springs, Georgia, for hydrotherapy treatments during his presidency.
Iconic Locations Across the Country
Today, there are more than 1,600 hot springs identified across the United States, though only a fraction are developed into resorts or bathing facilities. Search in Hot Springs of America.
Some of the most iconic destinations include:
- Hot Springs, Arkansas – Known as “America’s Spa City,” this was the first area to be protected by federal law for its waters, leading to the creation of Hot Springs National Park in 1921. The elegant Bathhouse Row still offers both historical charm and modern spa treatments.
- Saratoga Springs, New York – Famous for its effervescent mineral waters, Saratoga became a major resort town in the 19th century. Even today, visitors can sample the distinctive mineral water from public fountains or relax in spa facilities.
- Calistoga, California – Nestled in Napa Valley, Calistoga combines volcanic hot springs with mud baths and luxury spa resorts. It remains a premier destination for wellness retreats, often paired with wine country tourism.
- Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Home to some of the deepest geothermal hot springs in the world, Pagosa offers both rustic pools and modern wellness centers with stunning mountain views.
- Ojo Caliente, New Mexico – One of the oldest health resorts in the U.S., Ojo Caliente’s waters were cherished by Native American tribes and today draw visitors seeking tranquility in a desert landscape.
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado – Boasting the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool, Glenwood has been a family-friendly wellness spot for over a century.
Benefits of Hot Springs for Retirees
While thermal bathing appeals to all ages, retirees often experience the most noticeable benefits. Warm mineral-rich waters can:
- Relieve joint pain and stiffness – The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on joints, while heat improves circulation and flexibility, offering natural relief for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Support cardiovascular health – Gentle immersion in warm water can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Reduce stress and improve sleep – Thermal bathing promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension, and triggers endorphin release, making it a holistic approach to managing anxiety or insomnia.
- Encourage social connections – Many hot spring resorts are community-oriented. They give retirees a chance to meet others and enjoy group wellness activities.
A Living Tradition
From historic bathhouses to modern eco-resorts, hot springs in the United States represent both continuity and reinvention. They remain places of healing, leisure, and connection, deeply rooted in cultural history yet perfectly suited to today’s wellness-focused lifestyles. For retirees especially, America’s hot springs provide not only therapeutic benefits but also opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and reconnect with a tradition as old as humanity itself.
Whether in the shadow of the Rockies, the forests of upstate New York, or the vineyards of California, the call of thermal waters continues to flow — offering comfort, vitality, and timeless rejuvenation.
Thermal Waters in Europe
Before yatchs and beaches, there were thermal waters. Europe has long been obsessed with thermal waters—Roman emperors built baths, and kings sought cures in these mineral-rich springs.
- ✅ Hot springs → everyday term in the U.S., widely used for travel destinations, resorts, and National Parks (e.g., Hot Springs, Arkansas; Pagosa Springs, Colorado). It immediately evokes natural pools of warm water.
- ✅ Thermal waters → more European phrasing, used in wellness and spa culture (especially in France, Italy, Hungary). In the U.S., it sounds a bit more technical or exotic, but less recognizable to a general audience.
There are many famous thermal spa towns in Europe. Those are places where natural hot springs have been used for centuries to heal, relax, and rejuvenate.
There are 11 European spa towns as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The so called Great Spa Towns of Europe. Baden/Baden is among them.