Fairmont Hot Springs

This old hot springs spa (1500 Fairmont Rd., 406/797-3241 or 800/332-3272, www.fairmontmontana.com [1], pool use $8.25 adults, $5 children 10 and under, $4.50 seniors), just off I-90 halfway between Butte [2] and Anaconda [3], is one of the most popular family resorts and conference hotels in Montana.

The hot springs here fill four pools. Two of them (one indoors, one out) are Olympic-sized and heated to 90–100°F; the others run 100–105°F and are meant for soaking weary muscles. There’s a separate charge to use the somewhat old-fashioned-looking waterslide; a combined pool and slide pass costs $13.75 for adults and $10.50 for kids.

A challenging and well-designed 18-hole golf course is a very big draw (the fifth hole is the state’s longest).

Fairmont is a good base for hiking and riding in the Deerlodge National Forest and Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area, fishing and water sports at Georgetown Lake [4], and skiing at Discovery Basin. Cross-country skiers love Fairmont; after a day skiing the trails around nearby Mt. Haggin, a good hot soak takes the ache out of tired muscles.

If soaking doesn’t do the trick, the resort’s massage therapists can provide a Swedish, salt-glow, or hot rock massage ($70 and up).

At Fairmont Hot Springs, a full range of rooming options includes suites and kitchenettes; double rooms start at $145. Don’t expect luxury; the rooms are a little worn around the edges. The food is good, considering the variety of clientele they have to please. There are dancing and drinks in the lounge.

Some resorts with Fairmont’s amenities and potential would discourage kids, but not here. This is a great place to take active children. Indeed, when schools are out it’s a bit raucous, but fun for kids. There are enough supervised activities here that harried parents might even be able to have some time to themselves.