Road Trip Around Montana – Boulder Hot Springs
Author: Brenda Phillips
Boulder Hot Springs
Brenda Phillips
We have visited several hot springs in the area around Helena & Bozeman but neither of us had been to Boulder Hot Springs. So, this week’s adventure took us to Boulder, MT. Just south of Boulder, set back against the mountains in the Peace Valley, you will find a Spanish Mission-looking building. We enjoyed our dip into the warm waters of the Boulder Hot Springs. It was a very low key and laid-back rustic atmosphere. Since the facility specializes in healthy, active living and luxury, Boulder Hot Springs has chosen to be an alcohol, drug and smoke-free environment. Compared to some of the Hot Springs we have been to, the absence of loud music, big crowds and alcohol was very relaxing for us. I wanted to know more of this historic oasis’s history so I found this information on their website.
The Boulder Hot Springs has a long history that started back about 1863. It began as a saloon and bathhouse catering to local miners and ranchers who came here to soak, bathe, and enjoy the amenities. In 1881 the small hotel was enlarged to accommodate 50 people. In 1890, C.K. Kerrick of Minneapolis supervised the construction of a large addition to the old hotel structure, resulting in a Victorian hotel with a veranda surrounding the building. He renamed the hotel the Hotel May after his daughter.
The property changed hands several times after that, and in 1909, James A. Murray, a Butte millionaire miner and banker, purchased the springs. In 1910, the hotel underwent a thorough renovation. Murray hired an interior decorator from New York City who redecorated the card room in a Chinese motif and added fancy fresco work in the huge lobby. Murray also hung the lobby’s 12-foot ceiling with light globes of exclusive amber glass reportedly made by Tiffany’s of New York. Murray, who frequently visited California, was enamored with the architecture there, and added arches and fountains to the hot springs building plus had stucco added to the exterior. The result was a huge building, resembling a Spanish mission. During the early ’30s, gambling was legal, and it was also the time of the “Big Bands,” so Saturday night in Peace Valley was a big night.
After the death of James A. Murray, the ownership was transferred to his nephew, James E. Murray, who later became a United States Senator. He operated the hotel until 1940, when he sold it to C.L. “Pappy” Smith. Pappy Smith changed the name to the Diamond S Ranchotel by which it was to be known for the next 35 years or so. The ranch was operated as a dude ranch, complete with trail rides and cook-outs. In about 1960, Smith’s nephew came to work for him and instituted the tradition of Saturday night smorgasbords. These sumptuous meals, featuring baron of beef were enjoyed by as many as 400 or 500 people.
Mr. And Mrs. Albert Lane purchased the Diamond S from Smith in late 1960 and the ranch became a functioning cattle ranch. They also operated the guest hotel, bar and dining room. A number of other owners were involved with the ranch/hotel over the years from 1965 through 1972, at which time Willard Mack and Robert Ryan from Billings purchased the property and subdivided the ranch.
The next owner, Stuart Lewin, changed the name back to Boulder Hot Springs and had it placed on the National Historic Register in 1978. Lewin attempted to make a success of the place and made many improvements, but after 11 years he was finally forced to close the Hot Springs in 1989.
In early 1990, the Hot Springs was purchased by world-renowned author and lecturer, Anne Wilson Schaef. It is now owned by a Limited Partnership. Under the present owners, the plunges were tiled for the first time, the bathhouse was completely renovated, an innovative heating system was installed using the thermal waters, and the East Wing was completely renovated with new heating, plumbing and electricity as well as custom-made, natural-wool carpeting in the hallways and rooms. The rooms have been furnished with antiques and art relating to the history of the hotel. The veranda has been restored with the traditional fifty rocking chairs looking out over Peace Valley. After a great deal of time and money was spent on renovation and repairs, the Boulder Hot Springs again opened in the summer of 1991.
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PhotoCredit: Brenda Phillips Photo
Image 1 Caption: Boulder Hot Springs
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Image 2 Caption: Sign at Boulder Hot Springs
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Image 3 Caption: Boulder Hot Springs set back against the edge of the Peace Valley
Brenda Phillips Photo
