Montana's countless mountains and rivers invite you to hike, ski, fish, mountain-bike or paddle as you journey across the state on Interstate 90. More offbeat adventures located just off the highway include guided cave explorations at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park and watching prairie dogs at Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park. After a day of outdoor activity, consider stopping to soak your weary body at Fairmont Hot Springs and stay the night.
Geography
You'll find Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Fairmont RV Park just south of Anaconda via exit 211 off I-90 on the west side of the state. Located on Fairmont Road, these attractions lie on the edge of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest about halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The interchange with I-15 lies eight miles to the east, and the city of Butte lies eight miles beyond that.
History
Long before European settlers came to Montana, American Indians frequented the area known as Fairmont Hot Springs to take advantage of the reputed healing powers of the hot mineral waters. In 1869, the Gregson brothers purchased the hot springs and constructed a curative resort complete with a hotel. The hot springs changed ownership but stayed in business for a century before closing briefly due to disrepair in 1971. But today, you and other visitors can enjoy modern, full-service resort amenities.
Features
Put in a solid cardio workout by swimming laps in one of Fairmont's two Olympic-size swimming pools before you relax with a soak in one of the resort's two hot mineral pools. You'll find one indoor pool and another pool outside. An on-site 350-foot water slide adds excitement for kids of all ages. Other resort draws include luxury hotel rooms, massage therapy, an 18-hole golf course and two restaurants, each offering healthy dining options.
Camping
Separate from the resort but less than .5 mile away, Fairmont RV Park offers both RV and tent camping with convenient access to the hot springs and other resort amenities. At the 15-acre RV park choose from among the 147 RV campsites: 84 with full hookups, 16 with water and electric, 36 with only water and 11 dry. The park also has 13 tent sites, three cabins and three tepees, plus a general store, playground and recreation center.
Time Frame
While winter often brings unfavorable driving conditions, it also brings snow to Montana's mountains. The Discovery Ski Area lies only 30 miles north of Fairmont via Montana Highway 1, and the Mount Haggin cross-country ski trails are found 11 miles south of Anaconda via Montana Highway 274. After a day of skiing, you can soak and stay at the resort or camp nearby, as both Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Fairmont RV Park remain open all year.
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