Chico vs. White Sulphur Springs: Which is a Better Montana Getaway?

Montana has over twenty natural hot springs that are open to the public. A handful of these are natural pools with no commercial development - essentially hot pools of water next to a stream. Most of the other hot springs across the Treasure State are developed, with cement pools, changing rooms, lockers, and perhaps food and lodging.

Read More: Chico Hot Springs Room Rates Skyrocket Under New Ownership

Which is better: Chico or White Sulphur?

A question was posed on social media recently about which hot spring is better... Chico Hot Springs or Spa Hot Springs in White Sulfur Springs. Both are located a little over two hours from Billings, both have lodging options, and both have their pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the differences.

Check out the interactive map from HotSpringsLocator.com above for places to check out across Montana.

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Chico Hot Springs - 162 Chico Road, Pray, MT.

Pros:

• Fans enjoy the convenience of the poolside bar (technically not "swim up", but the next best thing).
• Chico is known for a slightly more party-vibe, especially on the weekends.
• The on-site restaurant has great food, with 4.5 stars out of 411 reviews on TripAdvisor.
• The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from cabins to traditional rooms.
• It has a gorgeous setting in the Paradise Valley.
• No sulfur smell.

Cons:

• The party atmosphere on the weekend can be offputting for some.
• 35 of the rooms in the historic main lodge do not have private bathrooms.
• Guests mentioned high prices for food and beverages, particularly since new owners acquired the resort.
• No other bars or restaurants within walking distance.

Rates start at $185/night for a Saturday night in late April.

Spa Hot Spring Motel - 202 W Main Street, White Sulpher Springs, MT

Pros:

• A Montana family-owned and operated business.
• Hotter water temperature.
• More pools than Chico.
• Several bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
• Outdoor recreation abounds in the nearby Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Cons:

• No on-site restaurant or bar.
• Sulpher smell.
• Not as fancy as Chico.

Rates start at $135/night for a Saturday night in late April.