The Lolo Hot Springs is one of the many places that the Lewis and Clark-led Corps of Discovery explored on its journey west. The Corps stopped in the area in September 1805 and June 1806 travelling to and from the Pacific Ocean. Meriwether Lewis described the temperature of one of the hot springs like those he experienced in the state of Virginia. Lewis could only spend nineteen minutes in the hot spring and “it was with dificulty I could remain thus long and it caused a profuse sweat.” The explorers found two other springs at Lolo that were as equally hot.

Meriwether Lewis observed his men taking part in the Indian’s tradition of hot-and-cold swimming and described the process: “the Indians after remaining in the hot bath as long as they could bear it ran and plunged themselves into the creek the water of which is now as cold as ice can make it; after remaining here a few minutes they returned again to the warm bath, repeating this transision several times but always ending with the warm bath.”

Currently, Lolo Hot Springs is a recreation destination, complete with a lodge, restaurant, hiking trails, a folf course, and horseback riding, snowmobile, and cross-country skiing areas. Those choosing to visit the springs take part in experiencing the same water that Lewis and Clark experienced over 200 years ago.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Natalie Ray