Chico Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chico Hot Springs |
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Chico Hot Springs in 1912
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| Elevation | 5,272 feet |
| Type | geothermal spring |
| Discharge | 37 gallons per minute |
| Temperature | 113°F |
Chico Hot Springs is a popular vacation spot located near Pray, Montana. It's about 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. These natural hot springs have been used for a long time. Since 1900, they have slowly grown into a fun resort where people can relax and enjoy the warm water.
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What Are Hot Springs?
Chico Hot Springs gets its warm water from deep underground. This is called a geothermal spring. The water comes out of the ground at about 113°F (45°C). That's pretty warm! About 37 gallons of this hot water flow out every minute.
The resort has special pools that collect this mineral-rich water. Guests can swim in these pools. The pools are kept at different temperatures, usually between 96°F and 104°F. This depends on how much heat is coming from the earth.
A Look Back at Chico's History
Long ago, Native American people were the first to use these hot springs. They used the warm water for bathing and washing clothes.
The first written record of the springs was in 1865. A miner named John S. Hackney wrote about washing his clothes there. Later, in 1876, another miner, Mr. Randall, used the hot water in a clever way. He built greenhouses over the warm water to help his garden grow. This allowed him to grow plants even when it was cold outside.
The Early Resort Days
In 1900, Bill and Percie Knowles built the Chico Warm Springs Hotel. It had a swimming pool and a place to eat. After Bill Knowles passed away in 1910, Percie Knowles continued to run the hotel. She helped it become even more popular.
In 1912, a doctor named George A. Townsend joined the resort. He told people that the spring water could help with many health problems. Because of his fame, the resort needed more rooms. By 1916, they added a 20-room hospital section to the hotel. Dr. Townsend left in 1925.
During the 1930s, business slowed down. The hospital section was taken down. Percie Knowles eventually left the business. Her son, Radbourne, and his wife, Agnes Sophia, took over. They sold the resort in 1948. After that, the property was used for many different things, like a guest ranch and a church camp.
Chico Hot Springs Today
Most of the original buildings are gone now, except for the main historic inn. In 1973, Mike and Eva Art bought the property. They rebuilt it into the resort you see today. They added modern cabins and suites for guests. Many famous people have visited Chico Hot Springs, including actors like Steve McQueen and Jeff Bridges.
The resort also has an amazing organic garden. It grows fresh herbs and vegetables all year round. This is possible because of a special greenhouse built in 1996. It's heated by the same geothermal water that fills the hot springs!
In 2016, the Arts sold Chico Hot Springs to Colin Davis, who had managed the property for a long time.
Images for kids
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Chico Hot Springs in 1912
