Things to explore during a stay in Lava Hot Springs include hot pools and swimming pools, the Sunken Gardens, local history, and seasonal recreation. Offerings also vary by season and planning needs.
Hot Springs, Pools, and History
People have long gathered at the hot springs in Lava Hot Springs to bathe, rest, and pray. This connection is part of the town’s historical context and adds to the view of the springs as a recreational attraction. In 1918, the State of Idaho built a natatorium on property belonging to the Lava Hot Springs Foundation. The Foundation oversees the operation of the swimming pools and hot pools in Lava Hot Springs.
Gardens and Local History
The Sunken Gardens showcase native and introduced plants and flowers throughout the season. The stone walls also tell a geological story: they are remnants of algae reefs that formed in the Portneuf River long ago. In this way, botany and the formation of the stone walls offer different perspectives.
The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum features permanent and changing exhibits on the history of the Lava Hot Springs area. The Poha-Ba exhibit provides information about the Shoshone-Bannock in Lava Hot Springs. Visitors can also learn more about Bob Dempsey and the era of trappers and traders. The museum also houses a preserved original portrait identified as a portrait of John Hall.
Activities and Seasonal Planning
Reservations are required for Lava Zipline tours. They operate year-round on weekends and daily in summer. Tours include access to a ropes course, a geodesic dome, and a climbing wall; individual course offerings may change. So check the current details when making a reservation.
The Lava Hot Springs Water Slides include two speed slides with a 60-foot vertical drop and a top speed of 38 miles per hour, as well as two twisting tube slides. Operating details may change, so it is a good idea to check before planning your day. In summer, downtown shops rent one-, two-, and four-person tubes daily for rides on the Portneuf River. Local rental arrangements may also change; check them before planning around them.
Different conditions therefore matter when choosing a date: zipline tours require a reservation and run year-round on weekends, while tube rentals are available in summer. Daily zipline tour times are also listed for summer.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Lava Hot Springs is 11 miles from Interstate 15 and about 35 miles from Pocatello. Many attractions are within easy walking distance of Main Street. These distances provide a general sense of the area; Main Street, by contrast, is a reference point for finding attractions in town. When choosing a hotel, consider your planned activities and compare the specific property’s location with how you want to get around locally.
Explore more destinations: Pocatello, McCammon.
For the broader travel overview: Bannock County.
