Exploring New Places Podcast
Exploring New Places Podcast
Hot Springs Idaho
After a month, we’re back to the regular schedule of the Exploring New Places Podcast. This week’s destination goes over Idaho’s World Famous Lava Hot Springs and we go over all that you need to know before your visit to this new destination.
After this episode, you will know what has happened since the last episode and you will know a little bit about the history of Lava Hot Springs, what you need to know when visiting, prices for rentals, our host’s experience when visiting and more.
Join us today and learn more about where to travel next to create new memories!
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Track: Tropical Love — Vendredi [Audio Library Release]
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GBS: Welcome back everybody! It’s been a minute since I last published a new episode. There have been several events that happened, some related to this podcast and some things unrelated to this podcast.
GBS: I don’t know if you want to hear it all. But some of the good things that happened, which give a reason for my absence, is that I was exploring new places so that I can give you ideas and information about where to go on your next adventure. I’m so excited to share in upcoming episodes all the new places that I got to explore this past month.
GBS: If you follow our Instagram page, which by the way is @exploringnewplaces_podcast, you could see that I posted a video inviting you to follow the Exploring New Places Podcast from Zion National Park.
GBS: This national park will be in a future episode, and I will be giving as many details as I can so that you know what’s up. On the other hand, today, I will be talking about one of the destinations that I was taken to explore all the way in Idaho. This place is great for friends and family.
GBS: One of the things that makes this place special is that it is a wintertime activity for you to try. And, personally, it was very relaxing and de-stressing to visit this new destination. It is truly beautiful to see the snow around the mountains and you're just there relaxing.
GBS: The place is called Lava Hot Springs in Idaho. You can check out their website for more information like weather reports for the upcoming week, address, latest news, and hours, and to purchase annual passes. The website is www.lavahotsprings.com.
GBS: Anyway, let me start off by telling you a little bit about the history of this southeastern Idaho destination. Before European immigrants came to this continent, the Shoshone and Bannock Tribes used to gather in these hot springs to bathe, rest, and worship the Great Spirit for the healing powers that this water is believed to have.
GBS: During this time, they would travel in small groups and move around the areas as the seasons changed. The now-known Lava Hot Springs was always known to be rich and abundant for hunting animals like rabbits and salmon and collecting seeds and nuts.
GBS: Between the years of 1851-1861, there was an Irish immigrant man named Bob Dempsey who married a Native American woman named Margaret, and they lived a mile and a half away from what is now known as the Lava Hot Springs. They established themselves in this area with their eight children and for some time the town was known as Dempsey.
GBS: It was not until July 24, 1915, that the name of Lava Hot Springs was official and new businesses opened as well as a railroad to attract more tourists to visit this area of Idaho. Now, you can find restaurants, hotels, rental shops, apartments, and more.
GBS: You can actually go to a museum called The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum to learn more about how this town came to be and all of its history as well as the change that has happened with Lava Hot Springs.
GBS: I always recommend for you inform yourself whenever it’s possible because it makes destinations where you create new memories with your loved ones to be more meaningful. Definitely, more memorable. It’s great to actually learn and not take things for granted in the sense that you think that it’s always been the way we see things today.
GBS: Okay, now let me tell you about the temperature of these hot springs. When they say hot springs, they mean hot springs. This took me a little bit by surprise because I thought that it was in fact hot, but it is really hot. These natural pools are between 102˚-112˚ Fahrenheit. They do have three pools with three different temperatures that range from said temperatures.
GBS: So, when you go, you will park in the parking lot- which is free by the way. And, you walk towards the entrance where you say how many people are in your group and you pay. Children three years and under also have to pay and they give you swimming diapers, for precaution. And, of course, all people 3 and above pay as well.
GBS: The facilities have dressing rooms, for women, men, and family rooms, with lockers where you can put your belongings, each locker is around $0.50-$0.75 and it comes with a key. So, everything is safe for you to enjoy your time here at Lava Hot Springs. Oh yeah! I almost forgot the lockers are coin-operated so be prepared to have quarters to pay for it or you could leave your things in the car or hotel.
GBS: One of the cool features, I will say it’s the heated floors that they have because especially when you go during the wintertime and it’s snowy and the wind is super cold; the heated floors make it just perfect for you to not be in shock by the cold weather.
GBS: When you go in the water, at first, it will feel like it’s super-hot and you are in a soup, hahaha. But the body adapts to the water very quickly which is very interesting to learn. People usually come in and out of the hot pools and relax. You can swim a little bit if you are feeling yourself in the hot water. I did that! It was amazing!
GBS: And, when you step out to go to the store or locker rooms, the floor is nicely warm. It’s really cool!
GBS: Anyway, you can also rent swims suits and towels for $3, just in case you forgot them.
GBS: Idaho’s World Famous Lava Hot Springs exist thanks to an ancient volcano that allows 2 ½ million gallons of hot spring water to be enjoyed by its visitors. When you go to their website, when you plan your visit, you can look up the photographs that they have from the 1800s until now, and you are able to observe the changes that have occurred throughout the decades.
GBS: I do want to advise you that when you go, please keep yourself hydrated because you could pass out if you are not hydrated enough. Sit aside before you feel like you cannot handle the heat of the water. In their store, they have plenty of water and popsicles for you to buy and feel refreshed. They also have a water fountain that anyone can use. So, don’t forget to stay hydrated.
GBS: Another thing that you cannot forget is to wear sunscreen because the weather may feel cold, but the sunshine and the reflection of the water does its magic on you. I forgot that because I assumed that because it was cold and cloudy when I went, nothing was going to happen, but I got suntanned around snow and the cold weather. Who would have thought? Hahaha.
GBS: Food and drinks are not permitted within the pool. So, do not bring it in. Leave them in your car or hotel room. Pets, alcohol, smoking, or vaping are not allowed either.
GBS: And, before I forget, please do not wear any waterproof devices such as smartwatches because the water is hot and you will make your devices stop working due to the temperature. I did that and it was not a good idea to say the least, hahaha. Learn from me.
GBS: Before we go over our fun facts segment, I want to also share that this destination is also open during the summertime, and it has plenty of fun things to do in the swimming pools. They have water slides, an Olympic-sized pool, diving platforms for those who like adrenaline, and an area for children of all ages. So, know that everybody who goes can have fun here.
GBS: Now it’s time for our fun facts. Yay!
GBS: #1- Margaret, Bob Dempsey’s wife, was a great nice to Sacajawea.
GBS: #2- The swimming pools and hot baths were rebuilt since the facilities got destroyed due to a flood in 1962 and 1963.
GBS: #3- Lava Hot Springs were granted to Ohio by the United States government in 1902.
GBS: Now, we’ve reached the end of today’s episode. Thank you so much for supporting this podcast by tuning in to today's episode and for your patience this past month. I’m so happy to be back to our normal episode schedule.
GBS: Don’t forget to share the Exploring New Places Podcast with your community and follow us on Instagram @exploringnewplaces_podcast and on Facebook @exploringnewplacespodcast to help us grow.
GBS: Until next time! Take care.
