Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, served as a place of worship, health and relaxation for Native American and settlers. According to the city's website, the federal government purchased the 178-acre area from the Native Americans and opened the lands to the public in the early 1900s. Lava Hot Springs hotels draw visitors to the area's mineral waters and Dempsey Ridge Golf Course, formally Lava's Thunder Canyon Golf Course. The 9-hole, par-36 bluegrass course is a few miles from the mineral waters.
Lava Hot Springs Inn
Originally a hospital built in the 1920s, Lava Hot Springs Inn maintains its tranquil, therapeutic surroundings for its guests. Accommodation options include inn rooms, Jacuzzi rooms, a cottage, spa rooms, apartments, the Blue House and the Aladdin.
The inn has five outdoor hot pools with hot mineral water varying from 44 degrees to 112 degrees. Enjoy the buffet breakfast, which includes eggs, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit and juice. The inn is walking distance from a tennis court, dining and shopping. Dempsey Ridge Golf Course is two miles from the inn.
Lava Hot Springs Inn
94 E. Portneuf Ave.
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
(208) 776-5830
lavahotspringsinn.com
Riverside Inn
Built in 1914, Riverside Inn in Lava Hot Springs sits right on top of the springs, offering hot mineral springs and spa services. The springs heat the inn's water during the winter. Guestrooms vary in décor and amenities. Fourteen rooms have private bathrooms, while two rooms on each floor share a bathroom. The inn's apartment accommodates six guests and a full kitchen. Six rooms have televisions.
The inn has free Internet service and serves a continental breakfast. The inn has two private indoor hot tub rooms and an outdoor soaking tub overlooking Portneuf River. Massage therapy is available seven days a week. Dempsey Ridge Golf Course is two miles away.
Riverside Hot Springs Inn
255 E. Portneuf Ave.
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
(208) 776-5504
riversideinnhotsprings.com
Lava Spa Motel and RV Park
Lava Spa Motel and RV Park is in downtown Lava Hot Springs on Portneuf River, across the street from the mineral baths. The motel rooms have televisions with HBO, microwaves, refrigerators and wireless Internet. Select rooms have Jacuzzis. No pets are allowed in the motel.
The RV sites accommodate 15 units and have wireless Internet and cable hookups, but no restrooms or showers. Pets are allowed on a leash. The RV park has summer and winter rates. Go tubing on the river, swim at Lava's Olympic Swimming Complex or soak at the hot springs across from the motel and RV park. Dempsey Ridge Golf Course is two miles from the hotel.
Lava Spa Motel and RV Park
359 E. Main
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
(208) 776-5589
lavaspamotel.net
About The Author
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University.
