Discover the best hot springs in Illinois!
When it comes to tourism, Chicago is the main pull in the state of Illinois. However, if you venture just 300 miles south of the city, you will find an unexpected gem; Illinois’ last hot spring.
Long ago, there were many natural springs spotted all over the state, but today, there is just one left; The Original Springs Hotel. This historical location is located in the town of Okawville, away from many big cities. It stands as a little oasis in this midwest state for hot spring enthusiasts to escape to all year round.
In this guide, we are going to introduce you to the last hot spring in Illinois and what it has to offer when it comes to a soaking experience. We will also provide some options for some cold mineral springs as an alternative.
Only Hot Spring in Illinois
Hidden in southern Illinois, the Original Springs Hotel stands as the only hot spring left in the state. This is sad, considering that the state used to boast many hot springs.
However, it was not always this way! So, before we get into the existing hot spring, let’s look at a hot spring that has been lost to history.
History of Vishnu Springs
Formerly known as Tennesee Springs, Vishnu Springs was a small town based entirely around the presence of the natural hot springs.
The town formed around the hot springs that were initially used as a medical treatment by an advantageous doctor. At this time, in the 1800s, it was known as the Vishnu Medical Springs, and the aim was to attract those with health issues with the promise of a miraculous cure using the mineral water.
Later the springs were opened to the public and became a popular spot for locals and visitors to spend their weekends in the late 1800s. The premises also offered some fair rides, wagon rides, and picnicking.
However, over time the springs and the town around it were abandoned and left in a state of disrepair despite a few attempts over the years to resurrect it. It has been empty since the 1980s.
In 2003 the land was gifted to McDonough County and forms part of a wildlife reserve.
Now let’s take a closer look at Illinois’ last hot spring:
The Original Springs Hotel
Housed in a classic old building with a wrap-around porch, the Original Springs Hotel is an Illinois institution that we think is well worth visiting.
The hotel was first established in 1867, but it was officially opened in 1893 because a fire destroyed the original building.
The mineral springs were discovered by accident when a man realized the water he was getting from his well was wearing out his tin kettle. After some exploration and testing, it was discovered that the water was high in several minerals. The bathhouse was subsequently built on top, which would become the Original Springs Hotel. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Since its inception, the Original Springs Hotel has been a destination for travelers who want a genuinely private mineral bath experience. The baths are only accessible by guests in the hotel, so you will need to book a room to enjoy the mineral springs spa. The hotel boasts 40 rooms and provides an old-timey but luxurious guest experience.
The mineral spring is not a natural hot spring, but rather the natural mineral water is pumped in and heated by boilers before making its way into the pools. The mineral pools are accessed through the Mineral Springs Spa, where you can pay to soak in the healing waters individually. You will be provided with cold mineral water to drink while you soak to stay hydrated.
The spa offers many therapeutic spa treatments that you can indulge in between soaks in the thermal springs. These include facials, deep tissue massage, and reflexology.
The hotel also boasts a heated indoor pool, but it is not filled with mineral water.
When it comes to other amenities, the hotel has a bar and lounge as well as a full-service restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For any lovers of the occult, this is a must-visit, as there are many rumors and old folk tales about ghosts inhabiting the hotel.
Full List of Illinois Hot Springs
Unfortunately, Illinois doesn’t have many hot springs anymore, and there is only one place in the state to soak in the natural warm mineral water.
| Hot Spring | Location in Illinois | Developed or Primitive |
| The Original Springs Hotel | Okawville | Developed |
Cold Mineral Springs in Illinois
While there is only the Original Springs Hotel left when it comes to hot springs, there are a few cold mineral springs available. All of these springs are primitive and form parts of different national parks.
The mineral springs are usually free to access, but some parks may require an entrance fee at the park gates. We suggest visiting these in the summertime when you can cool off and soak in the healing mineral water.
There are three main cold mineral springs in Illinois:
Bell Smith Springs
Located in Ozark, Bell Smith Springs can be found in the recreational area of the Shawnee National Park.
The mineral spring is a stunning spot surrounded by sheer rock faces and reached through a series of stone steps. The water is crystal clear, apart from some natural algae that grow in the pool. The little oasis is a beautiful spot to cool down and have a soak after a long hike in the park.
There are hiking trails throughout the Shawnee National Forest as well as an official campground where visitors can stay.
Silver Springs
The Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is the gem of Yorkville, Illinois, lauded for its stunning natural beauty. Part of the natural beauty is the stunning natural mineral spring.
Located along the Fox River, some pools are manmade while others naturally collect mineral water. The location is gorgeous and the perfect spot to relax in the cool waters.
The area also offers picnics, fishing, and hiking.
Mineral Springs Park
Mineral Springs Park in Pekin is a fun destination if you want to visit some mineral springs with the kids.
The park boasts a mineral water lagoon that you can walk around, but if you want to soak in the water, you will need to venture to Dragonland! This is a waterpark that is fed exclusively by cool mineral water. Long ago, there was a mineral water bathhouse in the city center, but it has since closed.
Mineral Springs also offers paddle boats, hiking trails, picnics, rock climbing, and even an ice skating rink.
Illinois may only have one hot spring option left; it is well worth the visit. We suggest planning a stay in the stunning historical building and taking advantage of the mineral spa and massage services on offer.