I think there’s something special that happens at hot springs. Sitting around in hot water soaking with other people is honestly pretty relaxing and therapeutic.

But I’ve started to wonder just why that is. Why does it seem no matter where I travel there are people who can appreciate hot springs. Are there really any health benefits sitting in bubbling streams of earth water? Why does it seem across generations and cultures we’re all in agreement that hot springs are pretty great?

I’m working on a project — Taking the Waters — that aims to examine these questions more deeply. My research methodology includes visiting a number of hot springs resorts as a customer, and this is a short dispatch with my notes and observations.

Short History

The original site for the historic Broadwater hotel and resort was built in 1889, the same year that Montana established its statehood. It boasted a luxury hotel and a thirty thousand square foot natatorium, an indoor swimming pool.

At the time the natatorium was considered the largest indoor pool in the world, which surprised me because Montana is pretty out of the way. Later I learned that the original resort went out of business in part because the builder expected more wealthy visitors that didn’t materialize.

What brought me here?

In the late 1800s I would have likely been priced out of a visit to this resort. But fortunately it’s reasonably priced today and my budget will allow some indulgence.

The resort I’m at now has existed at this location since 1979 and is fed by the same springs as the original. Under the auspices of research for my larger project, I am excited to relax for a while on a quiet Thursday mid morning.

First impressions

Walking through the front door my first impression was that the lobby reminded me of a hospital gift shop. As I approached the front desk a short haired sprightly woman — Hazel — greeted my partner and I. It struck me that she was manning the front desk and juggling a water sample and test kit.

The resort feels like a place where everyone wears many hats. The facilities were clean and well cared for. There’s a subtle irreverence that stood out to me compared to other places. I’d describe it as very “Montana” and it can be seen in some of the signage.

The entrance to the changing rooms is filled with historical photos and artifacts dating to the original Broadwater resort.

After finishing our soak I asked Hazel to tell me more about the history of Broadwater. She shared her own personal experience bringing her family there in the 70s and 80s and the role the resort played in her children’s lives. She’s discovered a different side of Broadwater through the guests and visitors who have been coming here for generations as well.

It was a rich experience for my notes, but I’m left with unanswered questions.

Open Questions

- What was this place like in the 1800s? There’s a historical continuity here that I’m curious about exploring more deeply through interviews with people like Hazel.

- What does inheritance mean for a place like Broadwater? I assumed it might be through the owners. But I wonder if places like these are inherited and passed down by the community.

- How do I represent these questions visually?