February 2012, Traveling Outside Louisiana

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

By Mona L. Hayden   Sun, Oct 30, 2011

Paradise Valley’s Crown Jewel

Twilight, moonlight, starlight, or daylight… Chico Hot Spring Resort & Day Spa glistens at the heart of Emigrant Peak in Montana’s majestic Paradise Valley. The original structure opened its doors in the summer of 1900 as a warm spring’s hotel, where people flocked to the hot waters for their therapeutic properties. Today, visitors continue seeking out Chico for its world-renowned soaks as well as comfortable lodging, fine dining, day spa, and a host of other activities.

While retaining its unique character and charm, Chico has expanded to include additional guest rooms, cabins, chalets, even a caboose at the top of the hill overlooking the property. Relax beneath the big sky on 152 acres as wildlife casually roam nearby as the true stewards of the land. Chico also boasts a convention center accommodating up to 180 attendees and a board room that comfortably seats 30 for meeting, receptions, and retreats. You’d be hard pressed to find a more tranquil setting for conferences, reunions, or gatherings of any kind. Other amenities to the property include an impressive wine cellar that’s available for intimate dinners or small groups, and seasonal party tents and canopies for guests to experience the unparalleled essence of the Paradise Valley.  

Remotely situated on a gravel road beside the spectacular Absoroka mountain range, just 30 miles above the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Springs continues to command attention with its serene rustic charm and modern day appeal. From the full menu of treatments at the Day Spa to the vast selection of onsite activities, you could easily be spoiled and entertained and never leave the grounds.

Come soak in the pools filled with fresh hot spring water that’s piped in daily and recycled each evening for heating the greenhouse and irrigating the gardens. Mingle with the locals or make new friends from around the world that seek out Chico Hot Springs Resort as their vacation destination. Take a nice run or hike or even go horseback riding on the trails with a guide from Chico’s horse barn. Depending on the weather, cross country ski or snow shoe, fish for trout in the Yellowstone River (just a couple miles away), go river rafting or even dog sledding nearby. Spend a full day in Yellowstone or photograph local wildlife and scenery, then return in the evening for dinner, drinks, and maybe some stargazing. The Poolside Grill offers more casual fare such while the resort restaurant offers fine dining from an exceptional menu. A diner favorite is the bison ravioli appetizer and the prime rib entrée served with scrumptious mashed potatoes and vegetables grown onsite. Leave room for dessert as the cart overflows with confections that’ll have you justifying a bite or two.  A popular selection is an orange filled with ice cream and liqueurs, topped with meringue, splashed with even more liquor and flamed for presentation – as delectable as it sounds!

Just 25 miles north of Chico is the small town of Livingston, Montana, an artsy cowboy community with galleries, restaurants, shopping, a movie theatre, and the Sacajawea Park, making for a nice day trip. There are plenty of photo ops along the way whether you travel Hwy 89 or East River Road so plan your time accordingly.

At Chico Hot Springs Resort, you won’t find marble floors and meticulously furnished rooms with matching décor. Instead, kick back and enjoy the property for what it is – a well preserved and maintained piece of history that’s reflective of the local culture of Park County. Reminiscent of gentler times, you’re welcome to tour the greenhouse and gardens where vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown to provide fresh ingredients for the kitchen. Stop in the gift shop to browse and purchase clothing, wines, and souvenirs to take home or to just enjoy a nice coffee from the espresso bar. Saunter over to the saloon for a cocktail, live music or a game of pool. Maybe you’d prefer relaxing in the lobby where guests and locals gather for board games and conversation or just snuggle up in a big chair and read by the fireplace. At Chico, you won’t find televisions but dogs are always welcome. After all, you’re in Montana, an unpretentious land with breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a flair for making you feel like staying just a bit longer.

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is located at #1 Old Chico Road (P O Box 29), Pray, Montana 59065. Call 406-333-4933 or 1-800-HOT-WADA for more information or email reservations@chicohotsprings.com to plan your mountain stay.

By Mona L. Hayden

Mona L. Hayden has been writing, gardening, cooking, and enjoying road trips for as long as she can remember. She continues to appreciate the great conversations and time shared with friends, old and new, as she makes her way to the next adventure.