Are There Hot SpringsAre there hot springs in Wisconsin?
No. There are no natural hot springs anywhere in Wisconsin. Waukesha's famous springs were cool mineral springs, and today the state's warm soaks are hydrotherapy spas: Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club in Kohler and at Lodge Kohler in Green Bay, and an essential-oil hot pool at Sundara in Wisconsin Dells.
The nearest water that comes out hot is in Bath County, Virginia, about 550 miles from Milwaukee, with North Carolina and Arkansas close behind.
How far are hot springs from Milwaukee and Madison?
From Wisconsin, three hot spring towns are almost equally far: Bath County, Virginia; Hot Springs, North Carolina; and Hot Springs, Arkansas.
| From | Nearest hot springs (straight line) | Next nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Bath County, Virginia550 miles | Hot Springs, North Carolina, 560 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 650 miles |
| Madison | Hot Springs, North Carolina610 miles | Bath County, Virginia, 610 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 620 miles |
From Madison they are all within about 10 miles of each other, so choose by the kind of soak you want. South Dakota's Black Hills are only about 100 miles farther.
Waukesha, the Spring City
Waukesha's spring era began in 1868, when Colonel Richard Dunbar drank from a spring in what is now Bethesda Park and credited it with curing him. The "miraculous" water started a resort and tourist trade that changed the town.
Between 1868 and 1918, about 60 mineral springs were developed in Waukesha, and visitors came by train to "enjoy the waters" in spring parks with pavilions and hotels. The water was bottled and shipped far beyond Wisconsin.
The springs were always cool; their draw was purity and minerals, not heat. Bethesda water was bottled until the late 1990s, and in Bethesda Park a simple brick structure still covers the flowing spring.
Where they are in Wisconsin: map
All 4 places on this page, with pin shapes showing the type. Open the larger map to zoom in.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The best spas in Wisconsin
Two Kohler hydrotherapy spas, a bath ritual in Wisconsin Dells and a resort spa at Lake Geneva.
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Water spa
Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club
KohlerA spa built around water: hydrotherapy treatments and relaxation pools.
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Adults-only spa
Sundara Inn & Spa
Wisconsin DellsA bath ritual of steam, rain shower, essential-oil hot pool and cool plunge, and an outdoor heated infinity pool.
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Water spa
Kohler Waters Spa at Lodge Kohler
Green BayA hydromassage pool, co-ed sauna, steam room and cool plunge, by Lambeau Field.
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Resort spa
WELL Spa at Grand Geneva
Lake GenevaA resort spa with hydrotherapy among its services.
Questions about soaking in Wisconsin
Is there a hot pool at Wisconsin Dells?
Sundara Inn & Spa's bath ritual includes an essential-oil hot pool, and the resort has an outdoor heated infinity pool.
Why is Waukesha called the Spring City?
From 1868 to 1918 about 60 mineral springs were developed there, and the town became a resort for people who came to drink the water.
Can you still see Bethesda Spring?
Yes. In Bethesda Park, a simple brick structure covers the still-flowing spring.
Is Bethesda Spring warm?
No. Waukesha's springs were always cool; people came for the water's purity and minerals.
Where are the nearest hot springs to Wisconsin?
In Bath County, Virginia, about 550 miles from Milwaukee in a straight line. Hot Springs, North Carolina, is about 560 miles away.
Seasons, costs and access in Wisconsin
When to go
All four are indoor spas and open year-round; Sundara's outdoor infinity pool is heated.
What it costs
Spa services are paid. Sundara is adults-only.
Getting there
Kohler is just west of Sheboygan, an hour north of Milwaukee. Lodge Kohler is beside Lambeau Field in Green Bay; Lake Geneva is in the south-east; Wisconsin Dells is in the center of the state. Waukesha is about 20 miles west of Milwaukee.
Rules and good manners
Spa tips.
- Follow the ritual orderSundara's bath ritual runs steam, rain shower, hot pool and cool plunge.
- Book on weekendsKohler spa times fill early on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Keep hot tubs at 104°F or belowThe CPSC's safe limit for any hot pool.
Pictures of places to soak in Wisconsin
Photos of Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club, a place to soak in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.
Sources and verification
We last checked this page on , using the sources below.
- Wisconsin Historical Society: Bethesda Spring (60 springs, bottled until the late 1990s)
- Wisconsin Historical Society: Bethesda Spring, Waukesha (Col. Richard Dunbar, 1868)
- Travel Wisconsin: Kohler (Kohler Waters Spa)
- Travel Wisconsin: Sundara Inn & Spa (bath ritual)
- Travel Wisconsin: Luxury spa getaways (outdoor heated infinity pool)
- Travel Wisconsin: Kohler Waters Spa at Lodge Kohler (hydromassage pool)
- Travel Wisconsin: WELL Spa at Grand Geneva (hydrotherapy)
- NOAA: Thermal Springs List for the United States
- CPSC: Hot tub temperatures
Hot springs elsewhere in the United States
Other states where we list hot springs.