History of the Lava Hot Springs Area

For years people have gathered at the springs to bathe, rest and worship. Many people believe that there are curative properties associated with the hot mineral water and refer to the Springs as "the healing waters" It is rumored that long ago the Springs were neutral ground and shared in peace by all.

Once part of the original Fort Hall reservation, the springs and land were part of a treaty agreement between the Indians and the US Government in the late 1800's. The federal government purchased the springs and land, approximately 178 acres including the springs.

A 1902 act granted the lands to the State of Idaho to be held by the State for public use. Later all rights to the operation, management, control, maintenance and improvement of the lands and property were vested in the Lava Hot Springs Foundation, an agency within the Idaho Dept. of Parks & Recreation.

The South Bannock County
Historical Center Museum
110 E Main
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
208-776-5254

It is open daily from noon to 5:00 p. m. and after hours by appointment. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

Lava Hot Springs Railroad Depot
in about 1920.

After the train depot was constructed in 1902-1905 the hot springs were accessible to the western traveler. The depot was used as a home, north west of Lava Hot Springs on U.S. Highway 30 until it burned down on April 1, 2004.

 

 

'Poha-Ba'
Land of Healing Waters

This exhibit at the South Bannock County Historical Center Museum tells the story of the Shoshone-Bannock people and Lava Hot Springs.

See photos of their people, a map of the area and read how the land was purchased from the Fort Hall reservation by the State of Idaho for public use.

See photos of Lava's 1963 flood.