HYP February Business Highlight: Broadwater Hot Springs

With a bow to the long and rich history of the natural mineral waters from the hot springs, new ownership came on in 2015 by the name of Johnson, his wife Kellie, brother Scott and John Rosa to become Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness. HYP has been so grateful for the support of Broadwater as they have donated to our annual membership benefits card. We met Billie Perry, the Broadwater Hot Springs manager, for a Q & A and she was excited to talk about the five old pools that have been demoed and six new free form pools that have been added, giving the Broadwater seven bodies of water. In addition to the new pools, the Springs Taproom & Grill was opened in 2017, having a burger and a beer pool side or your favorite glass of wine in the hot tub makes for a relaxing time. Two thumbs up for the real fruit wine slushies! 

Why did you choose to start your business in Helena? 

In 1889 Colonel Charles Broadwater built the world famous Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium that was  the stopping place for elite travelers going to and from the national parks of Yellowstone and Glacier. The Broadwater Hot Springs Natatorium pool at 30,000 square feet, was the world’s largest indoor pool. 

Colonel Broadwater died a couple years after the Hotel was built. An earthquake in 1935 severely damaged the Natatorium and it was soon condemned. At that time, the hotel became most known as a place for dancing and gambling. The state began to crack down on gambling and in 1941 the Hotel was closed down. In 1974, most remaining items in the Hotel were sold at auction.

Our current facility opened its doors October 17, 1979. The facility came under new ownership February 2015 and since then six new free form pools have been added, giving the Broadwater seven pools. From cold plunges to our geothermal hot tubs at 105 degrees, there is a pool temperature for everyone. In addition to the new pools, the Springs Taproom & Grill was opened in 2017. Having a beer pool side or your favorite glass of wine in the hot tub makes for a relaxing time.

What is your biggest personal reward from running your business? 

My biggest personal reward is seeing our community take pride in their local hot springs and seeing the joy it brings everyone who comes to soak.

How have you adapted your business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The most challenging part was coming up with a way to reopen responsibly while following COVID-19 guidelines. To do this we created a soak membership that is just $5 per person, per year and pay as you go. This allows us to check everyone in when they visit and we have the ability to provide information for contact tracing if needed.

How long have you been a Sponsoring Business to HYP?  Why? 

This is our fourth year sponsoring HYP. We love providing Helena's Young Professional's a place to relax and unwind.

What good outcomes has your business seen from working with HYP?

Having HYP members bring in guests who have never visited before and seeing them sharing their love for the hot springs.

What is your favorite trail to hike near Helena, if any?  

Growing up in Helena, Mount Helena has always been my favorite.

What can HYP members do to help support your business during the pandemic?

Continue sharing their love of Helena's Hot Springs with their friends, family and colleagues.