This was a fun stop for adults and kids! I never thought about checking out the local pool while on vacation, and while this is obviously a little different, for the locals, it's not. It is just like any public pool. Locker rooms. Pay at the door. Life jackets to borrow! The water feels fantastic. We went for our son (who was 5 at the time), but he went down the big slide once and refused to again. But I went down it nearly half a dozen times and had THE TIME OF MY LIFE! I have NEVER went down a giant water slide - always too self-conscious as a kid. If you go, whoever you are, let yourself have fun! For thousands of years, the Lakota Sioux prized the natural warm water springs, the "Minnekahta," in this valley. In 1890, local businessman Fred Evans built Evans Plunge over the site of numerous sparkling springs and one mammoth spring of mineral water and made Evans Plunge the Black Hills' oldest attraction - older than Mt. Rushmore or Crazy Horse. read more

Evans Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hot Springs, South Dakota

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2 Stars Unfortunately, our visit to Evans Plunge in South Dakota was pretty disappointing. We drove about 45 minutes specifically to enjoy the outdoor pool and water slide, especially since it was over 100 degrees outside. After paying admission, we were then told that the outdoor area wasn't available because they didn't have enough staff to operate it. That was extremely frustrating because this is something we really should have been told BEFORE paying to enter. Had we known the outdoor pool and slide were closed, we probably would not have made the trip or paid admission. What made it even more frustrating was seeing staff who, in our observation, seemed to spend quite a bit of time talking with friends rather than actively watching the pool. From our perspective, it made the explanation about being understaffed difficult to understand and left us feeling like opening the outdoor area simply wasn't a priority that day. Another major issue was the lack of seating. There had to be at least 100 people there, yet I would estimate there were maybe 25 chairs, if that, surrounding the pool. There appeared to be plenty of room for additional chairs, and people were left trying to figure out where to sit or even where to safely place their belongings. For a facility people may travel a considerable distance to visit, communication needs to be better. If a major attraction such as the outdoor pool and water slide is unavailable--especially on a 100+ degree day--guests should be informed before purchasing admission. We drove 45 minutes expecting the full experience and unfortunately left disappointed. read more

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The staff was helpful and we had a good time overall. They have a kitchen (it looked closed, but will cook anything on the menu if you ask), gym, and spa. The fee for the pool was reasonable and also covers access to the hot tubs (one was down when we were there) and saunas. People of all ages were there. There are ring you can use to swing across the pool and a few slides: kid size, a very fast slide, and one that has many turns. We went in the winter time, so the outdoor section was closed. I suspect the place is a lot more fun in the summer. If you happen to stop by Hot Springs, it's an interesting place to check out. They had a AAA discount. Be sure to bring your own towels and swimsuits. I did have a minor issue with one of the lockers not working (took my quarters but wouldn't lock), but I was able to resolve it easily at the front desk. read more

Evans Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hot Springs, South Dakota

You have to visit the hot springs while in Hot Springs, right? Evans Plunge looks like a community center from the outside but the spring-fed pool found on the inside is a unique and cool piece of local history. The water is kept at 86 degrees from the natural springs that flow into the pool and there are no chemicals used in the water. The first things I noticed was that the pool is crystal clear. It was also interesting jumping into a pool that has a rock filled bottom. My kids had a blast and we easily burned about three hours here. We came when the price for kids was only $3, so admission for four of us was like only $28 for the whole day, what a deal! Evans Plunge includes amenities that you would normally find at a typical community gym such as locker rooms with showers, sauna, steam room, and exercise equipment if the pool isn't of interest to you. But let's be honest, the pool is the main draw, don't skip it. Take the plunge and have fun! read more

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Fresh spring water swimming at its finest. Great place to relax in clean water without the taste of chloride.

We traveled to the Black Hills for an end-of-March spring break trip with several kids, and decided to check out Evans Plunge. The kids had a wonderful time, and swam for about 2.5 hours. My 13-year old son said, "the water was the prefect temperature. It was nice to swim and have your skin feel good when you get out." The kids enjoyed the water slide, and wished the rings had been a little closer to each other. The facility is like an older YMCA, but it's very clean & free of chlorine odors. Bring your own towels or rent them for $2. A fun way to experience something unique! read more

Clean, friendly staff, will definitely go back next time we are in South Dakota!! Water was wonderful, very kid friendly!

My kids love coming for a swim and I love soaking while they play. I brought a large group for a birthday and it wasn't unreasonable for price. Kids all had a great time read more

A must visit if you are staying in hot springs! It has stood the test of time for over a hundred years as a great place to relax in warm water with a unique floor of stones where the springs consistently replenish the water, water stays at a consistent 87° and is crystal clear. Along with the spring water pool (which also has no chlorine) there are 2 hot tubs with chlorine, a sauna, a steam room, and an outdoor pool. Although the slides and rings that you can swing on may seem a little dangerous, it was incredibly fun and very entertaining. read more

Evans Plunge - Indoor swimming area - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hot Springs, South Dakota

It's so fun, but they should make it more known when it's an hour drive! it's outrageous that we find out it's closed even though we checked on google. There's never been an instance with another place where it doesn't pop up about a 2 week maintenance!! DO BETTER read more

Such a great experience. We'd never been there so the front desk was immediately helpful to explain the history and logistics of using the pool and spa. Water was clean and warm. Not hot, but there are hot tubs and steam rooms for use if you need. Had a great time using the slides and attempting to swing our way across using the rings. read more

So I was sadly disappointed with the cool water and even colder outer atmosphere in the pool area. We froze until we went into the hot tub and thawed out. $65 for family of 4 (btw bring your own towel and save $10) we sure didn't get our money's worth. Disappointed and freezing we left after just an hour. I guess I thought 85° would be warmer. read more

this place is not cheap and apparently your not allowed to carry your young babies on your shoulders in the water! Or bring your own floats for infants to float on!!!!!!! None of which were posted on any wall for anyone to read!!! i will never go back read more

I LOVED this place!! The water is perfect and the slides are fast!! Yellow SIDE DOWN (insider tip) if you are looking for a FUN way to blow off some steam after a long car ride you have found it. The Staff was Exceptional The Water Warm w/ No Smell as it's a Miniral vs Sulphur Feed pool & the Facility Was Extremely Clean! read more

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Great place other than the life jacket rule for my almost 9 year old who hasn't worn a life jacket in a couple years! He's a strong swimmer who has taken years of lessons and passed tests to dive in the 10' end of our city's pool. Thankfully no one told us until we were about to take off so he wasn't uncomfortable! read more

This is a great water park. Even though the water is a little dirty this is till a great place to visit. There are 3 slides and all of them are fun. It isn't very busy and it is a huge pool. One big problem is that the life Guards tend to jump the gun with their whistles. Multiples time I got the whistle to get out of the way right after I got off the slide. Besides that it is still a great place to visit. read more

Evans Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hot Springs, South Dakota

We went here on our trip to South Dakota this year. This is a must do while in South Dakota. This is our second year of doing a SD trip and had to ensure to make the drive. The only difference right now was the health spa was closed so we missed out on the hot tubs and the sauna and steam rooms. The water is amazing and the slides are always a blast. The kids have fun as do the adults it tends to bring the kid out in you. There are picnic tables outside we usually bring a lunch and go outside and eat and come back in however they do offer food as well. The bathrooms are clean as are the showers. They have a bathing suit spinner to help get a dryer swim suit before leaving. They have added hand sanitizer around the building at points where multiple touch so that was great to see and they also close for an hour to re clean and then they re open. The life guards are wearing mask as well. read more

This place was a great family outing . Physically it was not the most appealing, the place could use a little updating. However, the staff were very nice and welcoming. The water was very warm and comfortable. My husband and child had a blast going down the slides. I would definitely go again read more

The water is so clear, it's amazing. Zero cloudiness; you can see the bottom as clearly as if there wasn't any water there. Wow. 5000 gallons of fresh water fill the pool from the earth per minute. The floor of the pool is rock, and I was amazed at how clean it is. I the rocks to be slimy or soily, but nope. Every rock is as clean as if you washed it under the sink with soap. The other thing my wife and I loved about this place is that they have taken the effort to show and explain the history of the hot spring. Very interesting, and educational as well. My children learned and loved. read more

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This is another time I want to give more than three stars but not four. The plunge is an old pool/hit spring. The water was only 87 degrees, but I wish it was a lot warmer. Besides the water temp the rest was pretty aw some. There are three slides with pads to ride on. A ring challenge area to go from ring to ring across the width of the pool. There is also basketball hoop, volleyball net, and two little kid areas. There are two hot tubs as well plus a gym area, but I didn't go to the gym area. The pool is huge and has river rock for the floor as well. Pretty unique and cool. There is also a snack area to go along side a gift shop. Pretty cool place if you are passing through Hot Springs, SD. read more

Evans Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hot Springs, South Dakota

The water is so wonderful! Warm and clear - no chlorine! The pool was great, the slides were fun. Lifeguards are on duty. Was it the most modern swimming facility I've ever seen? No. But who cares! This pool is a unique gem. We had an awesome time here. read more

Evans Plunge was a huge surprise in terms of its design, amenities and how the city operates this historic treasure. As a seasonal resident of Rapid City for decades, I had never been to Evans but took grand kids (age 8,12 and 15) for a day to keep them busy. The facility is not on the scale of Bally's health clubs but it is clean, safe and adequate for a day of activities. The slides are older but were nicely designed and well maintained to keep any activity level occupied. The water is warm, void of clorine and bromide smells and crystal clear. There is a sense you are walking into history as you enter. It is attended by all manner of families, summer camp kids and tourists but can accommodate many more folks than were there as we visited. If in the hills and looking for something fun to do which will also entertain curiosity about the Black Hills, this is an absolutely necessary stop which is quite affordable for the family. read more

First of all...this is NOT a hot springs...so be prepared for that. The pool temperature is more like an indoor pool. It's also about 100 years old and kinda feels like it... That said, there is something delightful and endearing about this place. Our family stayed for hours! We loved the natural river rock bottom of the pool (goggles are a must), the clear fresh water, and watching the local teens attempt to cross the pool on the rings hung above the deep end. If we're ever back in Hot Springs, we'll definitely be back! read more

What a pleasant break to find along the road during our drive across country! This place seems like a great stop for everyone. It is definitely family friendly, but also has adequate space for lap swimming or just a relaxing soak. I enjoyed a mix of swimming and using the water slides and was definitely pleased with our decision to stop even if it was only for 2 hours. Helpful hint: go early in the day, take off for awhile to do some local sight seeing, and then come back in the evening. Your admission is good for the entire day! read more

TAKE THE PLUNGE!!!! Defiantly worth checking out! This place was so fun, my 3 year old, and 15 month old had a great time. The hot spring was warm, and the rock pool was very unique, a one-of-a-kind. My 3 year old loved the slides, and they provide life jackets. The baby pool was a little deep for my son to crawl around but he still enjoyed his swim time! The place was over a hundred years old, and proud of its history. I wish we could have spent more time here. We can't wait to go back one day!!! read more

So family friendly! We appreciated that they had float toys and jackets that the kids could use. The staff was incredibly friendly. We really enjoyed ourselves! The "frog slide" was my toddlers favorite. read more

We live in Rapid City and go down every now and then. It is amazing. Love their spa area very hot, hot tubs and love their steam room. It is a natural hot spring they do not have control of the swimming pool heat it is fed by a natural spring. I have been in the winter and the summer pool is always 87* But the hot tubs and steam rooms are very hot. It is always clean because the water is replaced, yes they clean it but No Chlorine, if the water is cloudy it is Mother Nature. Please read and learn about it you will enjoy it even more. read more

Absolutely loved this place! This was our first visit there but definitely will not be our last!! This will be a regular stop for us whenever we are in the area. Outside area was not very large but the inside pool was huge! Definitely didn't have to worry about crowds due to the size! Plus they have 3 slides, hot tubes, sauna, steam rooms that are all included in the cost of admission! read more

Came here as a kid and just visited again this summer as an adult. Still as fun as I remember it being. The concept is very cool, and very refreshing. Plus they've added hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room. Definitely stop by here if you're making your way through the area read more

Not handicap accessible. The only ramp was on the opposite side of the locker rooms underneath the slide so there was hardly room to get in without being shoved. The water says 87, which isn't very hot, but if it was actually that warm I'm a monkey's uncle. They didn't tell us before we went in that the outdoor section was closed - which we wouldn't have even went in if we knew this. The only sign saying that the section was closed was inside the pool area which you could only see once you had bought tickets and couldn't get a refund. I would really like for them to say when you're buying the tickets whether or not the outdoors section is closed. When it's looking like it's going to rain and such I completely understand having it closed, but knowing that information before purchasing would have influenced our decision. read more

RUDE!! Terrible employees. The sign in the entrance says there is a 10% discount for veterans, but they refused to give it to me. The kids who were on lifeguard duty seemed to yell at people just so they could feel important. One girl yelled at my wife to use the exit that she already swimming toward. The last straw came when they closed. They closed the pool and staff followed us into the locker room and yelled for everyone to leave immediately. My kids were naked and in the process of changing and they continued to harass us and everyone else telling us that they are closed so we have to leave now. They threatened to call the police because we refused to leave without our clothes. They really need to change the way they conduct business and improve the way they treat people. read more

Where do I start...dirty, dirty, dirty, oh and disgusting! The whole place is in need of a good cleaning! I wanted to leave the minute we walked into the locker room but I didn't want to disappoint my daughter. There was food & filth everywhere and the tiles & carpet looked like they haven't cleaned in years! Didn't want to take our flip flops off! The paint is peeling everywhere you look pool & locker area and the whole place just looks tired and run down! Save your money, there are so many other cool places to go, don't waist your money here, enough said! read more

This place holds some amazing memories for me, and its a great place that you absolutely must visit if you're in the Black Hills. My grandparents used to live in Hot Springs, and we would come down here and go swimming every morning at 7am when we would visit during the summer. No crowds, the water was clean, and it was the perfect way to start the day. The waterslides are totally fun, and if you can make it across the rings without falling in or pulling every muscle in your upper body, you're in better shape than I am... Make this place a South Dakota tradition whether you visit the state once in your life, or, like I plan to someday, bring your family here on vacation every summer for years to come... read more

Awful value. It's insanely expensive for what you get. They advertise in their brochure: weight room, hot tubs, sauna, and that was all extra moolah! It was dirty and dingy in there. The water slide was super jank and even with the slide mat it tore up my husbands back! The outside pool was closed and the water was lukewarm at best. Plus ice cold showers afterwards. Skip it! No reason to visit. read more

I came here 30 years ago with my family when I was 8, and I would swear it hasn't changed at all. This is both good and bad. It's good old fashioned family fun...3 water slides, rings, inside and outside spring pools, fun rocks on the bottom of the pool. It needs a good power washing! The slides had greenish algae and were chipped and worn, there was blackish rings around the outside pool and at the top of the slides. My son said this was his favorite part of our trip, and I love how long it's been there. It doesn't need to be fancy, but for the price of admission (which is not cheap), it should be kept up better! I hope now that the city has bought it, it's take care of in the way it deserves, as we would live to come back for years to come. Show it some love and attention! It's historic! read more

What a fabulous water park. I came here on a road trip from MN to SD in elementary school and still remember our stop at Evan's Plunge. Natural springs is so cool. The bottom of the pool is pebbles... I still have some of the stones I took as souvenirs ;) read more

Awful value. It's insanely expensive for what you get. It was dirty and dingy in there. The water slide was unsafe. The outside pool was closed and the water was lukewarm at best. Plus ice cold showers afterwards. Skip it! No reason to visit read more

I'm going to give this 4 stars because the kids LOVED it! The water is awesome HOWEVER... cleanliness is NOT a priority here! The staff is friendly. The lifeguard had on gym shoes and socks- I guess he doesn't plan on hopping in to save anyone! I'm glad we visited- an investment in the facility would have me returning. read more

Super cool. They had rock on the pool floor. My kids really liked it. They spent most of their time there on the ring swing. They also liked the slides. Overall this was worth my time and money. We would love to do this again if we lived close read more

A hidden gem for all ages. Huge indoor pool and comfortable temperature. The bottom of the pool is river rocks. Several water slides, inside and outside. The outside pool is much smaller and has a children's water play area. There was water volleyball and basketball. Brave swimmers traversed the width of the pool on gymnastic type of rings. This was one of the favorite things our grandchildren loved and wanted to go back. read more