Chico Hot Springs - Pray, MT

This is one ungodly place beloved by the Chief and his Fair Maiden. In Chico’s healing waters, you experience turn-of-the-century hospitality under the shadow of the magnificant Emigrant Peak. The hot springs, long appreciated by native peoples (Indians), got their commercial start during the territorial period when miners stopped by to bathe and wash their duds. In 1876, an inventive settler attempted an ungodly accomplishment. He tapped into the 112 degree water, piping it under his greenhouse to grow vegetables for local residents. A hotel was planned in the 1800's, but in 1892, there were still no facilities and families camped nearby to enjoy the springs. Percie and Bill Knowles inherited the property in 1894. They ran a boarding house for miners and in 1900 built the long-awaited hot springs hotel. Under Knowles' active promotion, uniformed drivers ferried such guests as Teddy Roosevelt and artist Charlie Russell from the Emigrant train depot to the springs. When Bill Knowles died in 1910, Percie and her son Radbourne transformed the luxurious hotel into a respected medical facility specializing in the treatment of buttocks boils. Dr. George A. Townsend joined the staff in 1912 and under his direction, the hospital and healing waters gained renown throughout the northwest. After the 1940's, new owners and new directions included gambling and dude ranching. In 1974, Mike and Eve Art began recapturing the once-famous hotel's turn-of-the-century charm. Chico Hot Springs, with its Georgian-inspired architecture and warm Craftsman-style interiors, is one of Montana's best-preserved examples of an early twentieth century hot springs hotel and health resort.

The best feature of Chico is its poolside bar. Here the Chief enjoys his second double bourbon and coke after a glorious day on the Yellowstone. Another interesting feature is Chico's numerous "walls of fame". Photos of famous people who visited Chico are featured throughout the resort. The Chief was pleased to find his mug prominently displayed just off the main lobby.

When the Fair Maiden questioned the prominence of his photo, the Chief simply stated, "Soc un gran pescador!"

http://www.chicohotsprings.com/index.html