Premier Montana Properties

Sleeping Child Hot Springs Resort/Lodge

A pair of carved bears greets guests at the Main Entrance to the Historic Sleeping Child Hot Springs Resort/Lodge.

Shown by Appointment Only.

Sleeping Child Hot Springs is located in the Rocky Mountains south of Missoula, Montana. This expansive 40-acre estate is surrounded by Bitterroot National Forest on all sides with private gated access. The incredible five-level, quality, well-maintained Resort/Lodge has 25,000 square feet of space including 9 bedrooms, 16 full bathrooms, 3 kitchens, a game room, dance floor, media room and a massive solarium. There are four additional condo/Cabin units and caretaker's quarters. The resort grounds are well groomed with a pool and two hot tubs which are heated by the natural hot springs. The geothermal heating from the natural artesian hot springs heats the entire property (130 degree F and 200 gpm).  There is a heliport with a heated pad as well as a 1600-square-foot hanger and a seven-car garage. Fishing, hunting, skiing, summer and winter recreation abound. There are beautiful mountain views even though it is tucked away for solitude and privacy. The resort property has a paved drive from the county road and is adjacent to forest service and state land. This historic property holds the Legend of the Sleeping Child.

The beauty of this hot springs was first discovered by the Nez Perce Indians in the 1870's. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce led his tribe out of the reservation and through the Lolo Pass into the Bitter Root Valley. In pursuit of Chief Joseph and his people were General Howard and a group of soldiers. Trying to avoid a confrontation, Chief Joseph split his tribe into smaller groups.

One such group traveled through what is now Sleeping Child Creek and, facing a possible battle, they left their infants by the hot springs. When they returned, the infants were safe and peacefully sleeping, protected by the natural hot springs. Thus, Sleeping Child Hot Springs was named.