Downata Hot Springs, Downey, Idaho

Downata Hot Springs in Downey, Idaho have a fairly long history. The springs are located three miles to the south of Downey where many people from around the United States and other locations visit. "The Springs'' as they were first called began when Alexander Marshall and his family moved to the area. Knowing that they had a tourist attraction in the hot springs they built a resort and a pool. The hot water of the spring bubbles up from the rocky bottom. The springs are located to the south of the manmade pool. The reason a pool was built is because the water of the springs is actually 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is cooled down before it is piped into the pool. This allows the water to be more comfortable for swimming.

The Marshall family moved to the springs in 1907 and since then their family has been operating the resort. At the beginning the Marshalls only had three dressing rooms then 25 more were added around the pool. The resort did not come until 1929. Those working on the resort dug a hole that was 50 by 100 feet for the pool. They poured concrete into the bottom and lighted the area at night with 30 gas lanterns. In 2001 it was necessary to do a few renovations at the resort and pool. A new sewer system was installed, a paved entrance to the campground was laid, and a new slide replaced the silver slide that was put in originally.

The pool is open year round for visitors. It is possible to host pool parties or just soak in the warm waters. Each season the resort has thirty employees to work the pool. The arthritis foundation and aerobic classes are held at the pool for individuals seeking the warm natural waters for its healing qualities. The resort offers candlelight dinners, massages, breakfast, and soak nights to visitors during the off peak season.

Today there is more than one pool on the site. The different pools allow for different temperatures and options. There are four water slides at the park. They are the Sea Serpent, Little Green Hole, Black Hole, and Dragon. The Little Green Hole and Dragon are gentler slides for the younger children. The other two slides take a winding long path to the bottom. Each summer thousands of tourists and residents of Downey line up to travel down the slides.

The Downata Hot Springs can reach a temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer the pools will range from 85 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter the temperatures are typically 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a hot tub that is kept at 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. All the pools, water slides, and hot tub are fed by the hot springs water. The spring flows about 600 gallons per minute. The pool is drained several times a week to keep the water fresh for the number of visitors that comes through.