Prior to 1900, the landscape at historic Steamboat Hot Springs south of Reno, Nevada looked a little different. There was a Grand Hotel, a hospital, a swinging nightlife, healing springs, and natural wonders. The third largest geyser in the country erupted regularly 60 feet into the air, fumaroles spewed steam continually, and boiling pools of hot water dotted the ground. Enclosures built over the fumaroles offered steam rooms and hot baths. President Ulysses S. Grant stayed with his family, and Mark Twain wrote about his visits. Twain is reputed to have named it Steamboat because, seen from a distance, the column of steam was “like a steamboat in the desert.”

As early settlers came into the Truckee Meadows, they were directed to Steamboat by the Washoe people who considered the hot springs sacred for its healing properties. It was renowned in the entire western part of the country and even visited by native peoples from as far away as Mexico.

The early history of the development of Steamboat was closely tied to the development of mining in Virginia City. Steamboat was a crossroad with the stagecoach station between Virginia City and Lake Tahoe and one of the first destinations of the V & T Railroad. In the 1890s, there was a decline in silver mining, which led to a decline of visitors to Steamboat. The Grand Hotel and hospital both burned down. By 1900, the grandeur of Steamboat was gone when an earthquake hit and closed off the geyser and the open pools of boiling water.

In 1925, Steamboat caught the attention of a traveling doctor from Denver – Dr. Edna Carver. While stopped at Steamboat, she learned of the geothermal mineral springs. Convinced that if the hot water had been there, it was still there, Dr. Carver acquired the property. After drilling hit geothermal water just 18 feet down, Dr. Carver built Steamboat into a health destination that attracted visitors from around the world. When the first transcontinental highway was built in the 1930s, the Lincoln Highway went right by the front door of Steamboat Hot Springs.

Throughout its history, Steamboat Hot Springs has undergone various renovations and transformations, always striving to maintain the magic of its healing waters while adapting to the changing needs of its visitors. Steamboat Hot Springs is not historically significant for its physical structure but for the knowledge accumulated about the healing properties of its unique geothermal mineral waters that burst out of the Earth at over 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Steamboat is blessed with one of the most highly mineralized waters in the world with exceptional healing properties.

What Steamboat Hot Springs Is Today

Located in Reno, Nevada at the base of Mount Rose, Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa has become a modern sanctuary of well-being fed by rich historical roots. While the V & T Railroad no longer runs by the building, and all that is left of the Lincoln Highway is some crumbling concrete, a deep well still provides a column of steam that can be seen from a distance. Steamboat continues as a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a wide range of spa services, including therapeutic massages, body treatments, aromatherapy, and energy work.

Steamboat’s key attraction remains its healing mineral waters known for their therapeutic properties, such as stress reduction, pain relief, release of toxins, and improved circulation. There are many stories of people who have regained their health using the mineral waters at Steamboat. They range from accident victims recovering to full functionality, to cross country truck drivers who make regular stops to recover from back pain, to burn victims freed from the pain of scar tissue.

Throughout its evolution, Steamboat Hot Springs has retained its historic charm. The building Dr. Edna Carver built still seamlessly blends history with contemporary comfort. The building today reflects the mission-style she dreamed of and had plans drawn up for by the famous Los Angeles architect Paul Revere Williams. This unique blend of history and modernity reflects Steamboat’s commitment to holistic well-being, addressing physical health along with mental and emotional wellness.

Steamboat Hot Springs actively engages with the local community, hosting special events, offering unique services, and fostering a sense of togetherness. Furthermore, Steamboat is dedicated to preserving its rich heritage and acknowledging the historical significance of its location. As a destination for over 165 years, Steamboat Hot Springs welcomes both locals seeking a wellness retreat and travelers passing through Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Virginia City, offering an inviting space where guests can experience the soothing healing waters and embark on a journey of rejuvenation.

Steamboat Hot Springs boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in the 1850s. Over the years, this unique natural wonder became a cherished destination, drawing visitors from around the world seeking the healing powers of its mineral-rich waters.

Steamboat’s main attraction has always been the powerful natural healing mineral waters known for their therapeutic properties and numerous observed health benefits. Steamboat continues to evolve in order to respond to today’s visitors who deal with the stresses and demands of their lives.

Today the historic building and facilities of Steamboat Hot Springs present significant challenges. The aging structure, after 100 years of continual use having taken its toll, now faces the need for essential repairs and renovations to preserve its magic. The geothermal mineral water that is so healing to the body is not so friendly to pipes, wells, or buildings. Minerals clog both pipes and the well, causing a need for constant and expensive maintenance. Steamboat is dedicated to preserving the availability of the beneficial properties of the minerals in its water to continue to offer this unique resource to the public. The community is invited to recognize the importance of this historic gem and join the effort to restore Steamboat to its former glory.

Donations have the power to shape the future of Steamboat Hot Springs in profound ways. As this historic site looks to the future, it relies on the generosity of the community and those who appreciate its unique significance. Steamboat Hot Springs was gifted to the International Community of Christ, a 501(c)(3), in 1986 and is operated as a non-profit organization. Every donation, regardless of its size, plays a pivotal role in maintaining Steamboat’s legacy and ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the extraordinary healing experience that Steamboat offers. We hope that with the support of the community and generous donors, Steamboat Hot Springs can be restored, rejuvenated, and expanded so that it will continue as a testament to the power of our collective effort of preserving the past while embracing the future.

The hope is that your contribution will help Steamboat Hot Springs continue to serve as a beacon of health and relaxation, as well as a place where the community can come together to celebrate wellness. The future of this cherished institution can be bright, and it will be shaped by the collective efforts and contributions of those who recognize its historical, cultural, and wellness significance.