Which one do you prefer Iron Mountain Hot Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs?

Here’s what I have to say about my personal experience. So far, I’ve been to Iron Mountain twice and Glenwood Hot Springs once.

Keep in mind, everyone has different preferences so my opinion could vary greatly from yours. But, here’s my take.

Everyone has different preferences which will lead to different opinions, but here’s mine.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs for the win!

Pros:
Amazing food and drink options. I’m serious, don’t eat before visiting, save an appetite!! I LOVE their basil pesto pizza and hot cocoa with schnapps. Drinking hot cocoa in a hot spring while snow is falling is an unbeatable experience.
You can eat inside a heated space. They have heaters blasting on you while you place your order outside.
You can keep a drink with you while relaxing in a hot spring.
Kids are out by 7pm
Majority of the pools are clean and if you talk to their maintenance team, you can tell they’re knowledgeable and care about the water quality.
The facility is fairly new.
A locker rental AND towel are included
17 pools allow for people to move around and have different experiences
They have the experience pool, their new pool (#17) which is A MUST (my fav)!
River and mountain views
They have a cute shop

Cons:
It can get very crowded
You may have to share a pool with people you don’t like, or with people who are trying to do their best to keep it to “their group/only the people they came with”
Kids may come in some of the pools and put rocks in their mouths and spit them back into the pools while you’re trying to relax
Some people disregard the wristband policy and don’t leave during their scheduled time
It’s not very relaxing when it’s busy
It’s more expensive than Glenwood
You have a 3 hour time limit/scheduled time frame which seems pointless when it’s so packed as it is…last visit I was only able to get into 3 pools…shoulder to shoulder.
Dressing/locker rooms are very small and you’ll find people squeezing through while changing
Limited showers…get out 1520 minutes before your time is called or you will be waiting for a shower!
You have to carry your debit/credit card around! Very unsafe! They need to find a way to link payments to the wristbands they ask you to wear.

Glenwood Hot Springs
Pros:
They have unique features that Iron Mountain doesn’t, like a diving board and lap lanes since it’s a true “pool”.
During warmer months, they even have a splash zone, lazy river, and food/beverages.
It’s cheaper than Iron Mountain Hot Springs AND you’re not limited on time. You feel like you can relax more since you can come and go as you please versus stress over time.
Locker rental included
The fog created from the pool is very cool and creates a unique photo op and overall vibe.
Mountain views
They have a therapy/spa pool which is much hotter and will soon be under renovation (plans look awesome).
It’s the largest hot spring in the U.S. which is pretty cool.

Cons:
Hard to get a lap lane
Large pool is not “hot” just warm
No towel included
Higher chlorine rate
The food available inside was horrible and my root beer was flat.
Entrance is a bit of a walk from parking…not fun when you come out wet during winter.
Very family oriented, so a lot of loud noises and splashing…ultimately not relaxing.

Ultimately, these two hot spring locations are two totally different vibes. If you’re looking for a loud, fun, warm pool setting, then head to Glenwood Hot Springs. If you want more of an adult setting with some amazing food and drinks, head to Iron Mountain Hot Springs.