Historic Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs Resort for Sale

Description

Sleeping Buffalo
Resort and Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is a rare, fully operational resort located
in the heart of Montana’s Hi-Line. Just off Highway 2—17 miles
east of Malta and 10 miles west of Saco—this historic property blends luxurious
modern amenities with rich heritage and a long-standing tradition of serving
both local patrons and out-of-area travelers. As the only hot springs resort in
northeastern Montana, Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs has attracted guests and
mineral water enthusiasts from across the country and Canada since the 1920s.
Offered as a turnkey business, the resort includes income-generating lodging,
gourmet dining, event space, and mineral pools—all ready for immediate ownership
and offered turn-key for uninterrupted operation.State-of-the-Art Hot
Springs Facility
The Sleeping Buffalo Resort features a fully refurbished hot springs facility,
fed by a 3,200-foot artesian well drilled in 2021 producing mineral-rich water
at a consistent temperature of 106–108°F. The hot springs complex underwent an
extensive renovation in 2014 and includes a 60′ x 80′ indoor main pool, a 10′ x
30′ hot tub, a cold plunge pool, sauna, and a state-of-the-art conference room.
All pools use non-chlorinated, flow-through mineral water systems, delivering
fresh, clear water to the pools without chemical treatment. The indoor pools
are finished with tile, while the newly refurbished outdoor pool is coated with
a durable Diamond Brite plaster and ArmorCoat epoxy. Added in 2025, the outdoor
pool measures an impressive 128′ x 60′ and features underwater lighting, water
features, and a hot tub, all surrounded by a spacious turf lounge. Natural Healing
Waters with Impeccable CareThe natural artesian spring water is known for its holistic
healing properties, containing key minerals such as silica, sulfates, calcium,
and magnesium. A flow through filtration system, delivers new water to the main
pools every 5 hours and to the hot tubs every 30 minutes. Pools are drained and cleaned regularly, and closely monitored for temperature and
sanitation—reflecting the current owner’s commitment to a clean, high-quality
experience for loyal guests.Diverse On-Site
Accommodations
On-site accommodations include five fully refurbished cabins, three modern
hotel-style rooms, and a well-maintained campground with 31 full-service RV
sites, a bathhouse with restrooms and six showers, and a designated tent
camping area. The guest cabins feature a luxury rustic design, blending log and
stone construction for an authentic yet upscale feel. The collection includes
two spacious 2-bedroom cabins and three comfortable 1-bedroom units, each with
full kitchens, living areas, and ample outdoor space for family gatherings,
yard games, or simply enjoying Montana’s unobstructed starry night skies. While
the cabins are heated with propane, all other buildings on the property are
heated entirely by hot water from the artesian well, resulting in significant
energy savings. For added resilience, the entire property is equipped to
operate on generator power in the event of an outage, ensuring uninterrupted
guest services and infrastructure protection.Gourmet Dining and
Self-Sustaining Features
Built in 2023, 54 Prime Steakhouse brings a full-service gourmet dining
experience to the property. The restaurant features a commercial-grade kitchen,
in-floor radiant heating, a metal roof, hardwired security and sound systems,
and a 30′ x 35′ outdoor patio ideal for seasonal dining. The adjoining Buffalo
Saloon offers an upscale but relaxed, welcoming space for drinks and social
gatherings. Much of the restaurant’s produce is sourced from the on-site 30′ x
96′ greenhouse, while a resident flock of chickens provides a steady supply of
fresh eggs—reflecting the resort’s holistic, self-sustaining philosophy.
Included in the sale are a full liquor license (on- and off-premises), as well
as gambling, catering, bingo, and tobacco licenses, all transferrable to a new
owner.Owner’s Residence and
Support Facilities
The property also includes a 5,388-square-foot custom-built owner’s residence,
featuring radiant floor heating, a heated garage, detailed woodwork, four
bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a concrete-encased walk-in gun safe. A 100′ x
50′ uninsulated shop provides additional storage, parking, or workspace. A
1,200 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath manager’s home is also available on the
property.Premier Location for
Outdoor Recreation
Sleeping Buffalo is located just across the road from Nelson Reservoir—an
expansive 4,100-acre lake with over 30 miles of shoreline—renowned for
year-round walleye, northern pike, and perch fishing, as well as recreational
boating and ice fishing. The surrounding region is a premier destination for
hunters, offering abundant opportunities for upland birds, waterfowl, and big
game including mule deer, whitetail, and antelope. Just a short drive away, the
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge attracts birders, photographers, and outdoor
enthusiasts year-round with its diverse habitats and scenic views.Historic Significance
and Community Roots
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs has welcomed visitors for nearly a century.
Originally constructed as part of the Saco Health Legion, many of the resort’s
original stone features were built using rock sourced from the same quarries
used in constructing the Fort Peck Dam—one of the nation’s largest New Deal
infrastructure projects. During the Great Depression, the WPA and Resettlement
Administration partnered with local American Legion posts in Malta, Saco, and
Hinsdale to develop the resort as a public health and recreation project. The
result was a facility shaped by both federal investment and community
collaboration. The property’s long-standing connection to Montana’s heritage
adds meaningful historic value to this unique offering.

Turnkey Ownership
with Growth Potential
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs & Resort is a truly one-of-a-kind
offering—rich in history, regionally renowned, and thoughtfully revitalized by
its current owner. With naturally flowing, chemical-free mineral pools,
income-generating lodging, and a newly constructed gourmet restaurant, the
resort is fully operational and ready for immediate ownership. Turnkey
infrastructure, transferable licenses, and built-in sustainability make it
ideal for a seamless transition, while ample room for future development
presents the opportunity for increased future income potential. The sale of
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs & Resort offers a rare opportunity to own and
operate one of the most iconic hot springs destinations on Montana’s northern
plains – stepping into a fully functioning operation with deep regional roots
and substantial potential for future growth.