Boiling in the river

One of the lesser-known attractions available to MSU students is the Gardner River, colloquially known as the “Boiling River,” located just inside the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park are a series of natural hot tubs, mixed into one of the many streams that the park harbors. Since Yellowstone National Park is located above a supervolcano, there is plenty of geothermal activity, some of which creates the boiling waters. Alongside the river, there is a thermal hotspot that feeds into the stream, creating pockets of boiling water, intertwined with the freezing water that comes from the mountains. This makes for a really cool experience.

The attraction is about a two-mile drive into the park from the north entrance, and an additional 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot along a trail to the pools, so be sure to take some shoes. If you get lucky, a group of people could have already come through and dammed the hot part of the river with river rocks, creating pools of hot water and collecting mud that is supposedly great for your skin. The pools can be scorching, but eventually you’re sure to find the right balance of steaming hot water and snow runoff for an enjoyable experience.

Colder weather and the government shutdown makes this prime Boiling River time. Due to the shutdown, the park is not charging guests an entrance fee, which is one of the only drawbacks of visiting the Boiling River, normally. Keep in mind, though, the park is being run by volunteers so be sure to clean up after yourself and respect the land. In addition, you get to experience the great outdoors while relaxing in a natural feature. All of this makes the Boiling River a no-brainer for college students looking for a weekend adventure. Put together a group of friends and enjoy Yellowstone, especially while it’s still free.