Hot Springs is famous for its warm mineral springs and its sandstone buildings, but keep your eyes open as you drive or walk through town and you’ll notice something else: murals. Bright, hand-painted scenes cover building walls all over Hot Springs, from history lessons to wildlife riding bicycles. Hunting for them is one of the easiest free things to do in town, and it’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

Many of the murals were brought to life through the Hot Springs Cultural Development Organization, a local nonprofit that works with professional artists to use downtown buildings as a canvas for Fall River County history. New murals keep popping up, so even locals find new ones.

Murals to Look For

The Hot Springs Postcard Mural

If you only get one photo, make it this one. Along University Avenue, giant “HOT SPRINGS” letters in the style of a vintage greeting postcard stretch across the wall, and each letter is filled with a piece of the area’s story: a steam locomotive, an elk, a bison, a waterfall, a sandstone landmark and the American flag, with a hot air balloon floating off to the side. It’s the perfect “we were here” picture for your trip.

Hot Air Balloons Over the Black Hills

Also on University Avenue, a long retaining wall is covered in brightly striped hot air balloons drifting over the hills and pine-covered ridges of the Black Hills. Look for the woolly mammoth at the far end, a nod to Hot Springs’ famous Mammoth Site, and the verse from Psalm 121 painted beside it: “I lift up my eyes to the hills.” Walk up close to see the detail in the balloons and the rock formations behind them.

Black Hills Wildlife Out for a Ride

This one always gets a laugh. Downtown, across the street from Vision Source, a whole parade of Black Hills animals is out for a spin past pine trees, cliffs and a winding river. A bison in aviator goggles pedals a tandem bike, an elk cruises by in a little red roadster, a bighorn ram balances on a unicycle and a bald eagle rides a bicycle with a biplane wing strapped on. Look closely for the smaller characters tucked in along the path, too.

The Cozy Animal Mural

You’ll find this one on the side of Fall River Fibers, the local yarn shop, and it fits perfectly: every animal on the wall looks like it was knitted from yarn. A shaggy Highland cow, a bison, two alpacas, a mountain goat and a little white bunny graze on rolling green hills under fluffy yarn clouds and a big yellow sun, with butterflies and bees floating around them. It’s cheerful, sweet and a favorite with little ones, and knitters and crocheters will want to pop inside while they’re there.

The Patriotic Flag Mural

At Battle Mountain American Legion Post 71 on Jennings Avenue, a huge waving American flag flows into scenes from American military history, with tall ships, soldiers from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras and Lady Liberty draped in stars and stripes. It’s a moving tribute, and it feels especially fitting in Hot Springs, a town with deep roots in caring for veterans.

In front of the mural is the Legion’s Veterans Brick Memorial, dedicated on Veterans Day 2024 to everyone who has served under the American flag. The walkway is lined with engraved bricks honoring local veterans and loved ones, and there’s a bench where you can sit and take it all in. Take a minute to read the names as you walk through.

• Honor someone you love: Engraved bricks can be purchased to add a veteran’s name to the memorial. Contact Post 71 at (605) 745-3213 or Post71BattleMtn@hotmail.com for details.

The Evans Plunge History Mural

Outside Evans Plunge Mineral Springs on North River Street, a large mural tells the story of the warm springs that gave Hot Springs its name. It moves from Indigenous families and tipis along the springs, to swimmers enjoying the warm water on the rocks, to the arched indoor plunge that has welcomed visitors since 1890. A small seating area with sandstone boulders sits in front, and it pairs perfectly with a swim inside.

The Colorful Bison at the Police Station

On the wall of the Hot Springs Police Station, a giant bison stands in a field of red and gold prairie grass, painted in bold blocks of orange, red, purple and blue. It’s one of the most eye-catching murals in town and a fun reminder that real bison roam just up the road at Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Kids love standing next to it to see just how big a bison really is.

Tips for Your Mural Hunt

• Make it a game: Give the kids a list of things to find, like a bison, an eagle, a train and a tipi, and see who spots them all first.

• Go in the morning: Morning light is softer for photos, and it’s cooler for walking in the summer.

• Pair it with a downtown stroll: Many murals are close to the historic sandstone district, so plan time for the shops, cafes and the Pioneer Museum.

• Keep looking up: New murals are added over time, so you might find one that isn’t on this list. Tag us when you do!

Want even more to do around town? Check out our guide to things to do in Hot Springs, SD.

Ready to plan your visit? Book your campsite or cabin at Hidden Lake and explore Hot Springs from right here in town!