Hot Springs is a city in Fall River County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 4,129. It is the county seat of Fall River County. In addition, neighboring Shannon County contracts the duties of Auditor, Treasurer and Register of Deeds to the Fall River County authority in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is one of the warmest places in South Dakota with an annual mean temperature of 48.6 °F (9.2 °C). Some of the attractions in the Hot Springs area are the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and Evans Plunge with its naturally warm 87 °F (31 °C) spring water. The town is a gateway to the attractions of the southern Black Hills, particularly Wind Cave National Park. Hot Springs holds the annual Miss South Dakota pageant. In recognition of its historic value, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Hot Springs as one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city center contains over 35 sandstone buildings. Hot Springs is also the home of a United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospital (Black Hills Healthcare System - Hot Springs Campus). The 100-bed center offers extensive outpatient treatment, acute hospital care, PTSD treatment, and an alcohol and drug treatment facility.