What) Some people say radon gas is bad for you. This radioactive gas, a natural byproduct from the earth, plagues real estate sales in most parts of the US. But there is a clear divergence of opinion about radon in the mountainous mine country between the towns of Boulder and Basin, Montana.
A half-dozen defunct gold and uranium mines south of Helena attract ailing tourists, who bask in radioactive radon gas and drink radioactive water to improve their health. Each summer, hundreds of people, many of them Amish and Mennonites, come to the radon health mines to relax and treat arthritis, lupus, asthma and other chronic cripplers.
With colorful names like the Sunshine Health Mine, Free Enterprise, Earth Angel, Radon Tunnel, and the Merry Widow, the mine shafts tout radon levels as much as 175 times the federal safety standard for houses. Yet, visitors claim miraculous recoveries and disease remissions in the damp, cool passages. Some have arrived in wheelchairs, then walked out on their own. The health mines opened in the early 1950's when little was understood about the health and hazard aspects of atomic radiation.
The typical vacation at a radon health mine lasts a week or two. Visitors are recommended to sit in the mine two or three times a day, until they hit the maximum annual exposure level designated by the state. The permitted total visit is determined by the radiation level of the particular mine. The average visitor is 72 years old. The mines appeal to the Amish or the Mennonites, because of the "natural" healing aspects, the lack of commercialization, and the relatively low cost-per-hour for treatment sessions. (1)
Where #1) 149 Depot Hill Road Sunshine Health Mine (406-225-3670): I-15 exit 160 then a half-mile up Galena gulch.
Where #2) Free Enterprise Health Mine (1-406-225-3383): I-15 exit 164, turn west at 2nd Street and drive two miles to the top of the hill.
Why) I
wanted to see if these signs could become intriguing and
exciting. I also enjoy driving around trying to spot them. 
Because there is a bit of skill involved in taking pictures of billboards while your car is travelling (at least) the speed limit,
I was doing some practicing when I happened to capture this interesting image.
... the town of Boulder itself. This one stands just outside the main turnoff.
I am surprised this one hasn't been retitled Lonely Tree Health Mine.
I did not take this picture but I might have if we had not decided to stop driving around looking for signs.
You can go to the website and read someone else's review of a day at this spa. (2)
