Nez Perce Tribe Purchases Zims Hot Springs
Lapwai, Idaho- The Nez Perce Tribe (Tribe) is excited to announce its purchase of the well-known Zims Hot Springs (Hot Springs) located near New Meadows, Idaho. The Tribe purchased the property from long-time owner Allen Dixon on Friday, March 22, 2019. The Hot Springs will be temporarily closed while the Tribe completes necessary transitional requirements as the new owner. However, the Tribe anticipates that the Hot Springs will reopen soon.
The Hot Springs, located in the Tribe’s aboriginal territory and once referred to as Chinook Meadows, have always been of cultural significance to the Tribe. The Nez Perce people used the Hot Springs for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. These natural springs were also used to fashion bows from the horns of bighorn sheep.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Tribe. As the original people of this land, the Hot Springs and the entire area are an important part of our culture and history. In addition to the Tribe’s Fisheries and Wildlife Departments in McCall, we look forward to continuing our stewardship in the area through management of this wonderful amenity,” commented Shannon Wheeler, Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee Chairman.
Dixon noted that his dad purchased the Hot Springs in 1976 and the family has been running it ever since. It features two outdoor pools fed by natural mineral water from an artesian well, cooled by the waters of the Little Salmon River. The pools are open year-round. The property also features a lodge, RV park, and campsites. “Thanks for the business after all these years and we want to wish the Tribe luck,” stated Dixon.