Zim’s Hot Springs in central Idaho, located in New Meadows not far from McCall, has new owners after being operated by the Dixon family since 1976.
The new owners, the Nez Perce Tribe, has temporarily closed the hot springs during the transitional process.
Once referred to as Chinook Meadows and located within the Nez Perce’s aboriginal lands, the hot springs maintain historical tribal importance.
As stated in a March 22nd press release:
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.
– Shannon Wheeler, Nez Perce Tribe
While I haven’t soaked in Zims often over the years it was always nice knowing that there was a hot soak available in New Meadows if one couldn’t be found elsewhere. It’s also good to know the New Perce will be reopening Zims in the future.