Historic Hot Spring Receives New Life As It Joins An Idaho State Park
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 01, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are two things that are abundant in Idaho — hot springs and state parks. All around the state, these types of destinations are well worth a visit and are some of my favorite places to check out and recommend to others. In spring 2023, Challis Hot Springs, a historic hot spring, received new life as it joined one of our favorite Idaho state parks — Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is a unique place to visit and will take you back in time. This state park is home to three different ghost towns, abandoned mining equipment, and so much more.
These ghost towns have been abandoned for more than a century but are being preserved to give visitors a glimpse into the past. When you stop and explore, you can learn in the visitor center, walk around the park's many trails, or even stay for a while and camp.
These hot springs were developed in the late 1800s. They were a popular attraction by miners in the area and a place to relax for those who ventured to the area during the gold rush in the 1880s to the 1910s.
These hot springs sit on the bank of the Salmon River. They are a big draw as they are naturally odorless and are constantly replenished with fresh water through the rock bottoms of the river.
The target temperature of the water is 96 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. To make the water temperature more comfortable, cold well water is added throughout the day. It is truly a perfect place to relax.
With the hot springs and the ghost towns to explore, you need plenty of time. This state park also acquired a 54-space tent-and-RV campground with the hot spring.
This allows you to truly see all that this state park has to offer and even enjoy a few other nearby attractions like Redfish Lake, the small town of Stanley, and Mount Borah.
There is plenty to see and do in Land of Yankee Fork State Park in Idaho and with the addition of the Challis Hot Springs, it has become even more of a bucket-list-worthy destination.
Have you been to this state park in Idaho? What about the historic hot springs? Let us know in the comments. Plus, Land of Yankee Fork State Park is just one of several incredible road trips stops in this part of the state. Check out our road trip itinerary that will take you to five lesser-known state parks in Idaho, and then read our ultimate road trip snack list so you can have a full stomach and a happy drive.
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