Bear Lake Hot Springs Hotel
In 1890 Joseph Rich purchased a natural hot sulfur spring on the shores of Bear Lake from Newton F Austin and there he homesteaded 160 acres of land. He built a pleasure resort as well as a home. The resort was known as the Bear Lake Hot Springs Hotel. It was located on the Northeast side of Bear Lake along with a swimming pool and other recreational activities. It burned to the ground and was never rebuilt.
The News Examiner, 9 May 2018
The End of An Era
Mrs. Ethel Bates was the original owner of the historic, grand hotel that was first built on the site in 1911. Guests could relax on the porch and take in the serenity of Bear Lake. In 1939, the hotel tragically burned to the ground in an accidental fire. The fire started from a stove in the washhouse and spread quickly to the main building. Many locals responded and served on the fire crews that fought this fire. In spite of volunteers, the building and contents were a total loss.
Some of the surrounding buildings, including a pool, were not damaged. The original concrete steps and a few pillars were all that remained after the fire and are still visible today. In 1949, Lorenzo and Ruth Hemmert purchased the property and have provided many interesting stories that have happened over the years. Mr. Hemmert stated that the original hot springs pool was wood lined and did not have a filtration system. A think layer of mud sediment three to four inches thick was always present on the bottom. Adjacent to the pool, there was a hitching post where teams or saddle horses could stand. Feed bags were attached allowing them to eat while their owners enjoyed relaxing in the cool waters.
Another testament to the healing properties of the hot mineral water was a large collection of canes left behind by the guests. Mrs. Hemmert added that over 75,000 gallons of mineral steamy water flowed through the pools every day. The water is constantly circulating, flowing in from the spring and out into the lake. The soaking area was limited to 80 guests.
Over the years Bear Lake Hot Springs provided access to the lake with sandy beaches, camp sites and a newer enclosed pool. Family gatherings and reunions were a prominent tradition and created wonderful memories for all. Everything changed on April 20, 2018, when the property was sold to a land developer. The proposed Lakeview Subdivision is a luxury gated community which is now in the planning stages. Most of the existing buildings and infrastructure may be excavated and a new community will be built on the 22 acre site. Public access is now limited to North Beach State Park and Bear Lake State Park.