Finding sanctuary, wellness and connection at Maple Grove
Nestled along the serene Bear River in Southeastern Idaho, about an hour’s drive from the Utah State University Logan campus, Maple Grove Hot Springs offers a unique retreat blending natural beauty, personal wellness and community connection.
Spanning 45 off-grid acres, this riverfront sanctuary invites guests to immerse themselves in geothermal mineral pools, engage in holistic activities and disconnect from the digital world.
In 2018, the springs faced an uncertain future after several foreclosures.
Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, owner Jordan Menzel embarked on a mission to preserve and rejuvenate the space. Menzel’s vision extended beyond merely maintaining public access. He aspired to create a wellness retreat center that celebrates the area’s natural splendor and fosters meaningful human connections.
“The story of Maple Grove really is about a bunch of people coming together to preserve a hot spring that many people have loved for generations,” Menzel said.
At the heart of Maple Grove’s philosophy is presence and mindfulness. In an era dominated by digital distractions, the retreat offers a haven free from Wi-Fi and cell phone service, encouraging guests to engage fully with their surroundings and each other.
“There are just very few places these days where you don’t have cell phone service, so you kind of just have to figure it out — you get here, you got to talk to people,” said Spencer Felix, USU student and yoga instructor at Maple Grove.
This intentional disconnection allows visitors to experience the therapeutic benefits of the natural setting, from observing local wildlife like bald eagles and trumpeter swans to soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs.
“The most important step in personal wellness is presence,” Menzel said. “It’s being really front and center to what’s going on in your mind — your body — having time and space for meaningful conversation.”
The springs operate entirely off-grid, utilizing solar and hydropower to minimize its environmental footprint. This commitment to sustainability not only preserves the pristine landscape but also serves as an educational model for guests interested in eco-friendly practices.
“We’re in a natural setting,” Menzel said. “It gives us the opportunity to introduce people to a beautiful truth that it’s possible to have a restful, amazing experience while also minimizing or eliminating a lot of the heavy carbon outputs required for just modern society.”
Guests can choose from a variety of lodging options, including fully furnished stone cabins, yurts, cabins and wooded campsites. Each accommodation provides 24-hour access to the hot spring pools, riverfront beach, hiking trails and wellness classes such as yoga and guided sauna circuits.
“We have really great events almost every weekend: aquatic yoga classes, open mic nights, acoustic concerts, workshops,” Felix said. “So, for college students especially, it’s an awesome place to check out.”
The retreat also hosts workshops and events aimed at personal growth and community building. These programs encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones, fostering progress and happiness through new experiences.
“Deep within our retreat center ethos is the idea that as humans, we’re at our best when we can make ourselves just a little uncomfortable physically, socially or emotionally to try new things,” Menzel said. “In that discomfort is where growth happens.”
To maintain a peaceful and respectful environment, Maple Grove has established clear guidelines. The retreat is an alcohol- and drug-free zone, and guests are encouraged to observe silent hours after sundown to enhance the contemplative atmosphere. Swimwear is required in all communal areas, and the use of electronic devices is discouraged to promote genuine human interaction.
“This is very much like a retreat facility, so it’s different from a party place,” Felix said. “Yes, there’s a lot of fun here, but it’s fun that looks different. We’re a noise-free environment, so after hours, we try to be very still and quiet. Lots of people travel here for the silence.”
Looking ahead, Maple Grove plans to expand its offerings by integrating sustainable food and farming practices. These initiatives aim to provide guests with fresh, locally-sourced meals and hands-on learning opportunities in ecological stewardship.
“We’re designing the final frontier for our space and experience, which is food and farming,” Menzel said. “Soon, we’ll be making some big commitments to building out our capacity and infrastructure for producing food in a way that everyone can learn from through workshops, as well as bringing that food into our guest experience through our dining experience.”
Maple Grove is open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., with closures on Wednesdays for maintenance. Due to limited capacity, guests are encouraged to book their visits in advance to ensure a tranquil and personalized experience.
Whether seeking solitude, community or a blend of both, Maple Grove offers a rejuvenating retreat where nature and wellness converge.