“In all the world, no waters like these,” is an age-old motto which celebrates the medicinal waters. As technology has evolved to be ever-present, perhaps the stillness here is just as unique as the waters. According to Dr. Richard Miller, who in 1972 founded Wilbur Hot Springs as we know it today, Wilbur originally established the quiet meditative area of the baths because the aim was to create “an ambience where the only sounds were those of nature.” He adds that “the shields we build to block out the sounds of modernization … all take energy that could be used by the immune system.” That idea seems prescient today. A July Wilbur moment: dusk gathers and the air cools as two souls nod at each other without speaking, their bodies relaxing in the ancient geothermal water. Outside, the leaves rustle, the water splashes into the stream and the kildeer sing in the creek bed.

Though the summer sun may or may not be your thing, it’s worth considering a visit to recharge. Soaking in the serenity of the bath house, with only the sounds of nature as a backdrop, anything we might say seems unlikely to enhance the occasion.

Our land stewardship program is more than just work; it is a labor of love. We pour our energy and respect into the land hoping to help our relationship with it to flourish. Our daily goals are to beautify the area around the hotel, and to revitalize the preserve, giving native species a better chance to propagate. Hannah has been hard at work removing Arundo and Star Thistle around the hotel and cabins, with star thistle being a primary target. This plant is problematic because it produces many seeds and outcompetes other plants for resources. This is the very beginning of a multi-year effort to remove yellow star thistle, and we are very happy to see it go!