Legend has it that in 1771 Native Americans introduced the first European to the healing waters in Saratoga, and visitors (including George Washington!) have been coming ever since. 

By 1900 there were over 200 active springs, with several commercial bottlers and carbon dioxide extractors, and the water was beginning to run dry. In 1909 the area was declared a New York State Reservation with commercial operations strictly regulated. The number of tapped springs dropped, the water pressure increased, and the area became primarily known for medicinal and recreational bathing. The land became a state park in 1962.

Today there are only about 15 springs left, most preserved within Saratoga Spa State Park. Many still run year round. Bring your own cup!

Visitors can still take a carbonated mineral water bath at the 1935 WPA-funded Roosevelt spa. The original cast iron tubs connected to the Lincoln Spring are still in use (although sadly covered by a modern top for protection), and it feels like bathing in champagne. There are also original tiles, and a Lincoln Spring spigot for a bath-side refresher. 

The nearby Lincoln Bathhouse was also WPA-funded, but is no longer used for bathing. Instead it houses offices and a museum. The state-run 1935 bottling plant (also a museum) closed in 1971.

Originally built as a trolly stop, today’s visitor center became a drinks hall in 1941. Here visitors could buy bottled, state-owned mineral waters until its closing in 1965. A bas-relief mural out front depicts the 1777 British surrender after the Battle of Saratoga. A second shows the first European introduction to the springs in 1771.

The High Rock spring of legend can still be visited. Sadly, it’s no longer serviced by dipper-boys, but self-service at a nearby fountain.

Here, too, you can see the geologic fault which allows water trapped in subsurface layers to reach the surface, creating the various springs.

Placed around the park are signs with details about the original springs, historic photos, and information about the water’s chemical composition. Most flow year round, and it’s definitely worth trying a few as they have very different flavor profiles: some carbonated, some fresh, and some super-mineraly.

Make sure to check out the geology as the spring’s minerals create unique shapes and colors as they are deposited in the surrounding landscape. 

The springs are not just for tourists – locals bring large containers to stock up. Even in February there was a backup at the State Seal Spring, which seemed to be a favorite. Any park visitor is welcome to bottle water for personal consumption.

Between the popularity of the springs and the opening of the racetrack in 1860, Saratoga Springs became a premier destination for the wealthy who built beautiful Victorian mansions around the city. Many of these old houses still stand and Saratoga remains a popular destination.