Bladon Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bladon Springs State Park |
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Octagonal spring pavilion, the site's last remaining antebellum-era structure
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 Bladon Springs State Park
Location in Alabama
Bladon Springs State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Choctaw, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 357 acres (144 ha) |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Established | 1838 |
| Operator | Local |
| Website | Bladon Springs State Park |
Bladon Springs State Park is a fun place for families in Choctaw County, Alabama. It's known for its special natural mineral springs. These springs have water with minerals like sulfur, iron, magnesium, and calcium. People used to think this water had healing powers! The park used to be managed by the state, but now it's run by local people. It's a great spot for a picnic or a quiet day outdoors.
A Look Back in Time
The springs at Bladon Springs are named after their first owner, John Bladon. In 1838, a man named James Conner opened a spa here. People traveled from all over to visit because they believed the mineral water could help them feel better.
First, Mr. Conner built small cottages for about 100 guests. Then, in 1846, he built a huge hotel in the Greek Revival style. This hotel could hold 200 more people! It had a big, two-story porch, a ballroom, a bowling alley, and even a skating rink. The grounds also had bath houses and a croquet court. This hotel was one of the largest wooden hotels ever built in Alabama. People even called the springs the "Saratoga of the South."
The hotel stayed open even during the American Civil War. It was busy again by 1870. But over time, fewer people visited, and it closed sometime after 1913. Logging crews used the hotel for lodging for a while. In 1934, the state bought the hotel to house state employees.
Sadly, the hotel burned down in 1938. After that, the grounds became a state park. The small cottages were either torn down or moved. Today, the only original building left is the pretty pavilion over the main spring. In 2015, the state closed the park due to budget cuts. But now, local groups manage it, keeping it open for everyone to enjoy.
The Special Spring Water
The water from the springs at Bladon Springs is quite unique. It has a slightly yellow color and a faint smell of sulfur. This is because of tiny, harmless bacteria that live in the water. You might even see small, gauze-like bits of these bacteria.
Most visitors come to bathe in the water. But you can also drink it! If you strain out the solid bits and chill the water, it's actually quite pleasant to drink.
What You Can Do at the Park
Bladon Springs State Park is a nice place for a day trip.
- You can have a picnic with your family and friends.
- There are playground facilities for younger kids to enjoy.
- The park is also a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail. This means it's a great spot for birdwatchers to see different kinds of birds!
