Saratoga Spa State Park facts for kids
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Saratoga Spa State Park
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The Hall of Springs, 2008
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Saratoga Springs, New York, Town of Milton, New York, Town of Malta, New York |
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| Built | 1835 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002357 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 12, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | February 27, 1987 |
Saratoga Spa State Park is a huge park in Saratoga County, New York. It covers about 2,379 acres (9.63 km2). You can find it in the City of Saratoga Springs, close to major roads like US 9 and NY 50.
This special park is famous for its natural mineral springs. It also has beautiful old bathhouses, spa buildings, and the amazing Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
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A Look Back in Time
Long ago, the Mohawk and Iroquois Native American tribes knew this area well. They came here to hunt and to use the special mineral springs. They called the area Kayaderosseras. The first time someone from Europe used the springs was during the French and Indian War. Sir William Johnson came here to get better after being hurt.
In the 1800s, many people started visiting the area. They believed the mineral springs could help them feel healthier. Business owners began digging wells to bottle the mineral water and sell it. Some even sold the bubbles from the water to soda fountains!
But soon, too much water was being pumped from the ground. This caused the springs to dry up. In 1907, a court case showed that pumping water from one well could affect others. This proved that all the wells were connected underground. Because of this, in 1909, Governor Charles Evans Hughes signed a law. This law made the Saratoga springs a state reservation to protect them.
In the 1930s, new bathhouses, research places, and a drink hall were built. The park was designed with gentle paths to help people with heart problems. After World War II, soldiers returning home and people who had survived difficult times came to the baths to help them heal.
In 1962, the spa officially became a state park. Then, in 1987, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This was because of its unique natural features, beautiful buildings, and its important role in early efforts to protect nature.
Amazing Natural Springs
Did you know that the Saratoga Springs area has the only active spouting geysers east of the Mississippi River? These special mineral springs come from cracks in the Saratoga Fault. This fault line stretches for about 65 miles (105 km). The bubbly water that comes out of these springs and geysers is full of minerals and salts.
Two of the most popular springs today are Geyser Island Spouter and Orenda Spring. They are both along Geyser Creek. Geyser Island Spouter shoots a thin stream of water 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 4.6 m) into the air! It first appeared in the early 1900s. Over time, it has left behind minerals that form a rock called tufa. This tufa grows about 2 inches (5.1 cm) every year. Orenda Spring has created a huge tufa dome. It keeps growing and even turns leaves and other things into fossils!
Springs You Can Visit
- Hathorne
- Orenda
- Hayes
- Charlie
- Geyser Island
- State Seal
- Polaris
- Lincoln (Baths)
- Shonts
- Tallulah
- Karista
Fun Things to Do
Saratoga Spa State Park is a great place for entertainment and learning.
Entertainment and Museums
The park is home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). This is where the famous Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet perform in the summer. The SPAC Amphitheater is 110 feet (34 m) high. It sits in a natural, curved area surrounded by tall pine trees. It can seat 5,100 people, and another 25,000 can sit on the lawn!
You can also visit the Spa Little Theater in the park. It hosts plays all year long. The theater is located on the north side of the park office.
The park also has several interesting museums. These include the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame and the Saratoga Automobile Museum. You can also find the Lincoln Mineral Baths and Spa, and the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa here.
Outdoor Activities
Saratoga Spa State Park offers many fun activities. Some of them might have a small fee.
There are several swimming pools in the park. The "Peerless Pool" has three pools, including a kids' pool, water slides, and a large Olympic-sized pool. The "Victoria Pool" is smaller and is located near the golf course. It was built when the park first opened.
The park also has tennis courts and two golf courses. You can find picnic areas, horseshoe pits, softball fields, and volleyball courts. Many picnic spots have electricity and are close to restrooms.
A part of Geyser Creek runs through the park, which is great for fishing. There are also trails for hiking and snowshoeing. In the winter, you can go ice skating. The park also hosts special programs throughout the year and the annual New York State Section 2 Cross Country Championships.
