Manitou Springs Health Resort
As you head west along highway 24, it won’t be long until you meet our neighboring city of Manitou Springs. Nestled at the base of the mountains, Manitou Springs is full of rich history and mineral water that has been thought to have great healing properties since the area was founded in 1868.
Dr. Edwin James was actually the first person who discovered the mineral waters in 1868 (he also happened to be the first American to reach the peak of America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak). As the talk of the healing minerals spread around the area, General William Palmer and Dr. William Bell began to dream of a health resort to benefit the Pikes Peak Region. Their dream became a reality in the early 1890s as the town’s mineral waters and clean mountain air established the town of Manitou Springs as a health resort. The talk of the town and its health and healing benefits lured in tubercular patients, celebrities, tourists, medical professionals from all over the area. As time continued, the tourism eventual waned until the Mineral Springs Foundation renewed the mineral springs across the city in 1987. Today, you can still take a tour and drink from the naturally carbonated water found in these springs.
Where is the source of these historic healing, carbonated waters? They come from underground aquifers. As the water continues to erode the limestone surrounding these aquifers, carbonic acid is created. As the water is forced to the surface from the carbonation, the water absorbs sodium bicarbonate along with other minerals (including Lithium!). These waters are unique only to Manitou Springs and cannot be found anywhere else in our great state of Colorado.
As of 9/10/2021, guided tours are not available, but you are able to take a self-guided tour any time you want. Head on over to the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau to get a cup, a map, and chart that includes the mineral make up from each of our springs. It’s interesting to note that each spring has its own unique flavor, so you will want to try them all to experience the history of Manitou Springs through its water! You can find a map of the walking tour through Manitou Springs HERE. Be sure to check out the Twin Spring, a local favorite as it gives off a sweeter taste. The Shoshone Spring was the curative spring highly recommended by doctors in the 1800s for its healing properties. All in all, there are currently 9 springs you can visit, and we highly recommend you do so by taking the quick trip over to our neighboring town of Manitou Springs!