Mineral Springs Healing Arts

Where Water Comes From...

Rainwater and snowmelt from Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains soak into rock fractures. As the water penetrates to great depth, it becomes heated and mineralized. The warm water naturally flows up the Ute Pass fault zone and into cavernous limestone where it becomes carbonated. The water issues from numerous springs and from wells drilled into the limestone aquifer. Because the water takes thousands of years to complete its journey from the mountain sources to the Manitou springs, it is totally free of industrial and atmospheric contamination. Unlike most other mineralized springs, these waters are cool and pleasant to drink. each spring has a distinctive flavor because of the minerals that the water picks up as it passes through limestone and dolomite caverns.

Centuries ago, the great tribes of the plains and mountain Indians paid homage to the healing and spiritual powers of the mineral springs. They believed the medicinal waters were a gift from the Great Spirit Manitou.

In the late 1880's developers created the resort of Manitou Springs to provide the popular water therapies. Cultural and medical traditions brought prosperity.

The Waters

Twin Spring originally two drilled springs now merged into one flow, is sought for its sweet taste and calcium and potassium content.

Ute Chief Spring is favored for lemonade and is widely known, flowing from a much-photographed statue.

Stratton Spring was drilled by the Stratton Foundation as a service to the town where popular routes follow earlier Native American trails.

Wheeler Spring, a drilled soda spring, was donated to the city by the family of Jerome Wheeler, of the New York Macy's, residing locally and involved in banking, mining and railroads locally and in Aspen. His home, Windemere, was located where the present post office is, and several of the estate's many buildings remain.

Navajo Spring is located beneath the present pop-corn and candy store. Navajo Spring, a natural soda spring, attracted the Indians and settlers, which led to the establishment of Manitou Springs. Its water supplied a large bath house (spa) and a bottling plant. This Manitou Water was famous across the nation. Originally there had accumulated a bowl-like concretion of calcium carbonate large enough to dip or wash in.

Cheyenne Spring is a natural, sweet soda spring, from limestone aquifers a mile deep and believed to be 20,000 years old.

Iron Spring Geyser is a drilled spring prescribed by earlier physicians for iron deficiencies. It was on the daily walk for 1800's health-seekers.

7 Minute Spring was drilled to enhance the park of a large hotel at the site in 1909. Carbonation caused it to erupt at 7 minute intervals. It was redrilled in the 1990's and the surrounding park was developed.

Soda Spring in the Spa Building was the social spot of early years and one of the natural springs. For decades there was a large open pavilion with room for the many residents and travelers who came for the water and to enjoy society in the fresh air.

"Springabouts"

Offered during the summer months, Springabouts are an exciting way to tour our mineral springs while you get your exercise. Your "Springabout" guide will take you to each spring for a taste of the waters that made Manitou famous. Along the way you'll hear about our rich history, our beautiful architecture, and the mineral properties of the springs. The Manitou Springs Chamber can make arrangements for group tours, too.

Once again, there is a resurgence of interest in Manitou Springs as a healing arts center. Health professionals from every discipline are working together to provide services focused on spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well being.

Copyright: Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, 2000