The American Springs series is the collection of sacred waters located in the Americas – North and South America that we’ve visited and/or recorded. On this side of the planet, most of the waters held sacred are naturally carbonated mineral springs and/or Hot Springs. Holy wells are more of a European concept, and only exist in the Americas based on European immigration. Sacred wells or cenotes are usually Native American based bodies of water.
This fantastic Land Trust is dedicated to preserving natural resources, wildlife habitat, open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Stratton Spring was drilled in 1936 by the Myron Stratton Foundation., The soda-type spring has a controlled flow of two gallons per minute and is drilled to a depth of 167 feet. This site was the junction of early Indian trails and several major mineral springs. Later it became the major access to the Mount Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and was the loop were Stratton’s Trolley Line reversed to return to Colorado Springs.
a natural soda spring comes out of the wall in a decorated font. It is one of eight famous natural springs that put this town on the map. The spring was initially visited by Native American Indians who sought their healing and spiritual powers, which some believed were gifted by the great spirit called Manitou.
The little touristy village of Manitou Springs is most famous for its mineral springs, which well up through eight fonts (previously ten fonts, upwards of 50 springs) peppered throughout the town. These springs are free to visit, and each holds its own variation of minerals, magic, folklore, and healing properties that visitors have sought throughout the ages. Each has its unique flavor, natural carbonation, and effervescence.
This is one of the more popular springs along Ruxton Avenue due to its high Lithium content. Two springs combine into one, pouring through this font. The water is very sweet, high in lithium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and a top-rated water source for making sweet carbonated lemonade water. Others describe the taste as sweet, tangy, and minerally. Of all the Manitou Springs, it has the highest concentration of magnesium. The font is located outside a storefront entrance.
The Seven Minute Spring was man-made and drilled in 1909 near the former Manitou House Hotel. The drilling hit a limestone cavity of ancient carbonated waters that created a geyser that would erupt every 7 minutes giving a label to its current name.
One of Manitou’s former famous springs now closed off to the public and no longer running. It was famous back then and was one of the sources for the “Ute Chief Mineral Water” and Manitou Springs bottling company. While it is no longer on the Springs trails given out by the Chamber of Commerce, its font still stands even though shut off.
Way up towards the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad and Dinner Theater is the historic “Iron Springs” or “Iron Springs Geyser.” Originally a natural spring drilled deeper, making it an active geyser, it has played a vital role in Manitou’s history.
A sweet-tasting natural Artesian soda spring called Cheyenne Spring is located right on Manitou Avenue in downtown Manitou Springs, Colorado. This bubbly elixir is believed to be over 20,000 years old and healing for digestive issues and osteoporosis.
Wheeler Spring was named after the investor of the “Manitou Mineral Water bottling plant” from the 1920s, Jerome B. Wheeler (former co-owner of Macey’s). It was drilled in 1920 by him after which he created the bottling company and created the Wheeler Clock nearby. It is located on the wall outside of his former Windemere estate.