STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 11, 2021-Visiting nine of Steamboat Springs’ most iconic mineral springs is much more refreshing through a series of new interpretive displays thanks to a unique local partnership.
“Historical records indicate 150 springs once flourished in this area,” bubbled Parks, Trails and Open Space Manager Craig Robinson. “The new signage shares a pool of information when exploring the downtown mineral springs.”
These unique geologic natural wonders include the Sulphur Spring, Lake Springs, Black Sulphur Spring, Steamboat Spring, Iron Spring, Soda Spring, Lithia Spring, Sulphur Cave & Springs and Heart Spring at the Old Town Hot Springs.
Explore hot springs, healing waters, sparkling soda and the mysterious Sulphur Cave & Springs through the distinctive history and geology of each spring.
The Mineral Springs interpretive project is a partnership between the City of Steamboat Springs, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Northwest Colorado Cultural Heritage Program, Steamboat Creates and Emerald Mountain Geoscience. It is funded by the city and the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
“Few places in the world match the concentration and diversity of the mineral springs found in Steamboat Springs” said Tread of Pioneers Executive Director Candice Banister. “We wanted to celebrate this with attractive new signage utilizing historical photos from our collection and updated interpretive information. Now, taking a geological and historical walking tour of Steamboat Springs’ most iconic mineral springs will bring the waters to life.”
For centuries, humans have been drawn to the thermal waters in and around Steamboat Springs. The Ute tribe, who summered in the area, considered the mineral or “medicine” springs sacred ground and valued the springs as places of physical and spiritual healing.
By the early 1900s, the springs were touted as a great natural wonder. The arrival of the passenger train in 1909 opened the remote northwestern region to an influx of visitors, and established Steamboat Springs as a “spa town” and tourist destination. Today, the mineral springs and the community hot springs continue to lure locals and visitors from the world over.
Take a tour: The museum also created an interactive Google Maps Mineral Springs Tour of all of the downtown springs and a feature exhibit, “The Springs of Steamboat,” currently on display at the museum (800 Oak St).
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Contact
Craig Robinson, Parks, Trails & Open Space Manager, 970.879.4300 or email
Candice Bannister, Executive Director, Tread of Pioneers Museum, 970.879.2214 or email
Nancy Kramer, Program Coordinator, Northwest Colorado Cultural Heritage Program, 970.846.2969 or email