52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Trip Advisor

Village of Ballston Spa

Local Attractions

Ballston Spa wasn't named after a trendy wellness center but for its naturally occurring mineral springs, discovered in 1771. The Iron Railing Spring, the nation's first recognized mineral spring, launched Ballston Spa into the spotlight as a premier health destination.

The village was first settled in 1771. In 1787 Benajah Douglas, grandfather of 1860 presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas, built the first tavern and hotel at Ballston Spa. It was located near the natural spring. Ballston Spa was incorporated as a village in 1807.

At different times, the village was served by four railroads. Famous for its mineral water springs, the area was popular with the purported healing qualities of the water, and saw it used in sanatoria, including the Hawthorne and Lithia springs. The effervescent water, tonic, and cathartic from this city is also all known as Ballston Spa. The liquid contains common salt and carbonates of magnesium and calcium.

Ballston Spa is also home to the National Bottle Museum. Established in 1978, it has a collection of over 3,700 antique bottles, most made before the industrialization of the process in 1903.

The Brookside Museum, which houses the Ballston Spa Historical Society, is one of the original health spring spas. The wooden house, built in 1792, is one of the oldest buildings in the village.

Wikipedia
Village of Ballston Spa

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Ballston Spa

In 1852, Ballston Spa resident George West revolutionized paper packaging by inventing the square-bottomed paper bag, earning him the moniker "The Paper Bag King."

Upcoming Events

Wikipedia

Established in 1838 and reorganized in 1865, Ballston Spa Bank is the oldest in Saratoga County.
Village of Ballston Spa

The eight-sided pavilion of the Old Iron Spring is regarded as the oldest existing in the area. With public access, the water may be sampled free of charge.
Wikipedia

Originally built to harness the nearby creek for textile production, the West Mill site was converted to paper bag production and later became a chocolate factory.
Village of Ballston Spa

The 1922 carved Carrara marble altar in St. Mary’s Catholic Church was imported from Italy and features a carved replica of the “Last Supper” under the altar.

To Eat

To Stay

To Play

To Shop