Saratoga Spa State Park in New York is a 2,379-acre state park famous for its natural springs, resort, mineral-tasting waters, and performing arts center. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt created a visionary act to preserve the area and infused waters in the region. This has helped tourists and residents of the past and present continue to enjoy the park’s many natural facilities.
Mineral Waters
The park is famous for its spring waters. The mineral waters that come up through the Earth are renowned for their healing properties, and there are 21 public ones throughout the park. No two springs taste precisely alike as they are made up of different mineral quantities.
Most of the waters are naturally carbonated and reportedly have medicinal benefits like improving digestion, healing skin conditions, and strengthening blood.
Soaking Areas
Some people don’t enjoy drinking the spring waters but still want to reap some benefits. The park is home to a couple of swimming and soaking areas filled with this all-natural spring water.
Peerless Mineral Water Pool
The Peerless Mineral Water Pool is free to use but does have a parking fee. It is usually open from sometime in May to September. The pool complex comprises three areas: the main pool, kids’ pool, and waterslide area. Bathrooms, lockers, and food and drink services are available by the pool.
The main pool was built in 1962 and is about as large as a football field. Families traveling with young kids will appreciate the zero-depth area of the big pool that allows little ones to play and wade without getting in too deep. The waterslide area is just a three-foot-deep space for adults and older kids to land after coming down the 19′ winding double slide. The kiddie area is about one foot deep and features a mushroom fountain that little ones enjoy splashing under.
Victoria Mineral Water Pool
The Victoria Mineral Water Pool is a smaller pool near the Peerless complex and is recognized for its arched parameter. Even though it’s no longer warmed up, it once functioned as the country’s first-ever heated pool. Drink, food, locker rooms, bathrooms, and shower facilities are on-site. The pool is open from mid-May to early September and charges a parking fee to enter.
Roosevelt Baths & Spa
Featuring 42 individual treatment rooms from the 1930s, the Roosevelt Baths & Spa is a luxurious destination for all things self-care. The spa is a part of the Gideon Putnam resort but is open to day services for non-overnight guests. Reservations are strongly recommended for any of the services, as it’s a popular place for both locals and travelers to visit.
Roosevelt Baths & Spa offers everything from mineral soaks, body treatments, massages, and facials, to yoga classes and workshops. Customized day spa packages are available for those who want to do more than just a singular session of any treatments. The spa asks that guests call ahead 24 hours for any cancellations and arrive 30 minutes before their appointment.
One of the property’s highlights is the hot mineral soaking tubs that are kept at about 97-100℉. Bathtubs are set up for one guest at a time and booked in 40-minute sessions. Many massages also include a 20-minute soak as part of that treatment. The waters are excellent at providing total relaxation and are loaded with minerals and healing qualities.
Dining
The state park is located right in the town of Saratoga Springs, which has many restaurants and places to grab a bite. However, there are two places to dine right inside Saratoga Spa State Park.
Catherine’s in the Park
This restaurant is situated at the Saratoga Spa Golf Course and is open to the public. They serve American cuisine like burgers and sandwiches in a patio setting that overlooks a pool. Guests are invited to dine in the restaurant or take their food to go.
Putnam’s Restaurant & Bar
Putnam’s is located inside the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa and serves upscale Modern American cuisine. The indoor seating area is open year-round, and Putnam’s Patio is seasonal.
Lodging
The only official hotel inside the Saratoga Spa State Park is the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa. Also known as the “Jewel of Saratoga,” the resort has 123 guest rooms and suites for overnight stays. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and provide easy access to the park and Roosevelt Baths & Spa. In-room amenities include a flatscreen TV, WiFi, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron with ironing board, and more.
If this resort is not what you’re looking for, there are other hotels and motels nearby in the town of Saratoga Springs.
Check prices, availability or book Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa
Day Camping
The Saratoga Spa State Park Campground has ten pavilions available to rent out on a first-come, first-served basis. These spots are intended for daily use and can accommodate up to 75 people and domestic pets. Check-in time is 9 am, and check-out is at sunset. Electric outlets, lights, and a grill are provided with the rented space.
Details
Address: 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Phone: 518-584-2535
Season: Year-round
Website: parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa
Saratoga Turf & Spa Motel – Saratoga Springs, New York