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Iron Spring: A Tonic of History and Minerals

Discover the historic Iron Spring in Manitou Springs, where naturally carbonated waters offer a taste of the past and a connection to the town's medicinal roots.

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Iron Spring in Manitou Springs offers a glimpse into the town's past as a medicinal resort. Originally drilled in 1910, its iron-rich waters were once prescribed for iron deficiencies, drawing health-seekers to the area. Today, visitors can sample the spring's unique flavor and learn about its role in Manitou's history.

A brief summary to Iron Spring

  • Manitou Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80829, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring a refillable water bottle to sample the naturally carbonated mineral water from the Iron Spring and other springs in Manitou Springs.
  • Combine your visit to the Iron Spring with a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, located nearby, for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Explore the other mineral springs in Manitou Springs, each with its own unique flavor and mineral composition.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Iron Spring is located on Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs, a short walk from many downtown attractions. From the Manitou Springs Visitor Center, walk west on Manitou Avenue, then turn left onto Ruxton Avenue. The spring is a short distance up Ruxton Avenue on the left. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The free Manitou Springs Shuttle (Route 33) provides service to the Iron Spring area. From various points in Manitou Springs, ride the shuttle to the Ruxton Avenue stop near the Cog Railway. From there, walk a short distance down Ruxton Avenue to the spring. The shuttle is free. Shuttles arrive approximately every 20 minutes.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in various lots and on-street metered spaces in Manitou Springs. Parking is free after 6 PM. * **Hiawatha Gardens Lot (10 Old Man's Trail):** This lot is east of downtown and connects to the free shuttle (Route 33) that goes to Ruxton Avenue. Parking here costs $1.50 for 1 hour, $3.00 for 2 hours, $5.00 for 3 hours, $7.00 for 4 hours, $9.00 for 5 hours, $14.00 for 6 hours, and $19.00 for 7 hours. * **Iron Springs Chateau (444 Ruxton Ave):** Offers parking for $15.00 per car for 4 hours; payment is cash only; parking is first come/first served. From any parking location on Ruxton Avenue, walk along Ruxton Avenue to Iron Spring.

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Discover more about Iron Spring

Iron Spring, also known as Iron Spring Geyser, is a historical landmark in Manitou Springs, Colorado, that played a vital role in the town's development as a medicinal resort. Located along Ruxton Avenue, near the base of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the spring's iron-rich waters were once highly sought after for their purported health benefits. Manitou Springs has long been considered a sacred and healing place, even before European Americans settled the area. Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne, revered the mineral springs as gifts from the Great Spirit Manitou, believing the waters possessed restorative powers. The springs were a place of healing and replenishment, attracting people from far and wide. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Manitou Springs became a popular destination for those seeking mineral water therapies. The Iron Spring, with its high iron content, was particularly favored by those suffering from iron deficiencies. In 1910, Joseph G. Hiestand, recognizing the spring's potential, drilled it deeper, transforming it into an active geyser. He also constructed a pavilion with a hand-blown glass font to showcase the spring's effervescent waters. For a time, the spring was known as "The Only Chalybeate Springs in the West". While the Ute Iron Spring has been capped, the Iron Spring Geyser remains accessible to the public. Visitors can still sample the water and experience a taste of Manitou Springs' rich history. Although the water has a harsh, metallic taste, it serves as a reminder of the town's past as a haven for health and wellness. Today, the Iron Spring stands as a testament to Manitou Springs' enduring appeal as a place of natural beauty and historical significance.

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