Illinois’s Haunted Mineral Springs
Illinois, often associated with bustling Chicago and vast cornfields, might surprise you with a hidden gem – a natural hot spring. While the state's geothermal landscape isn't as dramatic as others, The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville stands as a testament to a bygone era and offers a unique opportunity to soak in naturally warm waters.
The original building opened in 1867, but was destroyed in a tragic fire in 1891. The town wouldn’t give up their crown jewel, though — the hotel reopened in a new building in 1893 and has remained there ever since. Tragically, three of the hotel’s owners have died by suicide.
Get the Civil War Room if you want to see if you can find the ghosts. One guest felt someone pressing on her legs at night in Room 350 and was so spooked that she left immediately, telling staff the place was too spooky for her liking. Other guests come to stay at the hotel just to see the ghosts, usually booking a room on the fraught third floor. Room 350, on the third floor, is the place where owner Tom Rogers was found dead. The second floor is strictly avoided by staff, who say they often hear noises coming from vacant rooms.
Get the second floor room overlooking the pool if you want to watch your kids while relaxing.
The Original Springs Hotel was established in 1867. Water samples were then sent to St. Louis for further testing. Analysis showed very strong medicinal qualities, comparable in quality to the famous Carlsbad Baths in Germany and to the renowned waters of Hot Springs, Arkansas, though not hot when coming out of the ground.
A Spa Admission provides a Mineral Bath, Use of the dry heat room, Use of the heated indoor swimming pool, Locker and Shower Facilities.
The spa offers:
Full-service restaurant
Mineral Spring Spa
Indoor Heated Pool
Event Spaces
Meeting facilities
Bar
Catering
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Some Pet-friendly Rooms
Explore the remnants of past spa towns like Vishnu Springs (formerly known as Tennesee Springs) near Fairfield, Illinois.
