Saratoga Resort and Spa is proud to announce that the installation of the new deck surrounding the Mineral Hot Spring Pools is complete, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!
We would like to send a big THANK YOU to Gates Milling Inc. of Gatesville, NC, for supplying 5,000 board feet (4,200 square feet) of beautiful wood for our deck. Constructed out of rot-resistant Atlantic White Cedar, found primarily in the swampy areas of the South-Eastern United States, the new deck is set to last us for many, many years of enjoyment.
We would like to invite ALL of our guests and patrons to visit the renovated area; sit down on our new customized benches, relax, enjoy the view, and take a much-deserved rejuvenating dip in our beautiful Mineral Hot Spring Pools.
Medical Benefits of the Healing Waters at the Saratoga Resort and Spa
Balneotherapy is the treatment of medical conditions by bathing in naturally occurring heated mineral water. It is an ancient practice that has been used throughout history for the treatment of many diseases. Although contemporary medicine has been slow to establish the scientific basis for the benefits of submersion in mineral-rich hot springs water, a long history of use strongly suggests medicinal benefits. It is widely recognized that a tranquil hot springs soak provides relief from the pain of stressed muscles and tired joints. The complex effects of hot springs minerals on the skins glands and blood vessels is the likely explanation for the numerous subtle benefits that are reported by those in tune with the hot springs way of life.
This is the architect’s drawing of the Saratoga Inn as it would appear when the extensive development project by the Saratoga Hotel Company was completed and the resort was ready for full-scale operation. The plan included a new hotel, swimming pool, sunken garden and 9-hole golf course. The state cottages and bath house are to remain in use, all built around the famous mineral hot springs.
Looking Back…
After the unfortunate demise of the Saratoga Hot Springs Hotel in 1902, several other structures were erected around the the mineral hot springs. In 1921, the State of Wyoming purchased the 420-acre site and established the “Saratoga Hot Springs State Reserve”. The State Bath House, which is now houses the Healing Waters Spa, was constructed, along with swimming pools on each side of the bath house. Use of the private State Baths was offered to travelers for 50 cents for a dip in the hot mineral water. Also offered to those weary travelers were sweat baths and Swedish massage. The mineral springs were hailed as a Fountain of Health.
This 1940’s aerial photo (left,) by Saratoga Sun editor and publisher Bob Martin, shows the famous mineral hot springs and Saratoga State Park property. The facility included the brick bath house, two swimming pools—left and right of bath house—four living quarters and several maintenance shops.
In 1949, visionary Bill Walker, of the Saratoga Hotel Company, leased 404 acres of the Saratoga Hot Springs Reserve, under a 99-year lease.
“This place has everything, hot springs (to heal) close to anything that ails you, fishing, hunting, duck and pheasant shooting, one of the most colorful cow towns anywhere, red desert, timber and mountain country all in one,” noted Bill Walker.
According to an early brochure, “The purpose of the Inn is to provide the valley with… a glass enclosed swimming pool heated with waters of mineral hot springs…”
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[/threecol_two][threecol_one_last]In the years that followed, the Saratoga Inn transferred ownership among each of the following owners to sustain its growth:
- Investors from Phoenix
- Charlie O’Toole and associates from Colorado and Wyoming (1964)
- Cotter Ferguson
- Norm Palm and a group of local ranchers and businessmen (late 1970’s)
- Bill White & Bill Seaburg, realtors from Denver (1985-1989)
- Jim Maxwell (1989 to 1992)
- John Hamilton (1992-2002)
Major renovations during this time include five new hot mineral baths, three river rock fireplaces, remodeling of the swimming pool, converting the old State Bath House into the Healing Waters Spa, new roofs, installing central air conditioning, and a new microbrewery. - David Schumaker (2002-2008)
- International Resort Properties (2008 to present).
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In December of 2008, the International Resort Properties (the Janssen Family) acquired the Saratoga Inn and transitioned it into a four season Wyoming resort: The Saratoga Resort and Spa.
During the next six years, more resources are invested in the Resort than in the entire history of the Resort. Renovations and additions include:
Upgraded Irrigation System for the Golf Course and Driving Range- Reopening of the Snowy Mountain Brewery
- Room Renovations
- Hiring Executives Chefs in the Silver Saddle Restaurant
- Remodeling the Healing Waters Spa to include a Fitness Center
- Updates to the Sports Court and the addition of a Sports Center
- Becoming first non-smoking lodging/dining establishment in Saratoga
- Offering ATV, Jeep and Snowmobile Rentals
- Adding a Wedding Gazebo and Outdoor Terrace to the courtyard
- New flooring, lighting and a breakfast bar in Silver Saddle Restaurant
- Housing for Employees
- Maintenance shop
- Dog Kennels for guests traveling with pets
- Decks resurfaced around teepees to include fire ring with benches
Special thanks to Dick Perue of Historical Reproductions by Perue for photographs and historical content.
