Blue Springs State Park is a public recreation area located 7 mi east of Clio in Blue Springs, Barbour County, Alabama. The 103 acre state park features a clear blue, natural underground spring that pumps 3600 gal of water per minute into two concrete-ringed swimming pools. The park's recreational area was expanded in 2013 when the Forever Wild Land Trust purchased 100 acre adjoining acres for the purpose of providing hiking trails.

History

Harrison's Hotel, built in 1890, was among the first efforts to turn the village of Blue Springs into a health spa. Ten years later, J.T.E. Whigham began work on the Blue Springs Hotel, which eventually featured 28 rooms and modern bathhouse. In 1913, the spring pool was lined with concrete and another smaller pool designed for use by children was added to the site. The area became a popular spot for political rallies, three-day horse-trading events, and annual reunions of Confederate soldiers. The large pool remained in operation until about 1938. J.D. McLaughlin sold the property to the state resulting in creation of the state park in 1963.

Features

At the entrance to the park is a stone monument dedicated to Dr. James Daniel McLaughlin (1880-1953), a medical doctor who attended Atlanta College for Physicians and Surgeons and the medical extension program of the University of Alabama in Mobile.

Activities and amenities