About Radium Springs Gardens
Radium Springs Gardens, just outside of Albany, GA, is one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. A natural “blue hole” spring, Radium Springs pumps 70,000 gallons of clear, 68-degree water per minute from an underground cave.
Radium Springs is a historical natural site, suitable for all ages and family and pet-friendly.
There is also no charge to visit. The site’s amenities include free parking on site, a picnic area, and self-guided tours.
Visitors can easily walk through a courtyard where a former casino once stood, and follow concrete steps down into the site’s lower terrace and sidewalks that lead to a casino garden and gazebos.
A Brief History of Radium Springs Gardens
Swimming is no longer allowed at Radium Springs, but the location was once a thriving spot to meet and cool off by taking a dip in the natural blue waters.
In the 1920s, researchers found trace amounts of radium in the water. The site later became known as Radium Springs. It was previously known as Blue Springs. Decades before that, by Native Americans called it Skywater and revered it as a ceremonial site.
As the 1920s continued, developers chose to capitalize on the popularity of mineral springs at the time. They built a resort on the property, known as the Casino.
The Radium Springs Casino featured a large dance hall and elegant dining room and was a popular spot for social events.
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Fast forward half a century and the Radium Springs Casino began to see its end. In 1982, a fire swept through the place. Then floods in 1994 and 1998 damaged the casino beyond repair.
Later in 2003, the remaining building structure was removed, with a large concrete courtyard left in place.
Visitors can walk through that courtyard that stands on the original site of the casino.
Radium Springs Gardens is now operated by the City of Albany, which has begun work on restoring parts of the site, like the ruins of the main gazebo.
Visitor Information
Visitors can find Radium Springs Gardens at 2501 Radium Springs Road, Albany, GA 31705.
Admission is free and the gardens are open 6 days a week. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If you visit Radium Springs and want to see all seven of Georgia’s natural wonders, you can check out the official list, which includes Stone Mountain, the Okefenokee Swamp, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, Warm Springs, and Providence Canyon.
Have you been to Radium Springs? What’s your favorite part of this natural site? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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