Berkley Springs State Park, West Virginia, a place where natural springs are used for mineral baths and therapies

Berkeley Springs State Park is located at 2 S. Washington St, Berkeley Springs. The park is in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and the park is around 7 acres in size. The park is known for the medicinal or restorative powers of the waters such as reliving stress by bathing in the waters or by taking internally for digestive issues. The park has been used as a health resort since the 1750's and is operated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Berkeley Springs has always been a natural health area with the Indians from Canada visiting the springs on their travels. George Washington was a frequent visitor to the springs from the young age of 16. in 1766 the land was put up for sale, those who made purchases on the land included George Washington along with three singers of the Declaration of Independence and five Revolutionary generals, this making the springs well established as a health resort.

The inventor of the first steamboat, James Rumsey, was contracted in the late 1770's to build five bathhouses on the site to establish the springs resort facilities for visitors to come and enjoy what the natural springs have to offer. The first building was completed in 1784 with five bathing rooms and changing rooms.

The water from the springs flows at a constant temperature of 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit and flows in from five main sources and many minor sources all within a hundred mile radius, at over 2,000 gallons per minute. Throughout the park educational plaques are in place that explains the history of the springs, how they were discovered, what health benefits the water has and how the springs were used by the Indians.

The spa at the state park is opened daily from 10am to 6pm with the last appointment time being 4.30pm to ensure a treatment is finished before the closing time. Facilities at the spa are the Roman Baths that has 750 gallons of mineral water in a ceramic tile, walk in private tub. The Relaxing Bath, a 6 1/2 foot Victorian style footed bath with the water being heated to a maximum 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Other treatments available to visitors of the springs are Swedish Massages, a Heat Cabinet where the whole body, minus the head, is covered with 124 degrees Fahrenheit steam and showers or powder for when treatments are completed.

Located on the second floor of the bathhouse is the Museum of Berkley Springs that exhibits historical items relating to the natural and cultural history of the town of Berkley and the springs. The museum is opened on weekend from March through to December and no admission fee is charged.

The small mountain town of Berkeley Springs is a friendly relaxed town. The warm springs run along the west wall of the town centre, there are antique malls and souvenir shops to visit, or visit the library that is full of history related to the springs.