Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa is a village in Saratoga County. The Village of Ballston Spa lies on the border of two towns and is partly in the Town of Ballston and partly in the Town of Milton. The village is southwest of Saratoga Springs. The village was first settled in 1771 and was incorporated as a village in 1807. Ballston Spa was famous due its mineral water springs (the Hawthorne and Lithia Springs) used for healing and for the San Souci Hotel. In the early 19th century San Souci Hotel was the largest hotel in the United States and one of the largest hotels in the world. The effervescent water, tonic, and cathartic from this city is also known as Ballston Spa. The liquid contains common salt and carbonates of magnesium and calcium.

Ballston Spa is famous for being the birthplace of Abner Doubleday, who is credited for creating the game of baseball. It is also the home of the National Bottle Museum as well as the basis for a fictional town “Bath” in the book “Nobody’s Fool”.

Rich in history and moving briskly forward to the future, Ballston Spa offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a native to the village, a new resident or a visitor, you can appreciate the true beauty of the town that is lines with Victorian homes. Ballston Spa has also been active in expanding its historical district. You can also take a step back in history by visiting the Old Iron Spring, which will lead you down a path to the Kayaderosseras Creek.

Ballston Spa also has a main strip of old-style corner shops where you can find everything from wedding dresses, attire for Saratoga Raceway, to local tattoo artists. It also has one of the area’s more popular mini golf facilities. A great stop on your way to or from Saratoga!

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