Abita Spring, LA 70420

## Overview Abita Spring is a historic artesian spring located in the charming town of Abita Springs, Louisiana, in St. Tammany Parish on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. For centuries, this natural spring has been at the heart of the community — long before the town itself existed. The site was originally home to a Choctaw Nation village, and the indigenous people were well aware of the spring's waters, which they believed possessed powerful healing properties. The Choctaw used the spring as a gathering place and a source of medicinal water for generations. One of the most enduring legends of Abita Spring tells the story of Henriques, a young Spaniard living in Louisiana in the late 1790s. While hunting along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Henriques encountered a Choctaw woman and eventually married her, becoming accepted into the tribe. After the couple returned to New Orleans, Henriques noticed his wife's gradual decline — she grew pale and weak, and he soon realized she was gravely ill. With no local doctor able to help, Henriques turned to the only healer he trusted: the Choctaw medicine man. The young woman was carried to the spring and left to rest in a hammock with only food and the spring water to sustain her. When Henriques returned, he was amazed to find his wife restored to full health. The legend cemented the spring's reputation as a place of healing. By the 19th century, Abita Springs had become a popular resort destination, drawing visitors from New Orleans who crossed Lake Pontchartrain by steamboat to "take the waters." The town's identity grew directly from the spring, and its waters have historically been reported to have beneficial mineral properties. The spring remains a beloved public landmark today, situated near the Abita Springs Trailhead, Park, Museum, and Pavilion — making it an easy and rewarding stop for visitors. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 12, take **Exit 65** toward Abita Springs / LA-59 North. 2. Head north on **LA-59 (LA Highway 59)** for approximately 2 miles into the town of Abita Springs. 3. Turn left (west) onto **Leveson Street**. 4. The spring is located along Leveson Street near the Abita Springs Trailhead and Pavilion. Look for the park area and the historic spring site on your left. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 30.476233, -90.038894. The nearest address is **71617 Leveson Street, Abita Springs, LA 70420**. Parking is available near the trailhead and pavilion area. ## What to Expect Abita Spring is an artesian spring, meaning the water flows naturally to the surface under its own pressure. The spring is set within a pleasant park-like area in the heart of the small town of Abita Springs. Visitors will find the spring near the Abita Springs Trailhead, which connects to the Tammany Trace — a popular 31-mile paved trail for walking, cycling, and rollerblading that runs along a converted railroad corridor. The surrounding area includes a pavilion, a small museum (the UCM Museum / Abita Mystery House is a quirky local attraction nearby), and green space ideal for a relaxing visit. The spring itself is publicly accessible and has historically been used as a drinking water source by both the Choctaw and later European settlers, though visitors should be aware that water quality can vary and no guarantees of potability can be made. The town of Abita Springs is also home to the well-known Abita Brewing Company, and the area has a laid-back, artistic character with local shops and restaurants worth exploring. The spring flows year-round, and the site is pleasant to visit in any season, though Louisiana's subtropical climate means summers can be hot and humid. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions.