The Original Springs Hotel, Okawville, Illinois

## Overview The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville, Illinois, is a historic hotel built directly over a mineral spring discovered in 1867. The spring's mineral composition has long been compared to the famous Karlsbad (Carlsbad) Springs in the Czech Republic (formerly in the Austro-Hungarian Empire), which have been celebrated for centuries for their therapeutic mineral waters. This connection to European spa tradition made the Okawville spring a notable destination in the region, and the hotel has operated as a mineral springs resort for well over a century. The mineral-rich water drawn from beneath the hotel has historically been used for bathing and drinking, and visitors have reported that the water has a distinctly strong mineral taste — characteristic of high-sulfur or high-mineral-content springs. The hotel continues to offer access to the spring water as part of its amenities. The Original Springs Hotel offers suites with full kitchens, which can be convenient for visitors who prefer to prepare their own meals during their stay. The hotel can be reached at **(618) 243-5458** for current hours, spring access details, and reservations. ## Directions 1. From **St. Louis, Missouri**, head east on I-64 E / US-40 E toward Okawville. The drive is approximately **40 miles**. 2. Take the exit toward **IL-177 / Okawville** and follow signs into town. 3. Head to **401 Hanover Street, Okawville, IL 62271**. The hotel is located along North Hanover Street in the center of town — look for the historic hotel building near **506 N. Hanover Street** as a nearby landmark. 4. Parking is available at the hotel. *For the most current driving directions, use GPS coordinates **38.433731, -89.548622** or search for "The Original Springs Hotel, Okawville, IL" in your navigation app.* ## What to Expect The Original Springs Hotel is a full-service hotel and mineral springs destination, so access to the spring is tied to the hotel's operations. Visitors should call ahead at **(618) 243-5458** to confirm spring access hours and any policies for non-hotel guests. The spring water is heavily mineralized, and visitors have noted its very strong mineral flavor — a hallmark of sulfur-rich or high-TDS (total dissolved solids) springs. Historically, the water has been compared in composition to the renowned Carlsbad Springs of Europe, suggesting elevated levels of sulfates, bicarbonates, and other dissolved minerals. The water has historically been consumed and used for bathing, though as with any natural spring, visitors should use their own discretion. Okawville is a small, quiet town in Washington County, Illinois, with a strong German-American heritage — which may explain the early comparisons to Carlsbad. The hotel itself is a piece of regional history and offers a unique experience for anyone interested in natural mineral springs, historic American spa culture, or a relaxing getaway close to St. Louis.