Nestled just outside of Albany, Georgia, Radium Springs is one of the state’s Seven Natural Wonders—a title it wears with quiet grace and undeniable beauty. Known for its once crystal-clear, turquoise waters and rich natural history, Radium Springs offers visitors a peaceful glimpse into Georgia’s ecological and cultural heritage.
A Natural Marvel
Radium Springs is the largest natural spring in Georgia, pumping approximately 70,000 gallons of water per minute from an underground cavern into the Flint River. Surprisingly, the water remains a constant 68 degrees year-round.
Its name comes from the trace amounts of radium discovered in the spring water in the early 1900s—a finding that once made it a popular destination for those seeking the “healing properties” of mineral-rich waters. While the radium levels are too low to pose any danger today, the name and the mystique remain.
A Sacred Site for the Creek Nation
Long before it became a resort destination or public garden, Radium Springs was a sacred site for the Creek Indians, who inhabited the region for centuries. The Creek people, part of the larger Muscogee (Creek) Nation, regarded natural springs as places of spiritual power and healing. The life-giving waters of the springs were essential not only for survival, but also held ceremonial and medicinal significance.
The area around Radium Springs was part of a thriving Creek territory along the Flint River, where they established villages, farmed the fertile land, and engaged in trade. The springs were likely used in purification rituals and as a gathering place, reflecting the deep connection between the Creek people and the natural world.
This spiritual and cultural legacy is an important, though often overlooked, chapter in the story of Radium Springs—and one that deserves to be remembered and respected as part of Georgia’s broader Indigenous history.
From Sacred Waters to Southern Luxury
The modern development of Radium Springs as a resort began in 1925, when wealthy entrepreneur Barron G. Collier purchased the property. Collier—already well-known for his land developments in Florida (Collier County is named after him)—was captivated by the recent discovery of radium in the water and saw an opportunity to create a world-class destination.
Collier invested nearly $1 million, an enormous sum at the time, to transform the natural springs into a luxurious resort. His ambitious vision included:
- The construction of the Radium Springs Casino in 1927
- A grand hotel, known as Skywater, possibly named after a Creek word
- Elegant bathhouses and cottages
- A premier golf course
- Scenic riding and walking trails around the gardens and spring
Guests from around the Southeast and beyond traveled by train to experience the “healing waters” and high-society amenities. For a time, Radium Springs rivaled the great spa towns of the era.
A Short-Lived Legacy
Despite its early success, the resort couldn’t survive the economic downturn of the Great Depression. The casino closed in 1939, just 12 years after its grand opening. While parts of the property—like the swimming pool and golf course—continued to operate for several decades, the heart of the resort faded.
Worse yet, the area was plagued by natural disasters. Catastrophic flooding in 1994 and 1998 caused extensive damage to what remained of the historic structures. By 2003, the original casino building was deemed unsafe and was demolished.
Today, only the stone foundations and remnants of its past grandeur remain—but they add a haunting beauty to the landscape and preserve the memory of a once-famous Southern destination.
What You Can See and Do Today
Today, Radium Springs Gardens is a peaceful public park that preserves the beauty and history of this iconic site. Visitors can enjoy:
- Beautifully landscaped gardens
- Stone walkways with views of the spring pool
- Historic ruins of the casino and resort