Mineral Springs Park is a world famous mineral springs named after Chickasaw Chief Iuka. Its water won the 1902 World’s Fair prize for best mineral water. Playground, pavilion, historic dogtrot log cabin, picnic area, walking track, skateboard facility, tennis courts, veteran’s memorial, and meeting facility are all available. It is located on East Quitman Street at Indian Springs Drive, Iuka, Mississippi.

Mineral Springs Park was donated to the town of Iuka by David  Hubbard in the early 1840’s.  The mineral waters flowing from the ground became the center of tourism during the late 19th century..  The railroad brought  visitors by the trainload to take advantage of the curative power of the  award-winning mineral water and the peaceful beauty of the park, which is much  the same today as it was then.  The springhouses have been maintained and  recently a bandstand was reconstructed similar to the original. There were originally six flowing springs in the park.  The water was once sold to people all over the world.  The Mineral Springs Hotel and the Leatherwood Hotel housed people from all over the world who came to drink the healing waters. (courtesy of Scenic Trace)

Since I arrived in the US, the weather has been very cold. But I remember that day , the sun finally came out. But even if it was so bright, the cold breeze of the air still sent shivers to my spine. I walked through the park while John parked our truck. I noticed the big elm trees.  It reminded me of the movie, nightmare on elm street. lol  So this is where the street name came from, I thought. From the Elm Trees, that is.. hehe

Huge Elm Tree. They’re scattered all over the park.

The place was so peaceful and quiet, it’s perfect for relaxation. Autumn just started  and some trees have already changed their colors. The park is just within downtown Iuka. It’s surrounded by many houses and office buildings. But like I said, there was no noise. At all. I’ve never heard, not even once, the sound of a horn blowing as the cars drove by.  It’s just so different from where I came from.

Colorful Trees… 🙂

One of the houses nearby. I love its color. 🙂

John laughed when I told him my observation. He said ,  now you understand… I replied, yeah.. And we both laughed.

He showed me where the famous mineral water is. The water supposedly has healing powers. That’s why, in the past,  people from all over the world visited the place.

The mineral water, just flowing freely on the ground.

John, trying to explain the park’s history to me. 🙂

A pose in one of the Gazebos. 🙂

The Historic Log Cabin.

The train which people used in visiting the park before. It’s being used as a cargo train, as of the moment. 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com