Radium Springs Gardens is a beautiful, peaceful outdoor place that once thrived with the hustle and bustle of folks seeking simple pleasures in life. It is located off the beaten path in Albany, Georgia.
Radium Springs is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. Amazingly, this largest natural spring in Georgia, pump abouts 70,000 gallons of clear, 68-degree water per minute from an underground cave.
We visited Radium Springs on one of those golden fall days, perfect for a day trip. Our plan was simple: visit Radium Springs, then swing by the Chehaw Zoo, also in Albany. But the moment we arrived at Radium Springs, our plans changed. The place was so breathtakingly beautiful and serene that we couldn’t leave. So we lingered instead at the springs. We leisurely strolled the pathways, soaking in the scenery.
We watched the turtles playing in the water and one lone Egret fishing for his dinner. Most of the surface of the water was covered in green algae on the day of our visit. It caused us to wonder what it was like here when swimming was allowed before the flood of 1994.
This view of the springs is from the top step going into the shell that was once a majestic Casino. There was no gambling in the casino as it wasn’t legal in Georgia.
The Radium Springs Casino opened in 1927. Wouldn’t you love to hear the walls talk? I would. The prime life of the Casino was short-lived due to the depression. The luxury resort closed in 1939. However, the springs remained open for swimming and fishing until 1994. Tropical Storm Alberto came through Georgia.
I live just over an hour away from Albany, GA., where Radium Springs is. My own home was flooded by Tropical Storm Alberto’s wrath in 1994.
They placed a marker high up in a tree, at the entrance to the springs, to show how high the water rose in the flood of 1994. It doesn’t tell us how many feet deep it may have been, but from the perspective of that sign in the tree, it was a whole lot of water.
Another perspective on how deep the water was during the flood of 1994. In this photo above, notice the tree on the far top left. That is the tree with the sign showing how high the water got. We were standing on the island when I snapped this photo.
The 1994 flood caused damage that resulted in the springs being permanently closed to swimming. The Casino had to be demolished as well, which happened a few years later.
This view is from the far side of the springs. We are looking back across the Springs. The white walls through the trees are the remains of the Casino. It is a shell with only the outside walls remaining. However, there are white lights strung inside the walls, overhead. I imagine how beautiful it must be at night when lit up.
All the way around the Springs are areas for viewing. The original Stone walls frame walkways. These have stood the test of time and floods. In some places, there are ladders where it seems swimmers might have climbed into the crystal blue waters from these walkways and landings.
When you walk down the steps pictured above, you are on this landing area. It is rather long and wide. My husband is standing near the edge in the photo below. I imagine this is a place where people got into and out of the water when swimming was allowed.
The calm water and giant moss-covered trees create such a peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect fall day to appreciate the beauty all around. We lingered in this spot for quite a while. I enjoyed imagining the crowds of people who had the pleasure of enjoying a day here back when it first opened.
Gazebos are scattered in various places around the Springs. None of them still have a roof; only the ornate concrete frame and most columns are still standing. In the center, it appears there may have once been a fountain. Notice the concrete benches. These had to be such pleasant places to sit and visit with friends by the crystal blue springs.
These interpretive plaques are scattered at various locations throughout the property. The information is fascinating to nature lovers and history buffs. This one explains the ecological significance of how the Springs Run. The Springs run into the nearby Flint River.
Concrete picnic tables were thoughtfully placed under trees on the vast shady lawn. There are no garbage cans. I am not sure this is a good place to picnic today, but it would make a nice place to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
Notice off in the distance beyond the big sideways tree, there is a concrete banister. That is the landing I described above. You can see it is a good little walk across the lawn to the picnic area. This property is quite large, and every inch of it is beautiful.
This bridge is one of the beautiful scenic overlook sites on the property surrounding the Springs. I believe this is where the divers accessed the underground springs to explore.
This informational board shares photos taken under the water with divers exploring. The map on the bottom right shows how deep they were able to dive as well as the pathways of the underground springs.
Majestic trees with far reaching limbs draped in Moss provide beautiful scenery.
Walking trails allow you to meander through the woods and botanical gardens. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and bushes are all part of the botanical garden.
Radium Springs is a treasure trove of nature. Enjoy things growing above and below the surface of the Earth. Watch the turtles play in the water and the fish swim. We saw a family feeding the fish.
We took our time to watch this lone Egret marching ever so slowly through a shallow part of the murky water. He dipped his head beneath the surface from time to time, coming up successful as he was having his lunch.
Visitor Information
Radium Springs is currently open Tuesday through Sunday. Check their site for hours. Admission is free.
Radium Springs is located in Albany, GA. off the beaten path. It makes a great day trip if you live within a about a two hour drive.
If you are traveling on I-75, either North or South, it is a short distance. You will exit the interstate for a scenic drive past cotton fields and pecan orchards on the short drive to Albany, GA. I recommend a visit to Radium Springs to stretch your legs and take a break from riding in the car.
Read more about Radium Springs.
Our day trip to Radium Springs was wonderful. It was a pleasant drive to South Georgia. We had the pleasure of seeing white cotton fields ready to harvest, always a joy. Our leisurely stroll around the springs was relaxing and rejuvenating. We look forward to returning in the Spring of the year when all of the botanical gardens are burting forth and the grasses are green.
If you’re looking for a good place to have lunch in Albany, try Jimmie’s Hot Dogs. Read my review.
