The legend of the healing waters goes back as far as 1880. It is said to have cured skin and glandular disease, scrofula just by drinking and bathing in the waters of the springs! Back then, the word spread quickly and people flocked to Excelsior Springs looking for the cure of rheumatism, eye infections, fevers, gout, diabetes, stomach and intestinal trouble, laxatives, anemia, to open sores. During the period between 1880 and 1888 wells were drilled and other springs were found in the area. Each well and spring was found to contain slightly different mineral composition. Some of the resources in the waters were so rare that they were only found in Europe. This making the area the only place in the U.S. to provide the public with the Waters. Not only were the folks drinking the waters, but they were bathing in the waters so the healing could be absorbed through the skin! In the 1900's bath houses and clinics were built to accommodate the flocking of visitors.

Many famous people have visited the area to enjoy the mineral waters and baths, President Truman, and even Al Capone. Over the years, people lost interest in the "natural" cures and the unique bathhouses and springs closed. But a lot of the spring sites, historic hotels and Bathhouses are still erected to bring back the memories. You can still taste and buy the waters from Mary's 'Tiques & Treasures, The Gift Gallery, other city merchants and the Water Bar. It is still bottled!! Yes... and sold in Excelsior Springs. There are places in the Olde Towne district, where you can still enjoy the Mineral Baths!A lot of the businesses have been built over the Olympic size pools and different underground walkways that existed back in the old days! As you visit the businesses on the Walking Tour, ask the merchants about the fascinating history that goes with their building or area.