Vermont Healing Springs - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Shaftsbury, VT (2026)
Lake Shaftsbury State Park preserves the historic Vermont Healing Springs meadow with interpretive signs, boardwalk overlooks, and a family-friendly swim beach.
Vermont Healing Springs at Lake Shaftsbury State Park preserves the historic 19th-century mineral spring meadow that briefly made Shaftsbury, Vermont a regional spa-resort destination — a small set of cool 70-72°F mineral seeps that historically served the Eagle Springs Hotel until its 1900s decline. Today the site is a state park interpretive area with a short Healing Springs Nature Trail, boardwalk overlooks of the historic spring beds, and a family-friendly summer swim beach on Lake Shaftsbury. The actual hot soaking is gone; the historical interpretation and the lake swim are the experience.
What to expect
Drive into Lake Shaftsbury State Park (off Route 7A in Bennington County). $4 day-use fee. Walk the half-mile Healing Springs Nature Trail past interpretive signs and boardwalk overlooks of the historic spring beds. The lake swim beach is staffed with lifeguards Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnic tables and a small concession. The park itself is the destination; the springs are a historical curiosity, not a soak.
Temperature
70°-72°F
Pools
1 soaking pools
Best season
Summer only
Reservations
Walk-up friendly
Dog policy
Leashed dogs welcome
Family policy
Family windows available
Safety notes
- Swimming beach closes after Labor Day and whenever lifeguards are unavailable.
- Soaking tubs no longer operate—treat the springs as a cultural stop, not a hot pool.
Amenities & etiquette
FAQ
Plan more in Vermont
Want a full itinerary? Start with the state hub, then browse the best-of and free-soaking guides tailored for each season.