Saratoga Spa State Park 

Established in 1909 to protect the waters from commercial exploitation, Saratoga Spa State Park became a renowned spa destination for bathing and drinking mineral water for health benefits. The park is known for its waters, classical architecture, and natural beauty. In 1935, extensive development championed by Franklin D. Roosevelt created the iconic architecture that the park is known for today, much of which was directly modeled after the great spas of Europe.

Today, Saratoga Spa State Park is one of New York’s top five most visited State Parks and a National Historical Landmark. The baths remain open, thanks to the robust operation of the Roosevelt Baths, a private partner of the park. Like its counterparts in Europe, Saratoga Spa State Park includes numerous cultural, recreational, and wellness opportunities for visitors including live performances at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, museums, golfing, yoga classes and numerous walking paths through shaded forest.

The European Historic Thermal Towns

The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) is the co-organizer of the event. A delegation of 30 European representatives is expected to honor Saratoga Springs’ Heritage and share European spa culture with Americans. Certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, EHTTA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Europe’s mineral thermal waters and spa towns’ heritage. It represents 50 thermal destinations in 18 European countries, Saratoga Spa State Park became an international partner of EHTTA two years ago. The delegation visiting Saratoga Springs for the event includes European officials, mayors, and tourism leaders from more than 11 countries, including Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and France.