From Mineral Springs to Wellness Trends: What Waukesha's History Can Teach Us About Health Today
By Cole Uhlenbrauck, Marketing Intern at Network Health
Medically reviewed by Chrissy Boe, Sr Community Wellness Coordinator
8/11/2026
Long before modern medicine, antibiotics, and wellness retreats, people across the United States sought healing through nature. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mineral springs became popular health destinations. Rich in naturally occurring minerals, these springs were believed to treat ailments ranging from indigestion and kidney disease to diabetes and Bright's disease, making them a cornerstone of early wellness tourism.
Few places embraced this movement more than Waukesha, Wisconsin. Between 1868 and 1914, the city earned the nickname "The Saratoga of the West," drawing wealthy Midwestern travelers who came to bathe in and drink its mineral-rich waters. At its peak, Waukesha welcomed thousands of visitors each year and became one of the Midwest's leading vacation destinations.
Exploring the Natural Springs That Shaped Waukesha’s Early Identity
The area's success was fueled by its abundance of natural springs. More than 50 mineral springs were located throughout Waukesha County, attracting visitors from nearby cities who could easily arrive by train. As tourism expanded, hotels, parks, bathhouses and entertainment venues were built to serve the growing number of guests.
The spring parks offered much more than access to mineral water. Visitors could enjoy bathhouses, theaters, casinos, reading rooms and clubhouses, all surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pavilions. Weekly orchestral concerts added to the appeal, creating a destination that blends health, relaxation and entertainment.
Among the most celebrated attractions was Silurian Springs Park, one of the largest mineral spring parks in the nation and second only to Bethesda Springs Park in prominence. The park attracted notable visitors, including Mary Todd Lincoln, who came to Waukesha seeking healing and rest after President Abraham Lincoln's death. At the height of the mineral spring era, trainloads of visitors arrived daily to experience the waters that made the city famous.
Under the park gazebos, young attendants known as "dipper boys" served fresh mineral water to guests. The Silurian Springs Company also bottled and shipped water across the country, allowing people to enjoy Waukesha's renowned springs without traveling to Wisconsin.
The End of an Era
By the early 20th century, the popularity of Waukesha's mineral springs began to fade. Advances in medical research challenged the belief that mineral water could cure serious diseases, and new treatments offered more effective solutions for many illnesses. At the same time, improvements in transportation gave travelers more vacation options beyond resort towns connected by rail.
The springs also became victims of their own success. As bottled mineral water became widely available in stores, people no longer needed to travel to Waukesha to experience its famous waters. Gradually, the parks closed to the public, although the bottling plants continued operating for several decades, producing mineral water and popular soft drinks such as ginger ale and cherry phosphate.
Today, most of Waukesha's original mineral springs no longer exist. Yet their legacy remains an important chapter in Wisconsin history, reflecting a time when the pursuit of health turned a small Midwestern city into one of America's most celebrated wellness destinations.
What Can Modern Wellness Retreats Do for You?
Wellness destinations aren't restricted to history, though. While Waukesha may no longer be seen as a destination for wellness nationwide, wellness retreats do exist, including in Wisconsin.
Unfortunately, many retreats inadvertently claim to be wellness retreats despite being more aptly described as well-being retreats. Embracing well-being is perfectly fine. Taking the time to unwind and enhance your overall life satisfaction can significantly benefit your emotional and mental state. Reducing stress can even have health impacts that include better sleep, a lower risk of high blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease.
Regardless of how well-intentioned a retreat may be or how effective it is at reducing stress, many of these retreats offer only short-term relief for long-term problems. For example, one may attend a week-long retreat and notice that they sleep much better in the low-stress environment. After the retreat, however, their sleep troubles are likely to return if no changes are made from a medical or lifestyle perspective that would impact their long-term health.
That said, these retreats may affect your long-term wellness by introducing new ways to eat healthy and exercise. A retreat might introduce you to yoga or healthy cooking. Even spa retreats could introduce effective ways for you to relax and rid yourself of stress. The retreat alone won’t be enough for any long-term impact, but if you take what you’ve learned and apply it to your life outside the retreat, you may feel significant improvements.
What You Shouldn’t Expect Wellness Retreats To Do for You
While many wellness retreats are forthright about their advantages, some might make claims that are not medically accurate. Therefore, it’s important to watch out for the following red flags when looking to book a wellness retreat visit.
- Claims to cure chronic illnesses
- Performs medical treatments without medically qualified staff
- Implements dietary restrictions without oversight by a licensed dietician or physician
- Appears dismissive of modern science
- Offers “miracle” treatments not found in health care facilities
- Attempts to exploit mental health or physical vulnerabilities
- Relies on charisma rather than clinical expertise of trained medical professionals to substantiate claims
From Mineral Springs to Modern Wellness Trends
The popularity of Waukesha's mineral springs reflects a trend that continues today: the search for simple solutions to complex health concerns. While people once sought cures in mineral water, modern wellness trends such as mouth taping, blue light glasses, hydration packets, waist trainers and red-light therapy often make similar promises. While some may offer benefits, it's important to distinguish between general wellness practices and treatments proven to manage or cure medical conditions.
Modern health technologies can also support wellness by increasing awareness and encouraging healthy habits. Tools such as blood pressure monitors, continuous glucose monitors, smartwatches and fitness trackers can provide valuable insights, but they work best when used alongside healthy lifestyle choices, preventive care and professional medical guidance.
Why Wellness Trends Gain Popularity
Many wellness trends become popular long before strong scientific evidence is available. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Hope and optimism: People naturally seek quick and convenient solutions to health challenges, especially when lasting lifestyle changes can be difficult to make.
- Personal testimonials: Individual success stories often feel more convincing than clinical research, even when the experience may not apply broadly.
- Scientific research takes time: High-quality studies require years of testing and validation, while trends can spread almost instantly.
- Marketing and social influence: Social media allows wellness recommendations, product endorsements and personal experiences to reach millions of people in a matter of hours.
Social media personalities and celebrities can have a particularly strong influence on health decisions. This influence can be helpful when credible experts share evidence-based information, but it can also be problematic when recommendations are not supported by research or when financial relationships are not clearly disclosed. Examples include celebrity partnerships with wellness brands, mental health platforms, supplements, fitness programs and weight management products.
Some examples include:
- Serena Williams, who has partnered with Ro as a paid brand ambassador, publicly disclosing her own GLP-1 use for weight loss as part of the campaign. Her husband is also a Ro investor.
- Bella Hadid is a co-owner of Kin Euphorics, an adaptogenic, NA beverage brand.
- Ariana Grande has partnered with Better Help for mental health therapy access.
- Gwenyth Paltrow founded Goop, which sells supplements, detox products and other wellness offerings.
The Risks of Following Trends Alone
Many wellness trends are relatively low risk and can provide motivation for positive behavior change. However, not all are supported by established clinical guidelines. For example, certain products or fitness trends may offer modest benefits but are often marketed as more effective than they actually are.
The greater concern is when wellness trends delay appropriate medical care or create a false sense of security. Potential risks include:
- Delayed diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or nutrient deficiencies.
- Ignoring symptoms that require medical evaluation.
- Spending money on ineffective products rather than proven health strategies.
- Missing recommended preventive screenings and healthcare visits.
- Developing an inaccurate perception of one's overall health status.
Wellness Technology: Benefits and Challenges
Wearable devices and health apps have made personal health information more accessible than ever before. However, there can be downsides relying too heavily on data and self-tracking.
Potential challenges include:
- Information overload: Constant monitoring of sleep, heart rate, steps and calories can become overwhelming.
- Increased anxiety: Some individuals feel stressed when they do not meet device-generated goals, even when they are otherwise healthy.
- Loss of intuition: People may begin trusting technology more than their body's natural signals such as fatigue, hunger or the need for rest.
- False reassurance: Devices and apps can be valuable tools, but they should not replace professional healthcare advice or personal judgment.
The Enduring Value of Rest and Connection
One reason Waukesha's mineral springs became so popular was not just because of the water itself. People came to the springs looking for a break from daily life, a chance to relax, spend time with others and enjoy recreational activities. Today, research continues to show that strong social connections, stress relief, recreation and quality rest all play an important role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Although people no longer gather at mineral spring parks the way they did in the past, they still look for ways to improve their wellness and recharge. Many people find restoration through activities such as hiking, kayaking, walking in parks, sitting outdoors and listening to nature, or participating in community events like pickleball, trivia nights, quilting groups and faith-based gatherings.
The story of Waukesha's mineral springs reminds us that wellness has always been about more than a single treatment or health trend. True well-being comes from a balance of healthy habits, meaningful relationships, rest and community connections that support long-term health.
Sources
Ear Candling Dangers: Risks and Health Concerns You Should Know
Waist Trainers: What You Should Know
Popular TikTok Trends to Avoid: The Dangers of Viral Wellness | American Lung Association
MSU study finds that drinking mineralized water might provide health benefits
