Visit the oldest park in Georgia Published Aug. 14, 2015 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- As the oldest state park in Georgia and arguably the oldest in the U.S., Indian Springs State Park has a lot to live up to. For centuries, Creek Indians who lived in the area used the springs for medicinal purposes. By 1820, people converged on the area wanting to drink and bathe in the mineral springs. An illegal treaty, called the Treaty of Indian Springs, was signed by Chief William McIntosh who was later murdered for signing the document. In 1828, a valid treaty was signed called the Indian Springs Reserve. Since 1825, the park has been open to the public. "Many structures within the park, such as the spring house, were built during the Great Depression by members of Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps," according to the park's brochure. The water at Indian Springs can be collected for drinking at the Spring House. People can be seen all day filling up jugs from the springs. The water contains parts of Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Arsenic, Carbon Dioxide and Sulphureted Hydrogen. The sulphur makes the water smell of rotten eggs, but it is safe to drink. The park also has rental cottages, campsites, a nature trail, a 105-acre lake, and a miniature hole golf course. Pedal Boats, kayaks and fishing boats can be rented. The museum is open the first Saturday of every month and tells the history of the Creek Indians who lived in the area as well as about the springs itself and how the water is formed. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A parking fee is required at all state parks. For more information, visit www.GaStateParks.org. What to know Indian Springs State Park is located at 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, Ga. 770-504-2277. Check out the video story on the Robins Facebook page or on the official Robins website at www.robins.af.mil.