Indian Springs State Park

{{short description|State park in Georgia, United States}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Indian Springs State Park

| photo = Indian Springs State Park.jpg

| photo_width =

| photo_caption = Indian Springs State Park, January 2015

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| location = Butts County, Georgia, USA

| nearest_city = Jackson, Georgia

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| area = {{convert|528|acre|km2 sqmi|2|lk=off}}

| established = 1826 (officially in 1931)

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| governing_body = Georgia State Park

| website = {{Official website|http://gastateparks.org/info/indspr/}}

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Indian Springs State Park is a {{convert|528|acre|km2|adj=on}} Georgia state park located near Jackson and Flovilla. The park is named for its several springs, which the Creek Indians used for centuries to heal the sick. The water from these springs is said to have a sulfur smell and taste. Indian Springs is thought to be the oldest state park in the nation.{{cite web| url=http://gastateparks.org/info/indspr/| title=Indian Springs State Park| author=Georgia Department of Natural Resources| access-date=July 27, 2006| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323052237/http://www.gastateparks.org/info/indspr/| archive-date=March 23, 2009| url-status=dead}} It was acquired from the Creek Indians by the state through the Treaty of Indian Springs (1825) and the Treaty of Washington (1826). Thereafter, Indian Springs has been operated continuously by the state as a public park, although it did not gain the title "State Park" until 1931. The area became a resort town in the 19th century. It became an official "State Forest Park" in 1927. In 1931, along with Vogel State Park, it became a founding unit of Georgia's state park system.

Visitors are still allowed to sample the park's spring water, all the while enjoying swimming, fishing, and boating. Several structures within the park were built during the Great Depression by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park also contains a {{convert|105|acre|km2|adj=on}} lake consistently stocked with fish, as well as a {{convert|3/4|mi|km}} nature trail. A {{convert|3.25|mi|km}} trail connects the park to Dauset Trails.

The park features a small museum that is open seasonally. Exhibits include the park's natural history, the resort era, activities of the CCC, and the history and culture of the Creek Indians.