Name: Iowa Files: Colfax; The Spring City
Start: 2026-04-12T15:00:00-05:00
Location: West Des Moines Public Library

Colfax, Iowa, was once renowned for its mineral springs and the mineral water industry that flourished there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discovered in 1875 during the search for coal, the mineral water was believed to have medicinal properties and attracted visitors seeking its purported health benefits. This led to the development of hotels, bottling companies, and a thriving tourism industry, earning Colfax the nickname "Spring City" and comparisons to famous spa resorts.
Kevin Williams, President of the Colfax Historical Society, will share the stories of this amazing enterprise that bought thousands of visitors who would flock to Colfax to ‘drink the cure’, bathe, and relax.