Visit Maine's Poland Spring, Famous for Its Water for 150 Years

For over 200 years, visitors have stayed at an inn in the western Maine town of Poland, high on a hill overlooking a series of ponds. For over 150 years, the water from a spring on the inn property - the Poland Spring - has been a popular thirst-quencher.

Today, the Poland Spring Water is the top-selling brand in America, the company is a division of the international food giant Nestle Corporation, and the water actually comes from a number of sources around the state of Maine. But vacationers can still visit the site of the original inn where Hiram Ricker first sold his water.

As the story goes, Ricker suffered from dyspepsia until 1844 when he went out to oversee workers for the farm that supplied food for the family inn. After a few days of drinking nothing but water from the spring, he was cured of his stomach ailments.

Over the years, word of the reported healing powers of Poland Spring water spread, and by the late 1800s, the Poland Spring House resort included a 350-room hotel and one of America's earliest golf courses. The massive summer hotel was one of the most popular destinations in the northeast. The main hotel operated until the 1960s, then fell into disrepair, and burnt in a spectacular fire in the 1970s.

Modern day visitors to Poland Spring can still see the original Poland Spring in a small building known simply as The Source. Alongside stands the original water bottling plant, now a museum highlighting the history of the water that was renowned across the country. Memorabilia is on display, and exhibits tell the story of the water and its history in this area of Maine.

Also open to the public is the Maine State Building, constructed for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Originally intended to remain in Chicago, it was purchased by the Ricker family, returned to the state in 16 train cars, and re-assembled at the resort.

The building was designed by a Maine architect and constructed entirely of material from the state. While on display at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which celebrated the 400^th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to the New World, it held educational displays about the state. It is one of just two buildings from that World's Fair still standing.

The third floor of the Maine State Building has housed an art gallery since it was rebuilt after being moved to the site. Works by many famous artists have hung in the circular gallery over the years. Now, the Nettie Ricker Art Gallery, as it has been named, hosts exhibits by local and regional artists.

Also open to the public is the historic All Souls Chapel, which has served guests and local residents for almost 100 years, and has been the picturesque site of countless weddings for generations.

The Poland Spring Preservation Park is on Route 122 in Poland, Maine, and is open from may through October. The museum and original source are open every day. The Maine State Building and All Soul's Chapel are open Tuesdays through Saturdays.