On the north end of town Montesano Springs Park, a large amusement park owned by the Columbia Excursion Company, opened in 1880 and attracted visitors by the thousands. Arriving by steamboats such as Providence or the and by trains (a 21 mile ride from St. Louis), the people came to partake of the mineral waters from the fourteen springs within the park. In the park were a hotel and restaurant, a dance pavilion, a boating lake, a merry-go-round, a gallery, Herr Bismarck's Tent Show, and other attractions. Photographer, Leo Ritter, had a studio in the park. Many of his photographs and tintypes furnish reminders of the park activities. The last records show the park closed in 1918.

CREDITS: Excerpts: City of Kimmswick