The arrival of the European settlers impacted the people in a variety of ways. One of the most devastating effects was the exposure to foreign diseases such as smallpox.  The Indigenous people who populated this area suffered devastating losses due to these new illnesses. Traditional medicines and remedies proved ineffective against these new diseases. According to legend, some young men fell ill during one of their moves.

Fortunately, the camp was in the vicinity of what is now known as Little Manitou Lake. The men were too weak to travel, so a shelter was built for them to rest before continuing their journey.  It is said that the afflicted men were overcome with fever and thirst and crawled to the lakeshore where they slaked their thirst and immersed themselves in the cool water. Spent from their efforts, they remained on the beach overnight. By morning, the men had experienced some relief from their symptoms. They attributed the respite to the water and remained on site, consuming and immersing themselves in the liquid medicine.

Within days of their arrival at the lake, the young men regained their previous state of healthfulness and continued their band’s journey. Upon reuniting with their community, other members were astounded by the men’s seemingly miraculous return to health.

So was born and continues to this day, the legend of the “Healing Waters” of Little Manitou Lake. Medicine Men named the lake Manitou in reference to the Great Spirit, “Creator”, which is the First Nations equivalent to the Judaic-Christian-Islamic God. As the legend of the lake with healing powers spread via word of mouth, First Nations were followed by the settlers and then visitors from all parts of the world, traveling to the Lake of the Healing Waters to experience relief from a number of maladies.

The “Healing Waters” of Little Manitou Lake are akin to the old water-cure traditions of Europe. An entire repertoire of healing and therapeutic products and health care providers sprang up from the lake’s resources.

Hydrotherapists, balneotherapists, naturopathic doctors and medical herbalists attest to the healing power of the waters to this day. Come and experience the effects of these healing waters first-hand. Experience the Spirit of Manitou for yourself! Timeless, impactful, and right here.