Hamilton Lake's Cold Springs evolved from a 1870 farm purchase by Simpson Watkins. By 1885, Watkins Grove hosted picnics, leading to a hotel (1898), dance hall, and early 1900s recreation. Cold Springs Cottage Park, platted in 1896, grew significantly, with a unique leasing system. Sundays featured bands and speakers. Visitors arrived by train. A larger hotel opened in 1914, and the dance hall became a central draw with live music. A beach area developed later. The hotel prospered through the 20th century, adding a bar and modernizing. An 18-hole golf course was built. Dancing remained popular with big bands, later transitioning to rock. Today, Cold Springs offers a hotel, dining, bar, beach, golf, cottages, and retro dances, still family-run after five generations.