Florida may be known for its stunning white sand beaches and thrilling amusement parks, but the state also boasts some of America's most stunning natural springs.
Geologists still don't fully understand how hot springs
function, but they do believe they are heated by Earth's core. While not
volcanic in origin, these geothermally heated water sources offer welcome
respite on hot summer days.
Warm Mineral Spring
Florida boasts some of the world's most breathtaking
springs, many of which remain at 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. But
for those seeking a hotter experience, one spring in particular reaches 97
degrees and discharges geothermally heated water from 200 feet beneath Earth.
Scientists, scuba divers and surface fishermen flock to this
muddy underwater cave to observe how its warm temperature and high nutrients
support vibrant marine life. Loggerhead sea turtles use it as a vital grazing
and feeding ground as well.
Warm Mineral Spring is the only publicly accessible hot
spring in Florida and a natural underground geological wonder that's been
enjoyed for centuries by locals. Its water boasts some of the highest mineral
concentrations worldwide, making it ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Little Salt Spring
Florida's hottest natural spring is Little Salt Spring, a
unique sinkhole filled with geothermally warmed water from deep beneath Earth
that has preserved delicate artifacts and ice age human remains in perfect
condition for thousands of years.
Sarasota County's ancient oasis is one of Florida's most
significant archaeological sites. It has produced more artifacts that provide
insight into Florida's early history than any other location in the state.
Water that is anoxic, or without oxygen, allows ancient
artifacts to remain remarkably well preserved. These include brain matter,
scalp and hair from people who lived at least 5,200-6,800 years ago.
Despite its immense significance, this archeological site
has largely been ignored. An archaeologist named Carl Clausen conducted
research in the 1950s and 1960s on the area; however, his work was poorly
documented and artifacts were lost or carelessly preserved, leaving us with
little insight into life for Florida's first residents.
Mud Hole Spring
Mud Hole Spring may not be as well known as Green Banana,
but it's an intriguing spring that discharges geothermally warmed water from
the sea floor. Situated 11 miles offshore of Fort Myers, Florida, Mud Hole gets
its name due to the discolored plume of warm water it expel.
Water entering the hot spring vent cools to an average
temperature of 72 degrees, due to mixing with cool water from Florida's
aquifer. Furthermore, this water is abundant with minerals - particularly
calcium - making it suitable for drinking throughout the year.
At the end of the last ice age, acidic groundwater
disintegrated limestone rock and formed an extensive underground cavern. After
millions of years, its roof collapsed into a huge hole in the ground - this
hole still exists today at its base.
Silver Springs
Florida's hot springs offer a refreshing and invigorating
way to cool off during hot summers. Many are open year-round, maintaining
temperatures between 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Silver Springs is one of Florida's best natural springs to
visit. Unlike other springs that offer swimming and snorkeling, this one
provides an adventure like none other - its famous glass bottom boat tours!
The main spring is surrounded by picturesque gardens and
historic structures that harken back to the days when these springs were a
major destination for Northerners arriving by steamboat. Nowadays, this
4,000-acre park features world-famous glass-bottom boats as well as plenty of
other activities suitable for visitors of all ages.
