Saturday, April 1, 2023

Florida's Hottest Natural Springs

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.

Florida's Hottest Natural Springs

Florida may be known for its stunning white sand beaches and thrilling amusement parks, but the state also boasts some of America's most...