Florida's mineral springs
Florida's springs are renowned for being clear and pure, but all spring water has some mineral content from the surrounding material it passes through to reach the surface. Florida's springs contain calcium and magnesium from limestone and sometimes salt from mixing with or passing through seawater or salt deposits. Not only is Florida the Sunshine State, but also it's a state filled with mineral springs. In every region of Florida there are an abundance of springs for you to benefit from and enjoy.
Warm Mineral Springs
Warm Mineral Springs in southwest Florida between Sarasota and Fort Myers is a true warm-water spring that is open to the public. It is thought to be the famed Fountain of Youth searched for by Ponce de Leon.
Warm Mineral Springs has the highest mineral content of any spring in the United States and the third highest of any spring in the world. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to drink, swim and soak in its healing waters. Nine million gallons of almost 90-degree mineral water daily is produced by this 230-foot deep spring, which forms a large lake. The warm water is infused with more than 51 minerals and a high salt and sulfur concentration.
Warm Mineral Springs is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an important archeological site that has yielded prehistoric remains more than 10,000 years old.
Warm Mineral Springs
12200 San Servando Ave.
North Port, FL 34287
941-246-1692
warmmineralsprings.com
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is located a little east of Ocala, in north-central Florida. It has been in use since the 1800s, producing more than 550 million gallons of fresh artesian water daily, one of the largest artesian springs in the world.
The beautiful, crystal-clear water of the springs inspired glass-bottom boat tours on the Silver River, which flows from the seven major formations of the springs. Silver Springs Nature Park's main attractions are the glass-bottom boat tours but also include wildlife exhibits, gardens and other activities for you.
Silver Springs Nature Park
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Silver Springs, FL 34488
352-236-2121
silversprings.com
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park in northern Florida is known for its winter manatee-watching, when the water mammals gravitate to the warmth of the spring waters.
This spring produces 100 million gallons of clear spring water daily, making it an attraction for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving as well as manatee-watching. Camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing and hiking are other park attractions.
Manatee Springs State Park
11650 NW 115th St.
Chiefland, FL 32626
352-493-6072
floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/default.cfm
Tags: Silver Springs, Warm Mineral, Warm Mineral Springs, Mineral Springs, Manatee Springs