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BIG SPRING

The Ozarks region is known for its many springs and waterfalls, and you’ll encounter them frequently as you explore the natural areas around West Plains. This scenery is the backdrop for quiet rest as well as outdoor recreation.

Springs and Falls Missouri
Big Spring Missouri

Big Spring (CURRENT RIVER)
36.9490813,-90.9899613

  • America’s biggest spring
  • Largest spring in Missouri
  • 286 million gallons of water per day
  • One of Missouri’s first state parks

Big Spring was established as a state park in Missouri in 1924 and was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression era of the 1930s. The people of Missouri donated it, Alley Spring, and Round Spring to the National Park Service to become a part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1969.

Big Spring ranks up there with Idaho’s Snake River Spring Complex and Florida’s Silver Spring as the biggest spring in America. With an average daily flow of 286 million gallons of water, the water from Big Spring travels from as far as 45 miles away through a series of undergound passages. Divers have discovered that the spring is at least 80 feet deep. As much as 70 tons of dissolved limestone is in the spring water each day. This is what gives the spring water its turquoise blue color.

The spring discharges from the base of a bluff and flows into the Current River.

https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/big-spring.htm
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/big-spring

Big Spring Missouri
Big Spring Missouri
Big Spring Missouri

67 miles From West Plains

Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Just before Willow Springs, take Highway 60 east toward Mountain View. Stay on Highway 60 for 55 miles then turn right on Highway 103 in Van Buren. Big Spring State Park will be ahead in 4.25 miles. Highway 103 ends and turns into County Road 60-102.

Make it a day Trip

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Big Spring Missouri