Experiencing Natural Florida: This Florida Spring Is Different...

Warm Mineral Springs Photo: City of North Port

Florida is well known to locals and visitors alike for its crystal clear springs. With water that remains in the low to mid 70’s year round, Florida’s springs are a cool respite from Florida’s sweltering summers and a sanctuary for marine life seeking warmer waters in the winter. Any way you slice it, Florida’s beautiful springs are a must see. But there is one spring that stands out from all the rest…..

Where Is This Spring?

Nestled well inland between Sarasota and Ft. Myers lies a fast growing Florida city known as North Port. With a population approaching 95,000, North Port is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida, and with good reason. In addition to the area’s natural beauty and abundant amenities, North Port is home to Warm Mineral Springs Park. Unlike Florida’s other springs, this spring boasts a year round flow of 85 degree mineral water.

A Refreshing Swim In A Mineral Spring

Warm Mineral Springs Park offers visitors a blend of therapeutic and leisurely recreational experiences. Recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the spring is said to boast one of the highest mineral contents among natural springs in the United States. Known worldwide for its anaerobic and mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have healing properties, the park draws over 150,000 visitors each year who come to immerse themselves in its soothing waters.

History of The Spring

In addition to being a major attraction for its restorative health qualities, Florida’s only warm mineral spring is an important archeological site. First formed when a massive cavern collapsed over 30,000 years ago, the now 230 foot deep sink hole has been attracting humans for at least the last 10,000 years.

In the late 1950s, scuba diver William Royal and others discovered artifacts and human remains from at least seven individuals in Warm Mineral Springs. Among the findings was a partially burned log, which was radiocarbon dated to approximately 10,000 years ago. If the human bones were of the same age as the log, they represented the oldest known evidence of human habitation in Florida at that time. Bone tools found alongside the remains were identified as being of the “Archaic period in the Americas” style. It appears that during that era, the bones and artifacts were deposited above the water level in the sinkhole.

In 1946, the area around Warm Mineral Springs was developed into a spa, complete with the construction of a bathhouse. The property changed hands in 1955, and the new owners began a housing development, laying out 3,000 residential lots on the site. By 1958, the Warm Mineral Springs Motel had opened at the spring’s entrance.

In 1959, a Park Spa Building and a Cyclorama, depicting Ponce de León’s mythical discovery of the Fountain of Youth, were constructed at the spring to serve as the centerpiece for Florida’s Quadricentennial celebration. The event ran from December 14, 1959, to March 15, 1960. These structures were designed by Jack West, a prominent figure in the Sarasota School of Architecture.

In 2019, the Spa Building, Cyclorama, and an attached sales building were collectively recognized as the Warm Mineral Springs Building Complex and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Visiting The Spring Today

Today, Warm Mineral Springs is operated by the City of North Port. Visitors can swim in the soothing spring for a daily rate of $15.00 for residents and $20.00 for non-residents. According to the City of North Port’s website, “ As a result of significant damage from Hurricane Elsa and Ian, the historic building complex which includes the gift shop, permanent showers, restrooms, changing facilities and lockers is closed to public access. A temporary admissions building and portable restroom trailer has been brought onsite for visitor use. Although concession services are not available at the park, visitors have the option to bring in small coolers for food and drink or can take advantage of local food trucks that are often staged outside the park.”