Florida has a hot spring?
As you can tell from any U.S. map of hot springs, they are mainly concentrated in the geologically active western third of the continental united states. There are some in the east like the concentration in Arkansas, but one state you don’t think of when thinking hot springs, is Florida.
About an hour north of Ft Myers which is on the gulf coast of Florida, is Warm mineral springs. Its next to the town of North Port in the village of warm mineral springs. As the name implies, it’s a warm spring, about 85 degrees, not a hot spring.
It’s a little different than most springs, it’s a large circular pool, that used to be a sinkhole. The water has 51 dissolved minerals (highest mineral content of any spring in the country, and third highest in the world) and some claim it to be the fountain of youth that was searched for in Florida by ponce de Leon. Archeologists have found 3000-100000-year-old human and sabretooth tiger bones at the bottom of the spring, putting it on the registrar of national historic places.
Anyways, instead of just soaking, almost everyone walks in big circles around the outer edges of the pool, doing “laps”. The middle is too deep. The spring is open daily from 9-5 and is $20 for non-Sarasota residents, outside food is allowed as long as it’s not in a cooler. There were a lot of eastern European languages being spoken at the spring, so it seems popular with people from this region. They also offer some spa services.
A nice place to eat is nearby Que Rico, with some good authentic cuisine. The super Tostones were great.
I did not stay in the area, just a half day trip from ft Myers. On the way back to ft Myers is an interesting place to visit if you’re into bonsai trees like I am. It’s called Wigert’s bonsai, and is the largest bonsai nursery in the state.
As of this writing, 1/11/24 the spring is open again, but all the buildings eccept for the bathroom trailer are shut down for repair after hurricane Ian. It looks closed with all the no trespassing signs, they need a still open sign so people will know
Check here https://www.northportfl.gov/visitors/visit-north-port/warm-mineral-springs-park