Missouri’s known for a whole lot of things – as the birthplace of toasted ravioli, the ice cream cone, and gooey butter cake and as the home of the Gateway Arch and Mark Twain’s boyhood town. Nature lovers may already be able to tell you the state lays claim to 4,400 springs, including Big Spring, the largest spring in Missouri and one of the largest springs in the United States.
Some say that Big Spring, tucked in Carter County, is the largest spring in the United States. Others, on the other hand, argue that Silver Spring in Florida and the Snake River Complex in Idaho might be the largest.
Trip Advisor/oftheseas
Whichever side you fall on, everyone can likely agree that Big Spring is the largest spring in Missouri, and its stats are impressive.
Trip Advisor/Saranger
Big Spring boasts a 286-million gallon average daily water flow. The spring’s water often travels as many as 45 miles, all underground, and that water holds an average of 70 tons of dissolved limestone each day.
Trip Advisor/Alan T.
While the stats are certainly impressive, wait until you see this natural wonder for yourself. Big Spring, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, sits just four miles south of Van Buren.
Trip Advisor/Jordan L.
Viewing Big Spring is easy for all. When you pull into the parking area at the recreation area, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the spring.
Trip Advisor/Heather823
For closer views, follow the paved pathway that leads to Big Spring. The path is wheelchair-accessible.
Trip Advisor/1CoolRunner
If you’ve got the time, make a day or an overnight of your visit. Embark on one of the hiking trails; the Slough Trail is wheelchair-accessible.
Trip Advisor/Canjecun
Bring some food along, and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area, or check the hours of the on-site dining lodge.
Trip Advisor/Canjecun
Make an overnight of it at the Big Spring Campground, which features tent and RV sites. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, your best bet is to reserve a spot in advance for electric sites.
Trip Advisor/Trip_in_AR
Find more information on Big Spring on the official website of the National Park Service.
Trip Advisor/Shullen
Have you been to the largest spring in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know one of the best ways to check out Missouri’s springs is on a picturesque hike? Yep, follow the Welch Spring Trail in Missouri that leads to an abandoned hospital.
Trip Advisor/oftheseas
Trip Advisor/Saranger
Trip Advisor/Alan T.
Trip Advisor/Jordan L.
Trip Advisor/Heather823
Trip Advisor/1CoolRunner
Trip Advisor/Canjecun
Trip Advisor/Trip_in_AR
Trip Advisor/Shullen
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Big Spring, Carter Township, MO 63965, USA
