I simply cannot believe it took me 47 years to make it to Big Spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways!
Now that I have finally seen it, I can see why it is such a “big” deal.
Located within the Ozark Plateau, Big Spring is approximately 4 miles from Van Buren down Hwy 103. There is a paved parking area by the spring and the trail to it is level and smooth, making it wheelchair accessible.
It sure was pumping out a lot of water due to recent rains when I visited. This made the experience all the more impressive.
I am willing to bet that on the day I arrived it was the biggest spring in America! On any given day, depending on local rainfall, America’s largest spring can be found right here in Missouri.
The spring rushes out of the bottom of a massive limestone bluff typical of the karst topography of the Ozark Plateau. Walking along the trail to Big Spring is a delight for all the senses!
From the sound of the rushing water to the drop in temperature at the base of the bluff, this is what modern-day folks would call a truly “interactive” experience.
People have done studies that reveal the water coming out of Big Spring carries a hefty load of dissolved limestone.
One study I read said it carries away the equivalent of 70 tons of limestone a day, while another estimated 175 tons a day.
While I am not totally sure which number is correct, I do know that all this dissolved limestone contributes to the beautiful color of the water.
Big Spring doesn’t just have colorful water. It has a colorful history, too. In 1924, it was established as one of Missouri’s first state parks. At the time it was also the largest.
Due to high unemployment during the Great Depression, President Roosesvelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on April 5, 1933.
This put hundreds of thousands of people to work on conservation projects all over America, including Big Spring State Park.
In 1933, CCC Company 1710 set up their tent camp in Big Spring State Park at what was called Camp Hains.
Approximately 200 workers started assisting with improvements that would impact fire prevention and flood control within the park. They also built a few structures, such as cabins and a lodge.
It is important to note that currently the lodge and cabins are closed for renovations. However, I was still able to walk around and look at the beautiful structures from the outside during my visit.
To honor the rich history of the CCC within Big Spring, there will be a History Hike at the park on Saturday September 25th. It starts at 10 a.m. and lasts for two hours.
The 4.2 mile historical hike will cover three trail loops to the south of the spring. Participants will learn more about the history of the park and all the work of the CCC.
These can include walking, cross, going swimming, yoga exercise and cialis tadalafil browse around that site a balanced diet. It is one of the most effective way among chronic prostatitis treatments. sample generic viagra Just go back on what kind of attractive life you were living in your devensec.com levitra on sale young time. Contemplation overseeing hypertension without pills, biofeedback treating entrail issue without surgery, and brain/body solution giving trust and personal satisfaction buy cheap viagra to the critically ill are simply a couple of samples of the profits of elective drug that accepted medication essentially can’t offer. If you want to participate, no registration is required. Just meet at the Chubb Hollow pavilion, which is located south of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins, on State Route Z by 10 a.m. If you have any questions about the hike, contact Shaun Heise at 573-323-8096.
While the CCC played a big role in the construction of this park, visitors today no longer visit a State Park. They are in a National Park.
In 1969 Missouri donated it, along with Alley and Round Spring state parks, to the National Park Service. At that point, all three parks became true highlights of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Beyond the rich history and beautiful scenery, there’s also some fun to be had at night. If you want an opportunity for excellent stargazing, this is indeed an excellent location!
Big Spring is rated Class 2 on the Bortle Dark Sky Scale, which means it is a “typical truly dark site.” In other words, the summer Milky Way is visible to the naked eye with no telescope required!
However, if you have a chance to bring along a telescope, you will be in for a treat.
Even though Big Spring was hit with some major flooding in 2017, the area has a lot to offer as they rebuild spots impacted by flood waters.
There are picnic areas sporting tables and grills located all throughout the area. I enjoyed a bite during my visit at a picnic table with a great view of the spring.
There are also several picnic shelters, some of which can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov.
Big Spring Campground is located within the park in Sweezie Hollow. There are tent and RV sites, with some having electric hook-up options.
Reservations are recommended for electric sites via www.recreation.gov. There are no water or sewer hook-ups, but a dump station is available.
Some areas of the campground have short paths to the river for some great opportunities for wading in the cool clear waters of the Current River.
