Hot springs are heated by volcanic activity beneath the surface of the earth's crust. Hot springs are often at a temperature that allows people to sit in them and enjoy the warmth, though some can reach boiling temperatures and are not safe for human contact. One of the world's most famous hot spring destinations is Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth, WY 82190
307-344-7381
www.nps.gov/yell
Healing springs are usually at a moderate temperature and have a high mineral content in their waters. Claims that the minerals and salts in these springs have healing powers are not scientifically proven. Healing springs destinations include Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, Florida and Manitou Springs near Pikes Peak in Colorado.
Warm Mineral Springs
12200 San Servando Ave.
North Point, FL 34287
941-426-1692
www.warmmineralsprings.com
Manitou Springs
345 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-5089
www.manitousprings.org
Artesian springs are waters covered by layers of stone that move long distances downslope, until they emerge from the building pressure. Artesian springs are often the source of bottled drinking water since it is considered some of the purest and freshest water on the planet. The largest artesian spring in America is Comal Springs in New Braunfels, Texas.
Comal Springs
Landa Park
164 Landa Park Dr.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-4350
www.nbtexas.org
Losing streams start as flowing water that disappears to underground caverns and emerges miles away, bubbling up as a spring. Missouri's Grand Gulf State Park features a creek that travels below ground for nine miles and surfaces in Arkansas as Mammoth Spring.
Grand Gulf State Park
Route 3, Box 3554
Thayer, MO 65791
417-264-7600
www.mostateparks.com
Mammoth Spring
PO Box 36
Mammoth Spring, AR 72554
870-625-7364
www.arkansasstateparks.com
