This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.
Each year, more than 150,000 visitors flock to Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port to dip their toes into history…and for purported healing, according to North Port Parks and Recreation.
What is Warm Mineral Springs?
Warm Mineral Springs Park, is comprised of some 51 minerals. People from all over the world visits the Springs yearly located at 12200 San Servando Ave, in Sarasota County’s North Port.
Warm Mineral Springs Park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Warm Mineral Springs is Florida’s only natural warm spring. It has a consistent average temperature of 85 degrees year-round.
The park – situated on 83 acres of undeveloped land – is internationally renowned for its purported healing qualities.
It features anaerobic and highly mineralized properties.
Its prime source of inflowing freshwater comes from a vent located about 207 feet below the surface, discharging daily some nine million gallons of water composed of 51 minerals, believed to be the highest mineral content of any U.S. natural spring, according to Visit Sarasota County.
Warm Mineral Springs Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of The Interior. The link between the Legacy Trail and Warm Mineral Springs is eligible for state funding, following a recent vote by the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to list it as a priority. Visit NorthPortFL.gov/WMSPMasterPlan for the newest updates on North Port’s Warm Mineral Springs Park.
The water has a high content of dissolved chloride and hydrogen sulfide, with no dissolved oxygen, according to the United States Geological Survey. Visitors sometimes pick up on a ‘sulfur’ odor.
The hourglass shaped springs – surrounded by palm trees and beach chairs – measures 236 feet wide and 230 feet deep.
The springs are essentially a sinkhole formed in carbonate rock believed to have been caused by the collapse of a cavern 30,000 years ago.
Warm Mineral Springs has produced evidence of the Paleo-Indian and Archaic cultures having lived there.
Carbon dating of materials discovered in the springs date to about 10,000 years ago, with the springs being the earliest evidence of human occupation in Florida, according to Visit Sarasota County. It is believed Warm Mineral Springs was once an ancient burial ground.
During the Pleistocene period until about 12,000 years ago, the low water table exposed small caverns in the sinkhole’s walls. Stalactites and stalagmites had formed in these caverns.
The North Port Parks and Recreation website indicates scientists diving in the springs have discovered fossils, tools, and human remains of a prehistoric hunter and at least seven indigenous people. The skull of one Ice Age resident still contained brain material.
Divers also have found the bones of ancient animals such as saber toothed tigers, giant sloths, tortoises, and camels.
Floridians and visitors have been bathing in the springs before the city of North Port was incorporated in 1959.
A spa and bathhouse were built next to Warm Mineral Springs in 1946, with more development following. The Warm Mineral Springs Motel was opened in 1958.
Over time, plans for the springs have undergone multiple iterations before becoming part of the North Port Parks and Recreation system.
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Warm Mineral Springs was purchased in 2010 by Sarasota County and the city of North Port for $5.5 million. Locals have been adamant about retaining its current use without further development.
The city of North Port indicates it is moving forward with the renovation of the historic buildings and preserving the land around the park.
Warm Mineral Springs Park located in North Port has an average temperature of 85 degrees.
Why should I go?
The park had been a draw for archeologists and wellness experts.
Ponce De León – who had been on a quest for the Fountain of Youth – was apparently informed about the springs in 1511.
Warm Mineral Springs – nicknamed ‘Miracle Lake’ – are a big draw for Europeans visiting or relocating to the area for balneotherapy – the treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs.
Therapeutic benefits derived from floating in mineral water are believed to include promoting deep relaxation and recovery, boosting circulation, increasing metabolism, soothing sore muscles and aching joints, and improving certain skin conditions, according to WorldSprings.
What is there to do at Warm Mineral Springs?
In addition to seeking out its apparent healing properties, visitors take to the springs to float or swim as well as lounge in lawn chairs circling the spring pool.
While Hurricanes Elsa and Ian caused significant damage to the park’s gift shop, permanent showers, restrooms, changing facilities and lockers, a temporary admissions building and portable restroom trailer is onsite for visitors.
While concession services are not available, visitors may bring in small coolers for food and non-alcoholic drinks. Local food trucks may be staged outside the park. Nearby Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) offers many other options.
The city of North Port will once again pursue an Outstanding Florida Springs designation for Warm Mineral Springs. But because of the Feb. 28 deadline for bills to be filed for this year’s legislative session, the application will not be formally made until next year.
Where is it?
Warm Mineral Springs is located at 12200 San Servando off U.S. 41 in North Port.
When is it open?
Warm Mineral Springs Park is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Christmas Day
How much does it cost?
Daily passes for residents are $15 for adults; $11.25 for students ages six to 17, and free for children. For non-residents, adult daily passes are $20; $15 for students, and children are free.
Adult 10-visit resident passes are $112.50 and $150 for non-residents. Adult 30-visit passes are $150 for residents and $200 for non-residents. Annual passes are $1,125 for adult residents and $2,000 for non-residents.
Where do I learn more?
Go to https://www.northportfl.gov/Community-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Warm-Mineral-Springs-Park or call 941-429-PARK (7275).
For a deep dive into learning about the springs, check out this report.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Warm Mineral Springs is on the US National Register of Historic Places
