Warm Mineral Springs is a karst sinkhole which is filled with mineral-rich spring water.
The site is a popular destination for many visitors who come to the spring for its purported health benefits, exercise and relaxation.
Location
Warm Mineral Springs is located in North Port, Florida.
Address
12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL 34287
Warm Mineral Springs Map
Information for Visitors
Warm Mineral Springs is operated by the City of North Port.
Information, details on hours of operation, rules and other information can be found through the City of North Port.
Mineral Spring Water
Warm Mineral Spring has some of the highest mineral content of any spring in the world.
The water contains dozens of organic compounds which are believed to convey a variety of health benefits.
Possibly beneficial minerals include:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Sulfate
- Silica Chloride
- Sodium
- Potassium
- And dozens of other minerals and compounds
Unique Natural Hot Spring in Florida
Warm Mineral Springs is the only geothermally heated warm mineral spring in Florida, although it is one of many other natural springs in Florida.
The water beneath Warm Mineral Springs is heated geothermally by the Earth’s heat and pressure deep below ground.
Unlike most hot springs in the world, the water of Warm Mineral Spring is not heated from proximity to magma chambers, or any sort of volcanic heating.
The water temperature of Warm Mineral Springs often ranges from approximately 85-87 degrees fahrenheit, but it is influenced by the ambient air temperature and does get chilly during cold weather.
Heated water is found in a spring vent hundreds of feet below the surface, which does reach temperatures of almost 100 degrees fahrenheit. It too fluctuates depending on water aquifer flow characteristics and other factors.
Historical Significance and Archeology
Warm Mineral Springs is an incredibly important site for a variety of reasons. It is an important site for archaeological study, geology, anthropology and other important fields.
The Warm Mineral Springs sinkhole is more than 30,000 years old and contains the fossils of prehistoric humans, along with many prehistoric animals which previously inhabited Florida.
Fossil records found inside Warm Mineral Springs have helped anthropologists understand the earliest human migration patterns, and have shed light on the settlement of North America.
The sulfur-rich and oxygen-depleted waters of Warm Mineral Springs have acted as a time capsule to preserve priceless artifacts, including human remains with intact organic tissue.
Recent History
Warm Mineral Springs has been used as a natural health spa since 1946, with periodic interruptions in its operations.
Warm Mineral Springs was inducted into the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Warm Mineral Springs has a number of architecturally important structures which were designed by notable Florida architect Jack West.