Explore Your State Florida : A Stay-Cation Day Navarre Florida

Florida's Natural Springs 

This past school year my son had a 4th grade project to create a travel brochure as a social studies project. He chose to write about Florida's natural springs. I thought this summer would be a good time for him to visit a place he had written about but never visited. 

Some of the most beautiful places to explore NW Florida are the spring fed waterways. The streams, creeks and rivers provide not only recreation but a eco tourism along with drinking water for our local community.

Florida has more than 700 springs w/ 40 close to the following counties, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Bay counties. 

My family and I spent the day visiting 2 springs near by our Navarre, Florida home. We took the day and drove highway 98 about an hour away to Ponce de Leon and Morrison Springs. 

Morrison Springs 

Cypress trees abound around the spring with their crisp, bright green defining the landscape. The spring provides an aqua color inviting everyone in for a dip. My son and husband entered the 66 degree water and enjoyed some snorkeling and swimming. I enjoyed the boardwalks surrounded by cypress trees and span into the springs. 

The highlight of the park is a 250-foot diameter spring pool that produces an estimated 48 million gallons of crystal clear water each day and has been recorded to produce up to 70 million gallons a day. Three cavities allow Morrison’s frigid waters to surface from the underground aquifer. The deepest of these cavities, at approximately 300 foot in depth, eventually terminates in an underground chamber of unknown dimensions. Morrison Springs is a favorite of divers. The day we were there a team of divers were exploring the springs it was fun to watch them dive off the floating 9,000 lb platform.

Restroom facilities, a pavilion with picnic area, wash stations, showers and handicap access are available at the park .

Ponce de Leon Springs

Just outside the Walton County line is one of the coolest places to take a dip in a spring, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park.  The park charges $4 a car to enter. 

As the water stays a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, we enjoyed this nature-made swimming pool, which is a convergence of two underground water flows, producing 14 million gallons of water daily. My son jumped from a platform into the depths of the water, he enjoyed snorkeling  for fish and diving down trying to touch the bottom of the springs.

This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513 – as legend has it, in search of the “fountain of youth.”  Just in case there is any truth to the "fountain of youth" theory I walked in..... 

The spring area boasts an open pool with easy access steps entering the water.  A bathroom with showers, and a picnic areas with grills.

I took a  walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and explored what nature had to offer. I found some cool mushrooms, lizards and a variety of trees. 

http://www.floridasprings.org/visit/map/

Help Protect Springs

Everyone can play a role in protecting our states springs. Start by minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Support your local community leaders who are committed to springs protection and find out how you can get involved in the community to help promote land preservation.

If you just moved to our area or a local take sometime to enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer. 

Information gathered from http://www.floridasprings.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_major_springs_in_Florida

This is a personal blog and represents my own opinions and does not express or represent the opinions of Keller Williams. All data provided is for informational purposes only and makes no representation as to accuracy,completeness,suitability or validity of information on this site and I will not be liable for errors, omissions or delays in information or losses.  All information is provided on an as is basis.