Warm Mineral Springs Park

There are a myriad of mixed reviews on this place which originally made me not want to go, but I did end up really happy that I did. It is expensive, but I personally did think the health benefits, relaxation, and experience was worth it. However, I can definitely understand how it isn’t for everyone.

Firstly, it is true that the facilities are run down. There used to be a cafe and gift shop that are currently closed. Currently there is the admission area and the restrooms and that is it. So when you go there are no inside space it is only the spring and then the grassy area around the spring. The chairs and loungers are dated as well and most do have broken slats, that being said, the area is perfectly serviceable.
Parking is super easy and free, restrooms are okay and you can always find a chair to grab or space to sit for relaxing, reading, or sunbathing.

Second, the spring itself. It DOES smell like rotten eggs-it is SUPPOSED to smell. This is a mineral spring and this one contains the most mineral content of any mineral springs in the US. It contains sulfur which, naturally, smells bad but also gives it the majority of the health benefits that the spring does have. It also does have algae around the edges of the spring that does get stirred up the more people are in the spring. So by the middle of the day there is a lot of algae in the center and a lot of dirt kick up. If you want it to be less dirty, go as soon as the springs open and leave early afternoon. In the morning, most of the algae is on the sides of the pool instead of floating around and the water is clearer. The water itself isn’t really dirty-it just isn’t the crystal clear water that is characteristic of other Florida springs and the minerals probably cloud the water. Definitely not the best place to snorkel. As for the temperature, it is warmer than the other springs in Florida, but it’s not a hot tub-warm not hot-meaning it’s going to feel a bit cold getting in but you aren’t going to freeze. Its comfortable enough once you are in to stay a couple hours.

Third, the health benefits. Here is what I noticed:
-immediate skin benefits, acne/dermatitis/eczema relief and intermediate skin purge (under the skin pimples may come to the surface of the skin)
-pain relief- for about 6-8 hours after exiting springs muscle and joint pains completely vanished for this time but comes back after the time period. After one soak the benefits seem temporary but for those with chronic pain it is so nice to have a day without the normal pain.
-body detox-mostly just know that you may need to be near a restroom a lot for 2-3 days afterwards 😆

Overall, I do think this spring is worth it for the health benefits, but you have to remember it’s a natural spring/sinkhole with an ecosystem of fish and algae and NOT a luxury spa. There’s grass and dirt and therefore ants and bugs and small lizards. It smells, and you are going to smell like sulfur for about 48 hours.
Bring your own towel, lots of water, and some snacks. You will be hungry and thirsty after! From research on mineral springs do two sessions about 45min-1 hour in the water with a break in between and wait a couple hours before showering.

This is the hole in the ground that you need! The warm water, the minerals absorbing into your body. I felt ( I won't lie and say brand new), but I did feel better the next day. Just love the idea of nature being used the way it should be. A must experience!!

Wasn't super busy since it was 97 degrees out. However, the water was nice and cool compared to the heat of the day. Spent about an hour there in the afternoon. If I lived closer and not a day trip. I would go more often.

Not as cold as the other springs has a little of a sulfur smell but its not horrible. Very clean bathrooms, which is a huge bonus. I am definitely glad we came here