Missouri’s known for a whole lot of things – as the birthplace of toasted ravioli, the ice cream cone, gooey butter cake, and as the home of the Gateway Arch and Mark Twain’s boyhood town. Nature lovers may already be able to tell you the state lays claim to 4,400 springs, including Big Spring, the largest spring in Missouri and one of the largest springs in the United States. Let’s take a look at why we love this scenic treasure in Missouri, and why we think you’ll love it too.

Some say that Big Spring in Missouri, tucked away in Carter County, is the largest spring in the United States. Others, on the other hand, argue that Silver Spring in Florida and the Snake River Complex in Idaho might be the largest.
oftheseas / TripAdvisor
Whichever side you fall on, everyone can likely agree that Big Spring is the largest spring in Missouri, and its stats are impressive.
Kathleen W / TripAdvisor
Big Spring boasts a 286-million-gallon average daily water flow. The spring’s water often travels as many as 45 miles, all underground, and that water holds an average of 70 tons of dissolved limestone each day.
Alan T. / TripAdvisor
While the stats are certainly impressive, wait until you see this natural wonder for yourself. Big Spring, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, sits just four miles south of Van Buren.
Jordan L. / TripAdvisor
Viewing Big Spring is easy for all. When you pull into the parking area at the recreation area, you’ll catch your first glimpse of one of our favorite Missouri springs.
Heather823 / TripAdvisor

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For closer views, follow the paved pathway that leads to Big Spring. The path is wheelchair-accessible.
1CoolRunner / TripAdvisor
If you’ve got the time, make a day or an overnight of your visit. Embark on one of the hiking trails; the Slough Trail is wheelchair-accessible.
Canjecun / TripAdvisor
Bring some food along, and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area, or check the hours of the on-site dining lodge.
Canjecun / TripAdvisor
Make an overnight of it at the Big Spring Campground, which features tent and RV sites. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, your best bet is to reserve a spot in advance for electric sites.
Trip_in_AR / TripAdvisor
Find more information on Big Spring on the official website of the National Park Service.
Shullen / TripAdvisor

Have you been to this scenic spot? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know one of the best ways to check out Missouri’s springs is on a picturesque hike? Yep, follow the Welch Spring Trail in Missouri that leads to an abandoned hospital.

A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Missouri Will Take You To The Welch Spring Hospital Ruins

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | March 10, 2023

What are some other springs in Missouri?

Big Springs is one of the largest springs in the United States. However, it’s just one of more than 4,000 Missouri springs, including Blue Spring.

A breathtaking sapphire spring in Eminence, this gorgeous Missouri natural wonder is accessible by a scenic trail. While Blue Spring might not be the largest spring in Missouri, it is one of the deepest springs in the United States, measuring 310 feet deep.

What are some of the natural wonders in Missouri?

Missouri’s springs are a few of its many natural wonders. Some other natural wonders in Missouri that are well worth a visit include:

  • Elephant Rocks State Park: Made of billion-year-old granite, this natural wonder in Missouri looks like a series of circus elephants. Tucked in Elephant Rocks State Park, it’s a must-visit.
  • Grand Gulf State Park: Did you know there’s a mini Grand Canyon in Missouri? Hidden in Grand Gulf State Park, the Grand Canyon of Missouri is a series of collapsed caves.
  • Rocky Falls. Nestled in Winona Township, this majestic waterfall is beautiful all year around, but it’s particularly popular during the summer when it’s used as a swimming hole.
  • Johnson’s Shut-Ins: Marvel at the natural shut-ins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The shut-ins are particularly popular with visitors during the summer and serve as a swimming hole.
  • Clifty Creek Natural Bridge: Slip on your hiking shoes for a leisurely 2.5-mile trek that will lead you to Clifty Creek Natural Bridge, a unique natural wonder in Missouri that you can stand under.

If you’re a fan of road trips, hit the road on this road trip to the seven wonders of Missouri. It leads to such popular destinations as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mina Sauk Falls in Middle Brook, and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Puxico. Grab a cozy RV from RVShare and set out on an adventure to remember.

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Big Spring, Carter Township, MO 63965, USA