The Sapphire Spring In Missouri That's Devastatingly Gorgeous
By Liz Oliver|Updated on July 13, 2023(Originally published July 08, 2023)
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
There are so many gorgeous waterways in Missouri. However, there is one place in the Show Me State that has such vivid sapphire blue water it will take your breath away. The sapphire spring Missouri is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the state. You won’t believe you’re still in Missouri. Head to Eminence, where you will enter the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to find Blue Spring Missouri. This stunning spring is aptly named and once the waters emerge along the trail you won’t be able to look away!
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a wild river system. Approximately 80,000 acres of the Ozark is protected under the Riverways, and even more land is protected by the Missouri Department of Conversation.
This in itself is notable, as development continues to encroach on the beautiful lands in the United States. The more that can be preserved to showcase the nation's natural beauty, the better.
The Blue Springs Natural Area is one of the most beautiful locations in the Ozarks. You can hike the Blue Spring Trial and follow the path to the most stunning sapphire blue water you have ever seen.
At more than 310 feet deep, the spring is one of the deepest in the United States. The depth and fresh flow of water are what keeps the waters so vividly blue all year long.
In line with the preservation efforts of the organization, and to protect the stunning beauty of the spring, swimming and wadding in the water is strictly prohibited. Don't worry! There are many other great spots for swimming in the state, check out our visitor guide below for more information.
Still, strict swimming rules aside, this spring is a must-visit in Missouri. You won't believe that this transformative, beautiful place is in Missouri.
It's hard to tell from the outside, but the springs are incredibly deep. You could place the Statue of Liberty in the blue spring and not only would you not be able to see her, her torch would STILL be five feet below the surface of the water.
Blue Spring is accessible all year, but is most beautiful in the fall while the leaves are changing color and in the spring when the wildflowers bloom. Don't forget your camera! You're going to want to capture this scenic moment.
To get to the spring from Eminence follow these directions from the Missouri Department of Conservation: "head east on Highway 106 and travel 14 miles. Turn right (south) into the Powder Mill campground and parking area owned and operated by the National Park Service. At the boat launch on the Current River, look for a trailhead sign for the Powder Mill/Blue Spring Trail. Follow the trail south along the Current River for 1.5 miles to the Blue Spring parking area."
Have you seen Blue Spring in person? Tell us about the breathtakingly blue waters in the comments below! We love to hear firsthand accounts from our readers of these unparalleled, beautiful natural places.
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More to Explore
Swimming Holes In Missouri
CC|July 13, 2023
Where are there swimming holes in Missouri?
Since you can’t swim in Blue Springs, check out these other great swimming holes in Missouri to get your summer refreshment.
Finger Lakes State Park – Columbia
Big Creek in Sam A. Baker State Park – Patterson
Big River in St. Francois State Park – Bonne Terre
