The Incredible Spring-Fed Pool In Iowa You Absolutely Need To Visit
Iowa has an amazing number of beautiful parks. Hiking, camping, and just enjoying nature is very easy at one park in particular – Backbone State Park. The spring-fed pool here is extraordinary. Wading into its crystal-clear ice-cold waters is a must for your summer to-do list.
Dedicated in 1919, Backbone State Park is Iowa's oldest state park. This beautiful place is located in the Maquoketa River valley. Its name comes from the steep and narrow ridge of bedrock known as the Devil's Backbone.
The springs are natural, and were enclosed by the Civilian Conservation Corps between June, 1934 and March, 1935. The waterway was built between October of 1935 and March of 1936 by the same group. Originally, the goal was to preserve the springs as a source of potable water.
Richmond Springs is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
While the bottom of the pool bubbles like a tiny hot spring with water coming out of the sandy floor, it's actually 48-degree water.
A handicapped-accessible trail runs for a ways alongside Richmond Spring Creek. There's also a shelter near the springs.
These springs pump more than 2.000 gallons of cold, fast-flowing, clear water into Backbone's stream every minute.
If you are interested in Iowa’s other natural water wonders, check out The Ultimate Iowa Waterfalls Road Trip.
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