Round Spring

Retold by Joshua Heston

Round Spring, 15 miles north of Eminence, Missouri, churns out — on average — 26 million gallons of water per day.

The circular main pool (plates 2, 3) is nearly 55 feet deep. The “recharge” area — the area that drains surface water into the cavern system that lets out at Round Spring — is estimated at 45 square miles.

Some researchers theorize that a portion of this recharge area is to the northeast, meaning water would flow in an underground river beneath the Current River before it wells up at Round Spring.

Round Spring is composed of two parts.

The first portion of the spring (plate 1) is easily seen from the spring branch.

Millions of gallons of water silently flow from beneath a rock bluff. The water empties into the Current River.

The second portion of Round Spring is found behind that bluff.

A giant sinkhole collapsed ancient generations ago, leaving the spring’s 55-foot-deep well exposed to the sun and wind (plate 2).

Springs are enigmatic things — A full-fledged river proceeding solemnly, steadily from within the earth itself.

The deep-green pools of Round Spring are no exception.

The spring has been a source of water for generations. Archeology research estimates native peoples have lived at or near Round Spring for approximately 10,000 years.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers established two mills, a lime kiln, and a farm. No original structures remain today.

Round Spring became a Missouri state park in 1924 and was incorporated into the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1964.

Because of the spring’s unusual sinkhole structure, Round Spring offers a chance to peer into the Ozark’s spring system.

It is also home to a variety of native animals, including cave salamanders, bleeding shiner fish, and otter.