Mammoth Spring State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mammoth Spring State Park |
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Mammoth Spring near average flow conditions
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 Mammoth Spring State Park
Location in Arkansas
Mammoth Spring State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 62.5 acres (25.3 ha) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Named for | Mammoth Spring |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Designated: | June 1972 |
| Official name: Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake | |
| Type: | Structure |
| Designated: | July 15, 2009 |
| Reference #: | 09000512 |
| Official name: Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad Depot | |
| Type: | Building |
| Designated: | June 11, 1992 |
| Reference #: | 92000617 |
Mammoth Spring State Park is a cool place in Fulton County, Arkansas, USA. It's a state park that covers about 62.5 acres. The park is built around the amazing Mammoth Spring, which is a National Natural Landmark.
This park is a great spot for fun activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. You can also visit the Arkansas Welcome Center. There's even a restored train station from 1886 that is now a railroad museum! The park officially opened in 1957.
Contents
Discover Mammoth Spring: A Natural Wonder
The park is named after the incredible Mammoth Spring itself. This huge spring is where the park's story begins.
How Mammoth Spring Works
Mammoth Spring is a giant natural spring. It pumps out about 9.78 million gallons of water every hour! The water is always a cool 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius). This water comes from rain that falls in southern Missouri. It then flows underground through Grand Gulf State Park before bursting out here in Arkansas.
History of Mammoth Spring State Park
The area around Mammoth Spring has a rich history. People have used the spring's power for a long time.
The Hydroelectric Dam and Spring Lake
Back in 1887, a company built a 198-foot (60-meter) limestone dam. This dam created Spring Lake. It also powered mills that made flour and processed cotton. Later, in 1925, another company took over. They built a hydroelectric plant to make electricity. This plant ran until 1972. The company then gave this land to the state. This is how it became part of the state park. The dam, plant, and lake are all important historical sites.
The Historic Train Depot
Before the park was created, the land was used for a cattle sales barn. Farmers would come to sell animals and other goods. In 1957, the state decided to turn the area into a park. The old train station, called the Frisco Depot, was built in 1885. It's a beautiful Victorian-style building. It was restored in 1971 and now serves as a museum. You can see old artifacts and items from the area's past there. The depot was recognized as a historic place in 1992.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Mammoth Spring State Park offers many activities for visitors.
Visitor Center and Museum
Start your visit at the visitor center. It also acts as an Arkansas Welcome Center. Here, you can learn about the history of the region. A short path leads to the restored train depot. Inside the depot museum, you'll find cool historical items. There's even a restored caboose!
Exploring the Spring's Importance
You can also see the old hydroelectric plant and mills. These show how important the spring was for the town's early growth. It helped create jobs and power for the community.
Outdoor Activities and Amenities
The park has a pavilion, picnic areas, and a baseball field. There's also a playground for younger kids. If you want to get on the water, you can rent boats on Spring Lake during certain seasons. Just ask at the visitor center!
See also
