Name: Mammoth Spring
Location: Fulton County, Ark.
Rank: 2
Average Flow:
Million gallons per day: 234
Cubic feet per second: 362
Recharge Area:
Dye traced from west and north of the spring, along the
sinkhole plain near Koshkonong, Missouri. Grand Gulf near Thayer, Missouri, also
contributes water. Estimated at least 90% of flow comes from Missouri, which is how it ended up
in an otherwise all Missouri lineup. We're not jealous (really.)
Interesting Information:
Mammoth Spring, in downtown Mammoth Spring
Arkansas, is only 500 feet south of the state line, and a section line bisects it in both directions. At
one time, four different owners claimed a part of the spring pool. Major landscaping has
been done at the site, including the effects of a high dam downstream on the spring
branch used at various times for milling, ginning and electrical production.
Brief History:
Mammoth Spring was discovered early, because
when David Dale Owen, first Arkansas state geologist, passed by in 1850, the spring already
had been used for milling for 14 years, starting in 1836. Local boom during the 1880s featured the
spring as a major attraction, enabling the consolidation of spring ownership. Used primarily as
scenic attraction and power site, milling continued until at least 1944, and power generation until
1972. The spring is the site of a federal fish hatchery, and became an Arkansas state park in
1957.
Ownership and Access:
Mammoth Spring is an Arkansas state park. No
camping is permitted, but picnicking and other recreation is allowed. No charge to view
the spring.