Minnesota’s Boiling Springs – The Natural Wonder You’ve Never Heard Of

I lived just a couple of miles from this place for a few years, and I'm surprised I've never heard of it. It's called Boiling Springs, and it's a natural wonder right here in Minnesota.

I was searching the web, trying to find an answer about quicksand locations in Minnesota. Do they exist? Not really, but it can happen in Minnesota with the right conditions. You're much more likely to experience quicksand-like dilemmas and getting stuck in places like bogs, marshes, or other wetlands in Minnesota. So, your childhood fear of getting swallowed by quicksand isn't likely to happen in Minnesota. Cross that fear on your list.

Boiling Springs, Savage, Minnesota

Next I started searching for bogs and wetlands in Minnesota when I stumbled on Boiling Springs located in Savage, Minnesota. It's pond that appears to boil and sometimes erupt with water shooting several feet upwards. What the heck is with this?

It's a natural wonder and it was actually a tourist destination back in the early 20th century. According to the Scott County Historical Society, postcards were printed and people visited to see the marvel. It was also a sacred site for the Dakota Native American Tribe. They call it Maka Yusota.

Maka Yusota is a Dakota phrase, coming from the word for “earth” (maka) and “to make muddy or roil up” (yusota).

 

What causes it?

There's a pool of water that is directly over an artesian well. It remains liquid year-round. A thick layer of sand is at the bottom of the pool of water, which traps the spring water. When enough pressure builds up, it releases the water in a burst and looks like boiling water.

Read More: Drilling Accident Leads To Discovery Never-Seen-Before In Minnesota

Where do I find Boiling Springs?

It's on Eagle Creek right before the Minnesota River. The Minnesota DNR has actually bought the land within 200 feet of the creek to preserve it. They have more information on their website with access points.

The entire stream is within the Eagle Creek Aquatic Management Area and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. However, only four access points are available to the public. One of these accesses is a small parking lot located south of State Highway 101 along the frontage road. Three other access points are via roadside pull-offs along Independence Avenue, West 126th Street and Eagle Creek Parkway.