Mammoth Spring State Park

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Mammoth Spring State Park

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| photo = Mammoth Spring near average.JPG

| photo_caption = Mammoth Spring near average flow conditions

| map = USA Arkansas#USA

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| map_caption = Location of Mammoth Spring State Park in Arkansas

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| location = Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, United States

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| coordinates = {{coord|36|29|43.7|N|91|32|7.5|W|display=inline,title}}

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| area_acre = 62.5

| area_ref = {{ Cite encyclopedia |author= Staff of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture |title= Mammoth Spring State Park |url= http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?search=1&entryID=1238 |date= May 24, 2012 |publisher= Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System |encyclopedia= The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture |access-date= May 13, 2013 }}

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| established = 1957

| named_for = Mammoth Spring

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| governing_body = Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

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| website = {{URL|www.arkansasstateparks.com/mammothspring/default.aspx}}

| embedded = {{designation list |embed = yes |designation1 = NNL |designation1_date = June 1972

| designation2 = NRHP

| designation2_offname = Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake

| designation2_type = Structure

| designation2_criteria =

| designation2_date = July 15, 2009

| designation2_number = 09000512

| designation3 = NRHP

| designation3_offname = Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad Depot

| designation3_type = Building

| designation3_date = June 11, 1992

| designation3_number = 92000617

}}

Mammoth Spring State Park is a {{convert|62.5|acre|adj=on}} Arkansas state park in Fulton County, Arkansas in the United States. The park is located surrounding National Natural Landmark of the same name to provide recreation and interpretation for visitors.{{ cite book |title= Arkansas State Parks Guide, 2013 |url= http://issuu.com/arkansas/docs/2013_ar_state_parks_guide?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage |publisher= Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |page= 49 |chapter= Mammoth Spring State Park |access-date= May 13, 2013 }} The park offers fishing, boating and hiking in addition to an Arkansas Welcome Center and restored 1886 Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad (later the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway or "Frisco") depot operating as a railroad museum. The site became a state park in 1957, but the park continued to add area until 1975.

Mammoth Spring

Originating in the park, Mammoth Spring averages a flow rate of {{convert|9780000|USgal|L|sigfig=3}} per hour of {{convert|58|F|C}} water. Rainfall in southern Missouri percolates into the ground, flows through Grand Gulf State Park and reemerges as Mammoth Spring in Arkansas.{{ citation |title= Mammoth Spring State Park |url= http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/National-Register-Listings/PDF/pdfs/MAMMSPRG-05.pdf |publisher= Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |year= 2005 |location= Little Rock, AR |access-date= May 13, 2013 }}

History

In 1887, the Mammoth Spring Improvement and Water Power Company constructed the {{convert|198|ft|m|adj=on}} limestone dam which created Spring Lake. This dam initially powered a flour mill, cotton mill, and cotton gin. This property was acquired in 1925 by the Arkansas-Missouri Power Company, which constructed a hydroelectric facility that was operated until 1972. The company donated this property to the state to become part of the state park. These facilities, including the lake, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{cite web|url=https://www.arkansasheritage.com/docs/default-source/national-registry/FU0083-pdf|title=NRHP nomination for Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake|publisher=Arkansas Preservation|access-date=2015-01-15}}

File:Mammoth Spring SP 012.jpg

Prior to 1957, the Mammoth Spring Cattle Sales Barn was co-owned and run by local entrepreneur Kenneth "Bert" Bishop and his associate, roughly on the site where the tourist information center now stands. Local farmers would routinely come to the site to sell livestock and other wares, such as Howard Green, who sold home-made walking sticks. Following this period in history, the State legislature voted to condemn the land and turn the spot into a state park. 1957, the park was established. The original Frisco Depot, and 1885 Victorian train station, was restored in 1971. The depot now functions as a museum, containing artifacts and memorabilia; it was listed on the National Register in 1992.

Recreation

The park offers a visitor center/Arkansas Welcome Center to interpret the history of the region. A short walking trail leads to the restored train depot that formerly provided a connection for the city of Mammoth Spring to the Frisco Railway. Items of historical significance from the surrounding area, including a restored caboose, are on display in the museum. The former hydroelectric plant and mill nearby allow visitors to understand the economic importance the spring had to the early development of the nearby city. A pavilion, picnic areas, baseball field, and playground are available for visitors as well. Seasonal boat rentals on Spring Lake can be obtained at the visitor center.