Big Spring – Caledonia, MN - Minnesota Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

The Big Spring historical marker is near the creek just past the campground in Beaver Creek Valley State Park. The text reads:

Big Spring

Water bubbling out of the ground is a natural wonder. Where does it come from? How long has it been in the ground? To ponder these questions can be almost routine in southeastern Minnesota. Much of this area consists of karst terrain, characterized by sinkholes, underground passageways, caves, and springs. These features are formed by surface water that enters fractures in the underlying carbonate bedrock – limestone and dolostone.

Surface water is slightly acidic from absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and soil. As this water seeps into and follows fractures in the bedrock, it slowly dissolves the carbonate rock and gradually enlarges the cracks. Continued erosion along these passageways develops a system of underground drainage that bypasses the surface drainage pattern. As a result, groundwater can move quickly to replenish an underground reservoir, and then, as is the case at Big Spring, escape through porous rock layers to finally emerge as a bubbling spring.

The water of Big Spring maintains a nearly constant temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). This constant temperature keeps the spring from freezing and helps sustain a healthy trout population. The mineral-rich water is also ideal for watercress – the green plants with small oval leaflets floating in the creek. These plants display tiny white flowers in summer. Watercress typically grows around springs, where the water is rich in calcium and magnesium dissolved from the underlying bedrock. Its presence is a good indicator that a stream is fed by ground water. These bright green plants flourish year-round, adding vibrant color to even the winter scene.

The water coming from Big Spring has not been in the ground for a very long time – most likely less than a year. But this reliable source of refreshing spring water has made the valley an ideal setting for people from prehistoric Native Americans, to early European settlers, to the park visitors of today.

Erected by the Geological Society of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Geological Survey, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2003.

Marker Type:: Other

Visit Instructions:
A photo of the 'Marker' or 'Plaque' is required to identify the location, plus a picture of the 'Historic Site'.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.