Crystal Spring, Florence, KS 66851

## Overview Crystal Spring — known locally as City Spring — is a year-round natural spring that rises from the Flint Hills limestone aquifer near the small town of Florence in Marion County, Kansas. Capable of yielding up to 1,000 gallons per minute, it is one of the more prolific springs in the region and has long served as a vital water source for the community. A 1949-era pumphouse still stands on site and continues to supply water to the town of Florence. The spring is also home to the iconic "99.96% Pure Spring Water" historic water tower, a landmark that speaks to the exceptional clarity the water has been known for over the decades. Situated in the heart of the Flint Hills — one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems on Earth — Crystal Spring draws its water through layers of Permian-age limestone, which naturally filters the flow before it emerges at the surface. The Flint Hills region is dotted with springs like this one, but Crystal Spring's high output and long history of municipal use make it a standout. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near **1352 Whitetail Road, Florence, KS 66851**. 2. GPS coordinates: **38.265648, −96.936968**. 3. Head to the town of Florence in Marion County and follow local roads toward Whitetail Road. The pumphouse and historic water tower are visible landmarks that will help confirm you've arrived at the right spot. 4. There is a small parking area near the spring — watch for broken glass and uneven ground in the lot. ## What to Expect At the rear base of the pumphouse, the spring water flows outward through a rusty, moss-covered hatch and into a small creek. Visitors who wish to collect water can wade into the area around the hatch to access the flow directly. The surroundings have a rugged, utilitarian character — this is a working municipal spring site, not a manicured park. **A few things to keep in mind:** - **Footing can be tricky.** The spring bank is often slippery, especially near the hatch where moss grows on the stonework. - **Watch your step in the creek bed and parking area.** Sharp stones and occasional broken glass have been reported. - **The spring flows year-round**, so it can be visited in any season, though conditions may be muddier after heavy rains. - The water has historically been regarded as exceptionally pure — as the old water tower proudly advertises — but as with any natural water source, conditions can change and visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding consumption. Crystal Spring offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of natural hydrology and small-town Kansas history. The combination of the powerful limestone spring, the vintage pumphouse, and the proudly lettered water tower makes it a worthwhile stop for spring enthusiasts exploring the Flint Hills.