Mermet Springs
Dive into a unique freshwater quarry filled with sunken treasures, marine life, and underwater music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest water, best for families
Mermet Springs
Best Time
Warmest water, best for families
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a unique freshwater quarry filled with sunken treasures, marine life, and underwater music.
"Beautiful hidden body of water in the woods! Lots to see underwater."
🎯 Dry Suit Recommended for Cold
Consider a dry suit for November dives; it gets too cold otherwise! :cold_face:
🎶 Underwater Music Experience
Enjoy the unique ambiance of music played underwater during your dive. :musical_note:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunken Attractions
Quarry Floor
Explore a school bus, airplanes, boats, and even an underwater motorcycle. A diver's playground!
Freshwater Jellyfish
Various Depths
Witness the rare Craspedacusta sowerbyi, a harmless freshwater jellyfish species.
+1
Paddlefish Encounters
Deeper Sections
Observe these unique fish in their natural habitat, often found at surprising depths.
Underwater Music
Throughout the Quarry
Experience the unique ambiance of music played underwater for divers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into Mermet Springs
Prepare for Underwater Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dry Suit Recommended for Cold
Consider a dry suit for November dives; it gets too cold otherwise! :cold_face:
🎶 Underwater Music Experience
Enjoy the unique ambiance of music played underwater during your dive. :musical_note:
🐠 Feed the Fish!
Bring some fish food to interact with the local marine life during your dive. :fish:
🚗 Easy Road Trip Stop
A beautiful hidden spot in the woods, perfect for a road trip break. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dry Suit Recommended for Cold
Consider a dry suit for November dives; it gets too cold otherwise! :cold_face:
🎶 Underwater Music Experience
Enjoy the unique ambiance of music played underwater during your dive. :musical_note:
🐠 Feed the Fish!
Bring some fish food to interact with the local marine life during your dive. :fish:
🚗 Easy Road Trip Stop
A beautiful hidden spot in the woods, perfect for a road trip break. :car:
🤝 Dive Guides Available
If you don't have a buddy, take advantage of knowledgeable dive guides. :diver:
🎃 Halloween Pumpkin Carving
Join the annual underwater pumpkin carving contest for a spooky good time!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mermet Springs for its unique freshwater diving experience, abundant sunken attractions, and friendly staff. The opportunity to see freshwater jellyfish and paddlefish, along with the novelty of underwater music, are frequently highlighted positives. Some visitors note the cold water temperatures outside of summer, emphasizing the need for appropriate gear.
"Took a break in the middle of a road trip for a dive. Beautiful hidden body of water in the woods! Lots to see underwater. The facility is very nice and the staff very friendly. Didn’t have a dive buddy so I took advantage of one of their dive guides. Alyson was extremely knowledgeable about the spring and its attractions and an excellent dive master. Next time I’m in the area I will definitely make time for another jump in."
William Vaughn
"Need a dry suit lol! Too cold for me! But, an awesome place to visit. Everything was clean and the staff was friendly! I had a great time today."
William Baynes
"We take a group trip each year in the July/August timeframe. This year we went to Mermet Springs. Super friendly staff and clean facilities. The diving was great for my kids and me. Lots of fun things for them to do in the water. We've already decided we will be coming back next year."
Barton Perrier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mermet Springs is located in southern Illinois and is accessible by car. It's often described as a beautiful hidden body of water in the woods, making it a great stop during a road trip.
Yes, Mermet Springs offers RV camping with nice level spots. However, be aware that there are no water hookups available on the property.
Mermet Springs is a popular destination for day trips and road trip breaks. Driving is the most convenient way to access the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific admission fees aren't detailed in the provided content, reviews suggest a positive experience with friendly staff and clean facilities, implying a reasonable entry cost for the activities offered.
It's highly recommended to book dive guides in advance, especially if you don't have a dive buddy or are visiting during peak season, to ensure availability and a guided exploration.
Mermet Springs hosts unique events like the annual underwater pumpkin carving contest around Halloween, offering a fun and festive diving experience.
Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but reviews indicate group trips occur in July/August and dives are possible in November, suggesting seasonal operations. It's best to check their official channels for current hours.
Yes, Mermet Springs offers 'Try Scuba' classes, which are great for beginners or those wanting to experience diving for the first time in a safe and controlled environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can encounter largemouth bass, paddlefish, and the rare freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi).
Mermet Springs features a variety of sunken attractions including a school bus, airplanes, boats, and even an underwater motorcycle, making it an exciting dive site.
Absolutely! Mermet Springs is a popular spot for certified divers looking for unique freshwater diving experiences, including advanced certifications like dry suit.
Yes, diving is possible in colder months like November, but it's strongly advised to use a dry suit due to the low water temperatures.
Water temperatures vary seasonally. While summer months offer warmer conditions suitable for families, November dives can be quite cold, necessitating appropriate gear like a dry suit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The provided information focuses on the diving experience and facilities, with no specific details on on-site dining options. Visitors may need to bring their own food or plan for meals outside the facility.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for outdoor recreational facilities to allow visitors to bring their own food. Clean pavilions are mentioned, suggesting areas for picnicking.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture unique shots of the sunken attractions like the school bus and planes, as well as the delicate freshwater jellyfish. Underwater photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects.
Yes, the clear waters and diverse underwater features make Mermet Springs an excellent location for underwater photography, offering a unique freshwater perspective.
Absolutely! Many visitors capture their dives, documenting the marine life and sunken artifacts. Ensure your camera is waterproof and suitable for underwater use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1During the warmer months, the water temperatures are more conducive for family dives. The presence of fish that can be fed adds an interactive element that kids will love.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those planning an extended stay, the RV camping option is available, offering a budget-friendly accommodation choice, though without water hookups.
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
+1Experienced divers can challenge themselves with advanced certifications like dry suit diving, especially during colder months, for an added adrenaline rush.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Underwater World of Mermet Springs
+1Beyond the man-made structures, Mermet Springs is a surprising haven for freshwater marine life. Visitors have reported sightings of largemouth bass, paddlefish, and most notably, the rare Craspedacusta sowerbyi, a species of freshwater jellyfish.
+2 These translucent creatures are harmless to humans and add an element of wonder to the dive. The quarry also features the unique element of underwater music, creating an immersive and memorable atmosphere for divers. This destination is not just for experienced divers; it caters to all levels. From 'Try Scuba' classes for beginners
Planning Your Mermet Springs Dive
For those without a dive buddy or seeking a more guided experience, Mermet Springs offers dive guides who are knowledgeable about the quarry's attractions and marine life. Booking these guides in advance is advisable, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Mermet Springs is also known for its special events, such as the annual underwater pumpkin carving contest around Halloween, which adds a unique festive element to the diving experience.
Whether you're looking for a unique road trip stop, a place to complete a certification, or simply an adventurous day out, Mermet Springs offers a memorable freshwater diving adventure. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit