The Unbelievable Dismal River Natural Springs In Nebraska

When you think of Dismal River, you probably picture golfing or canoeing. But there is another reason to visit this short, wild river in the Sandhills: it has several fun, mysterious spots known as boiling sand springs.

Wikimedia Commons/Ammodramus The springs aren’t boiling temperature-wise; rather, the term refers to the water bubbling up through the sand and into the river from the Ogallala Aquifer below. The springs are up to 30 feet in diameter and feature a layer of clear spring water above a layer of sand. This layer of sand looks like the bottom of the river, but the bottom is actually some 100-140 feet below at the bottom of the spring. The result is a fun trick of nature that acts a bit like reverse quicksand. Due to the water constantly pushing up through the sand, it is impossible to sink in the boiling spring spots.

Wikimedia Commons/Runner 1928 The videos below show people playing with the unusual spots in the river. When one of them tries to push an oar down into the water, the spring pushes it right back up. If you decide to go seek out one of these springs, keep in mind that most of the land surrounding the Dismal River is privately owned ranch land. If you happen to be on a canoe or kayak trip down the river, see if you can locate one of these spots. It’s a fun break that you won’t soon forget.

Wikimedia Commons/Ammodramus

The springs aren’t boiling temperature-wise; rather, the term refers to the water bubbling up through the sand and into the river from the Ogallala Aquifer below. The springs are up to 30 feet in diameter and feature a layer of clear spring water above a layer of sand. This layer of sand looks like the bottom of the river, but the bottom is actually some 100-140 feet below at the bottom of the spring. The result is a fun trick of nature that acts a bit like reverse quicksand. Due to the water constantly pushing up through the sand, it is impossible to sink in the boiling spring spots.

Wikimedia Commons/Runner 1928

The videos below show people playing with the unusual spots in the river. When one of them tries to push an oar down into the water, the spring pushes it right back up. If you decide to go seek out one of these springs, keep in mind that most of the land surrounding the Dismal River is privately owned ranch land. If you happen to be on a canoe or kayak trip down the river, see if you can locate one of these spots. It’s a fun break that you won’t soon forget.

Do you know of a specific place where you can find one of the Dismal River boiling springs? Have you ever visited one? Let us (and other readers) know in the comments!

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