Mermet Springs - Dive In First Class

10/01/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY - Paddlefish AKA Spoonbill . . . Where did they come from?

Before Mermet Springs became a dive destination, we started looking for interesting underwater attractions to take quarry diving to the next level. Of course, cool things like a 727 and a train car are fun, but we wanted to add to the fish life as well.

One afternoon, a couple of local fishermen came by to talk to ​Glen. They explained that they were divers and that they were excited about coming to dive Mermet Springs. They also asked if we wanted any really cool fish to add to our waters.

They explained that they fished for paddlefish in the rivers and that some of them were between 5 and 7 feet long. Now that is a fish!

​Glen was thrilled at the opportunity to add them to our list of attractions. They would come by the quarry after fishing, and we would take the fish from their boat and work with them in the shallow water. If they made the trip to Mermet successfully, they swam away and became permanent residents.

We continued doing this until we had added approximately 200 paddlefish to Mermet Springs.

Divers from across the country have traveled here to photograph the paddlefish. They normally live in rivers with almost zero visibility, so Mermet Springs provides an amazing and unique opportunity to see and photograph these incredible fish in clear water.

Fun Trivia:
Zeb Hogan and a National Geographic crew came to Mermet Springs to film for the television series Monster Fish. The filming focused on our spoonbills/paddlefish, giving viewers an up-close look at these incredible fish. The program aired on National Geographic in the fall of 2013.

​https://www.mermetsprings.com/on-the-big-screen?utm_source

Photo Credits: David Allen

09/29/2026

09/25/2026

New Mermet Springs Apparel is Here!

Just in time for cooler weather, we’ve added a new color to our Mermet Springs T-shirts and a brand-new crewneck that’s perfect for the fall season!

Whether you’re spending the day at the quarry or just want to rep your favorite dive destination, we’ve got you covered!

Stop by and check them out or grab yours online today!
https://www.mermetsprings.com/shop

09/24/2026

Throwback Thursday - The Train Car

Remember when Burlington Northern decided to drop by for an impromptu visit right at Mermet Springs front entrance? On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 9:30 p.m. they derailed about 18 empty coal cars right on our doorstep and immediately rolled out a massive heavy-duty cleanup crew.

When they blocked our entrance, Glen couldn't resist asking the crew leader what they were planning to do with all those wrecked cars. Half-jokingly, he mentioned “I’d love to have one if they were looking to part with it” … (does this sound familiar?)

About an hour later, the gentleman flagged Glen down in total disbelief and said, "They actually said you can have one!"

Next thing we knew, a 45,000-lb aluminum coal car was sitting in our tree line, where our RV campsites are now.

Getting it into the quarry was an epic adventure:

- Dragged it from the trees using two tractors on a massive piece of steel.

- Teamed up with Oxford Crane in Marion, who brought out their heavy equipment to help set it in the water.

- Rigged it up with lift bags as it lowered near the deep dock so it could float.

- Swam it out to its final resting spot and gently staged it down to a depth of about 60 feet!

Who remembers watching this piece of Mermet Springs history unfold?

09/17/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY — The Story of the 727

Warner Brothers filmed a portion of their U.S. Marshals movie in 1996. They discussed doing some of the filming at our facility. That did not materialize, but we did meet the representative from Warner Brothers who told owner Glen about the 727 passenger jet they were using in the movie.

Of course, Glen asked what they were doing with it after the movie had finished filming.

She said, “I am not sure…” Glen quickly responded, “Can we have the plane?”

She laughed, but he was serious. After many, additional requests, she finally said, “You can have the airplane.”

Glen did actually purchase the 727 for $1. This story is true "I wrote the check, signed the agreement, and forwarded it to an address in Chicago." - Glen

After filming, he spoke with the barge company in Metropolis IL, who agreed to move the plane to a closer small river town called Joppa. It was not free, but they were more than fair with us and also provided a barge-based crane. They moved the plane to Joppa on the Ohio River, cut it in half, and set each half onto a semi-trailer from Industrial Trucking and Rigging in Marion IL. We moved the plane onsite, where we had another crane waiting. For the next several months, Glen and his team prepared the plane for sinking.

They put a steer axle under the front, set the back of the plane on an I-beam, and put semi wheels on it. Then they configured lift bags so that when it went into the quarry, it would roll over and be right side up again.

They built a ramp into the quarry with a friend’s bulldozer, constructed a wood ramp over the mud and dirt to support the plane, and used the neighbor’s huge farm tractor to back it into the quarry.

It floated as planned, and it took them about three days to slowly lower it to its final resting place, where the tail sits at 15 feet and the nose at 45 feet.

And, as Paul Harvey always said…“Now you know the rest of the story!”

Thirty years later, the 727 remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Mermet Springs history, and it all started with one simple question:

“Can we have the plane?” ✈️🤿

#727

09/12/2026

A huge thank you to Blue Meridian for once again hosting their annual Treasure Hunt with us, and to everyone who came out and helped make today such a success! We had an amazing turnout, a lot of fun, and most importantly, it was all for a great cause.

We’re so grateful to be a part of an event that brings people together while giving back and supporting local charities. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and helped make the day possible!

09/10/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY: 30 YEARS OF MERMET SPRINGS!

Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Mermet Springs first opened its waters to divers?

To celebrate three decades of incredible underwater memories, great training, and an amazing diving community, we’re starting a brand-new weekly series: Throwback Thursday – 30 Years in the Making!

Every Thursday, we’ll be opening up the vault to share a classic picture from our history—along with the story behind it. From the early days of building the site to iconic underwater additions, fun events, and the faces who made Mermet Springs feel like home... we’re sharing it all!

We want to see YOUR throwbacks too! Have a favorite photo or memory at Mermet Springs from over the years? Drop it in the comments below!

Stay tuned next Thursday for our very first story!

09/10/2026

Just a quick reminder‼️

If you haven’t been diving with us yet this year, you can save some time at check-in by completing your Site Release before you arrive!

Knock it out ahead of time, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you get here!

Complete the Site Release here:
Adult - https://www.mermetsprings.com/2026-adult-site-release
Minor - https://www.mermetsprings.com/2026-minor-site-release

We’re looking forward to a fun weekend and can’t wait to see everyone!

09/07/2026

Work hard, dive harder!

From Missouri and Arkansas to Iowa across the midwest and beyond, dive shops and friends showed up to make this Labor Day weekend one for the books! Hit play to check out all the highlights, high fives, and underwater fun from the weekend.

There was no better place to beat the heat than under the surface!

We also want to give a huge CONGRATULATIONS to our newest certified divers:

🤿 Open Water Certifications – Welcome to the underwater world!

💥 Nitrox Certifications – Enjoy those longer bottom times!

✨ Perfect Buoyancy Certifications – Floating like a pro!

Thank you to everyone who chose to spend their Labor Day weekend with us—we loved having you at Mermet Springs!

What was your favorite memory from the weekend? Drop it in the comments below!

09/07/2026

From all of us at Mermet Springs to you and your families, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and very Happy Labor Day!

We can’t wait to see you soon! 🤿