  Mermet
Springs
Metropolis,
IL
•
Find
Out More About The Quarry: www.mermetsprings.com.
•
Download
the map and directions.
Highlights:
Attractions: School bus, Boeing 727 used in movie "US
Marshalls", Cessna airplanes, semi truck, anchored boat,
100’ wall
Distance: 3 1/2 hours (190 miles)
Amenities: Air fills, on-site camping, limited concessions,
hot showers, picnic shelters, changing rooms, dive store,
access ramps, chairlift for divers with disabilities, docks
with stairs
Max Depth: 120’
Visibility: 15'-60'
Water Temp: 40 F (winter) / mid-80s (summer)
Phone: 618-527-3483
 
Directions:
• Olive east to I-270 north
• I-270 north to I-70 east
• I-70 east to I-64 east (near Gateway Arch)
• At about 70 miles, exit onto I-57 south near Mt. Vernon,
IL
• At about 48 miles, exit onto I-24 east, near Goreville,
IL
• At about 12 miles, take Exit 14, which is US Highway
45, and make a right (south) through Vienna
• The entrance to Mermet Springs is about 10 miles down
and will be on your right (west) side
NOTE:
If you miss I-24 Exit 14, take the very next exit, Exit 16.
Turn right (west) on Route 146 and you'll drive about two
miles into downtown Vienna. Turn left (south) on US Highway
45 and proceed to Mermet Springs.
 About
the Quarry:
An 8.5 acre spring fed stone quarry with 100 foot walls and
wooded hills encompassing nearly half of its perimeter. The
sheer walls can be followed to depths of 120 ft.
For
those who have never been to Mermet, it's one of the must
dives in the midwest. Mermet is located on US 45 between Vienna
and Metropolis, IL. Mermet's claim to fame is the US Marshals'
"Con Air" 727 which was sunk there after being used
in the Warner Brothers film US Marshals. The plane's
fuselage provides a unique swim through opportunity for the
midwestern diver.
Topographically,
Mermet Springs is similar to other quarries. Shallower on
one side than the other, with a maximum depth of approximately
120' on the deep side. Needless to say, it is fairly cold
down there - bottom temperature below the second thermocline
is usually 42F.
The
owner, Glen Faith, has put a lot of effort into making Mermet
a "First Class" diving facility and the Web site
is a great resource to learn more about this facility.
Early
spring and late fall are some of the best times to dive at
Mermet. The student population is relatively low - outside
of peak season to do certifications - and the visibility is
usually up.
Entrance
fee for the quarry is $20.00 per diver for the day. Non-divers
are charged $5.00. Certified instructors and children under
6 are free.
 Rules:
• No parking in front of the pavillions, but you can
pull up to unload
• No alcohol
• You must show your c-card or be accompanied by an instructor
• No solo diving - you must have a buddy
• No pets
• No fishing or spearfishing
Lodging:
Metropolis Inn
2119 East Fifth, Metropolis, Illinois 62960
618-524-3723
Room rates start at $59 + tax per
night
Limited Inn
Exit 16 on I-24, 709 E. Vine, Vienna, Illinois 62995
618-658-6300
Room rates start at $55 + tax per
night
Super
8 Metropolis
2055 Fifth St., Metropolis, Illinois 62920
618-524-8200
Room rates start at $65 + tax per night (discounts available)
Reviews:
•
Shore
Diving.com
•
Dive
Training.com
•
Download
the map and directions.
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