Alcove Spring

## Overview Alcove Spring is a historic natural spring located in Marshall County, Kansas, renowned as one of the most celebrated stops along the Oregon Trail. Situated near Independence Crossing — the point where emigrants forded the Big Blue River — the spring served as a vital resting place and water source for thousands of westward-bound pioneers during the great migrations of the 1840s and 1850s. The name "Alcove Spring" was carved directly into the limestone cliff face by early travelers, and over the years many emigrants added their own names and inscriptions to the rock, creating a remarkable open-air record of frontier passage. The most famous inscription is attributed to Edwin Bryant, a journalist traveling with the Russell Party in 1846, who is widely credited with naming the spring after the natural rock alcove that shelters the waterfall and pool below. The same wagon train included members of the ill-fated Donner-Reed Party, and it was here at Alcove Spring that Sarah Keyes, the elderly grandmother of the Donner Party, passed away and was buried in May 1846 — one of the earliest recorded deaths on the Oregon Trail. A memorial marker at the site commemorates her grave. The spring emerges from a limestone bluff and cascades as a small waterfall into a mossy, sheltered grotto — the "alcove" that inspired its name. The surrounding area features native tallgrass prairie, mature hardwood trees, and wildflowers in season, making it a scenic and peaceful destination. The site is preserved as Alcove Spring Historic Park, a publicly accessible park approximately four miles south of the town of Blue Rapids and roughly six miles north of the community of Waterville. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by travelers and settlers, though water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions 1. From **Blue Rapids, KS**, head south on **River Road (W River Rd)** for approximately four miles. 2. Watch for signage indicating **Alcove Spring Historic Park** on the west side of the road. 3. The park entrance leads to a small parking area. From there, a short trail leads down to the spring and waterfall. Alternatively, from **Waterville, KS**, travel north on W River Road for approximately six miles. The park is located between the two towns along the Big Blue River valley. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.72552, -96.699468 ## What to Expect Visitors will find a well-preserved natural spring flowing from a limestone bluff, forming a picturesque small waterfall that drops into a shaded, mossy alcove. The carved inscriptions on the rock face — including the original "Alcove Spring" lettering and various emigrant names — are still visible and offer a tangible connection to Oregon Trail history. The park features walking trails, interpretive signage about the Oregon Trail and the Donner Party connection, and the Sarah Keyes memorial. The terrain involves some uneven ground and a descent to the spring, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The area is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when wildflowers are in bloom and water flow tends to be strongest. Alcove Spring Historic Park is a free, publicly accessible site. There are no facilities such as restrooms or running water at the park, so plan accordingly. The spring has historically been used as a source of drinking water by pioneers and visitors alike, though modern visitors should be aware that untreated natural water sources can carry risks.