
About This Spring
## Overview Bath Tub Spring is a charming roadside spring tucked into a hillside in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, near the small community of Soldiers Grove in Crawford County. A stainless steel pipe channels water from deep within the hillside, delivering a steady flow into an old cast-iron bathtub now beautifully weathered and covered in lichen. The spring has a reported flow rate of approximately 100 gallons per hour, providing a reliable and continuous stream of water. The Driftless Area — so named because it was bypassed by the last glaciers — is known for its deeply carved valleys, cold-water springs, and unique geology. Springs like this one emerge where groundwater meets exposed layers of sandstone and dolomite, filtered through ancient bedrock before reaching the surface. Bath Tub Spring is one of many natural water sources in the region that have historically been used by locals and travelers alike as drinking water sources, though water quality should always be considered before consumption. The rustic setup — a steel pipe feeding into a vintage cast-iron tub — gives this spring a distinctive character that has made it a favorite stop for spring hunters and road-trippers exploring Crawford County's scenic back roads. ## Directions 1. From the Soldiers Grove area, head south on **Highway 14** toward Viroqua. 2. Turn right onto **Highway 27/82** and continue along this road, veering left to stay on **Highway 27/82**. 3. Follow the road until you reach the small community of **Rising Sun, WI**. 4. At Rising Sun, turn left onto **Highway 27 / County Road C**. 5. Follow County Road C for approximately **2 miles**. 6. Watch for the bathtub spring at the bottom of a hill on your **left side**. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.389664, -90.886074 The spring is located roadside near the address 50965 County Road C, Soldiers Grove, WI 54655, making it relatively easy to access by car. ## What to Expect Bath Tub Spring is a low-key, roadside stop — don't expect facilities or signage. The spring flows continuously from a stainless steel pipe embedded in the hillside, emptying into the iconic cast-iron bathtub that gives the spring its name. The tub is well-aged and covered in lichen, lending the site a picturesque, almost folk-art quality. With a flow rate reported at around 100 gallons per hour, the water runs steadily and is easy to collect from the pipe. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents and visitors, though it has not been officially tested or certified as potable — visitors should use their own discretion. The surrounding landscape is quintessential Driftless Area: rolling, unglaciated hills, wooded hollows, and quiet country roads. The spring sits at the base of a hill along County Road C, so pulling off the road and parking briefly is straightforward. This is a great stop to combine with exploring the scenic byways of Crawford and Vernon counties, or as a refreshing pause on the way to or from Viroqua or Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Getting There
Address
50965, County Rd C, Soldiers Grove, WI 54655, US
GPS Coordinates
43.389664, -90.886074
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. From the Soldiers Grove area, head south on **Highway 14** toward Viroqua. 2. Turn right onto **Highway 27/82** and continue along this road, veering left to stay on **Highway 27/82**. 3. Follow the road until you reach the small community of **Rising Sun, WI**. 4. At Rising Sun, turn left onto **Highway 27 / County Road C**. 5. Follow County Road C for approximately **2 miles**. 6. Watch for the bathtub spring at the bottom of a hill on your **left side**.
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Water flows from a pipe or spout.
Parking available nearby.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.