Big Spring, Pleasant Hill, IL 62366

## Overview Big Spring is a natural spring located in Pleasant Hill Township, Pike County, Illinois. The spring flows continuously from a hillside, channeled through a white pipe that directs the water into a concrete collection basin below. The site is publicly accessible around the clock, free of charge, and visitors are welcome to fill as many containers as they'd like. Pike County sits within the western Illinois hill country along the Mississippi River watershed, an area known for its rolling terrain and numerous natural springs fed by groundwater moving through limestone and sandstone aquifers. Big Spring is one such outlet, where subsurface water finds its way to the surface through the layered bedrock typical of this region. Locals have reportedly been collecting water from Big Spring for many years without issue, and several visitors have noted that home water-testing kits returned favorable results. That said, the water has not been officially certified as potable, so visitors should be aware that they consume it at their own discretion. ## Directions Starting from the town of Pleasant Hill, Illinois: 1. Head **north on Route 11** (also known as Illinois Route 11). 2. Drive approximately **2.7 miles** from town. 3. Watch for a **hill on your right side** of the road. 4. Look for a **white water pipe** protruding from the hillside with water flowing out of it, and a **concrete collection tank** at the base where the water gathers before spilling onto the ground. 5. Pull your vehicle **safely off the road** and walk a few meters into the tree line to reach the spring. **Tip:** The spring can be difficult to spot from the road, especially if foliage is thick. If you've driven about 2.7 miles and haven't seen it, consider parking safely and walking along the roadside to locate the pipe. The sound of flowing water may help guide you. GPS coordinates: **39.480014, −90.8641** ## What to Expect Big Spring is a modest but reliable water source. The water flows at a steady rate from the white pipe — visitors have reported being able to fill roughly **5 gallons in just a couple of minutes**, making it a practical stop for those looking to stock up on spring water. The setting is rural and quiet, nestled just off the road among the wooded hills of Pike County. There are no formal facilities, signage, or amenities at the site — it's a simple, no-frills natural spring. Bring your own containers and be prepared for a short walk from where you park. Because the spring sits a few meters into the woods off a rural highway, sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The site is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should be cautious of icy ground near the collection basin. Seasonal changes in rainfall may affect flow rates, but the spring has been described as a consistent source by those who visit regularly.