Blackhawk Spring, Burlington, IA

## Overview Blackhawk Spring is a striking natural spring that emerges from a limestone bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa. The water flows from Blackhawk Cave, a small cavern carved over centuries by the persistent movement of the spring water itself. Once the water exits the cave, it cascades down a picturesque waterfall before pooling on the bluff among lush vegetation, where frogs and other wildlife make their home. The spring carries deep historical and cultural significance. Chief Black Hawk and his warriors are said to have used this spring during their time in the Burlington area. The indigenous name for the region was "Shoquoquon" (also spelled Shok-ko-kon), meaning "Flint Hills" — a reference to the rocky bluffs along the river. The spring has long been a gathering place and water source, connecting visitors today to a tradition that stretches back generations. Blackhawk Spring is situated within Crapo Park, an 85-acre botanical garden and arboretum that is one of Burlington's most beloved green spaces. The park features sweeping views of the Mississippi River, a historic log cabin museum, and a band shell — all of which sit near the spring. ## Directions 1. Head to **Crapo Park** in Burlington, Iowa. The park is well known locally — nearly anyone in Burlington can point you in the right direction. 2. Enter the park via **Parkway Drive** or **Dankwardt Drive**. 3. Find the **Log Cabin Museum** near the **band shell** that overlooks the river. You can park in this area. 4. From the museum and band shell, continue on foot along the bluff for approximately **75 yards** until you reach the mouth of **Blackhawk Cave**. 5. The spring water pours from the walls inside the cave. Some visitors prefer to walk roughly **15 feet into the cave** to collect water directly where it flows from the rock face. **GPS Coordinates:** 40.780296, -91.100533 ## What to Expect Blackhawk Spring is a genuinely beautiful and somewhat hidden gem within Crapo Park. The cave entrance is modest but atmospheric — you can clearly see how the flowing water has sculpted the limestone over time. Inside, water streams from the cave walls, and the sound of dripping and flowing water fills the space. Outside the cave, the spring water spills down a natural waterfall and collects in pools along the bluff. The surrounding area is lush with vegetation, and the pools are home to frogs and other small creatures, adding to the sense of a living, vibrant ecosystem. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by indigenous peoples and early settlers. Some visitors still collect water from inside the cave, though water quality has not been independently verified — those who have collected it report that the water tastes clean and fresh. Crapo Park is open daily and closes at 11:59 PM, so there is plenty of time for an evening visit. The park's botanical gardens, arboretum, river overlooks, and the log cabin museum make it easy to turn a spring visit into a longer outing. The walk from the parking area to the cave is short and relatively easy, though the terrain near the bluff can be uneven — sturdy footwear is a good idea.