Bottoms Spring

## Overview Bottoms Spring is a beloved natural spring located along State Route 3 near the small community of Grand Tower in Jackson County, Illinois. Nestled in the area known locally as "The Bottoms" — a rural stretch of the Mississippi River floodplain — this roadside spring has been a trusted water source for generations of local families. With a population of only around 200 residents, Grand Tower and its surrounding area retain a quiet, unspoiled character, and the spring is a cherished part of daily life here. Local residents have relied on Bottoms Spring for as long as anyone can remember. One longtime visitor recalls that their grandmother refused to drink any other water, regularly sending family members to fill up gallon after gallon from this very spring. That tradition continues today — the spring is still used daily by families in the area. The water has long been regarded by locals as exceptionally clean and good-tasting, though visitors should be aware that no formal water quality testing results are publicly available. Grand Tower itself sits along the Mississippi River at a geologically significant stretch of Southern Illinois, where ancient limestone bluffs and river-carved terrain create the conditions for natural springs to emerge. State Route 3, which runs alongside the spring, is a major north-south corridor connecting communities across the region and offering scenic views of the Mississippi River valley. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 57 or Carbondale, head west toward Murphysboro on IL-13. 2. From Murphysboro, take State Route 3 south toward Grand Tower. 3. Continue along State Route 3 as it follows the Mississippi River floodplain through "The Bottoms." 4. The spring is located right next to the highway near the address 9145 State Route 3, Grand Tower, IL 62942. 5. Watch for the spring on the roadside — it is easily accessible from the highway without a significant hike. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.688523, -89.477377 ## What to Expect Bottoms Spring is a convenient, roadside natural spring — no hiking or off-trail navigation required. The spring sits right alongside State Route 3, making it easy to stop and fill up containers while passing through. The surrounding landscape is flat river-bottom terrain typical of the Mississippi floodplain, with lush vegetation and a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Locals have reported that the water flows consistently and has been used as a drinking water source for generations. The spring appears to be well-known within the community, and you may encounter other visitors filling jugs during your stop. As with any natural, untreated water source, the water has not been officially tested or certified as potable — visitors should use their own discretion. The area around Grand Tower offers additional points of interest for those exploring Southern Illinois, including views of the Mississippi River and the dramatic rock formations of the Shawnee Hills region nearby. If you're traveling State Route 3, Bottoms Spring makes for a worthwhile and refreshing stop.