Brule River Spring

## Overview Brule River Spring is a public drinking spring located along County Road S near Lake Nebagamon in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Situated at the edge of the Brule River State Forest — one of Wisconsin's most celebrated natural areas — this roadside spring has long served as a convenient stop for locals and visitors exploring the region. The Brule River corridor is steeped in history. The Bois Brule River (often simply called the Brule) has been a vital waterway for centuries, used by the Ojibwe people and later by French fur traders as a key portage route connecting Lake Superior to the Mississippi River watershed. Several U.S. presidents, including Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower, famously fished the Brule, earning it the nickname "River of Presidents." Springs like this one feed the Brule's famously cold, clear waters, which sustain one of the finest brook and brown trout fisheries in the Upper Midwest. The spring emerges in an area underlain by glacial deposits and Precambrian bedrock, typical of northwestern Wisconsin's geology. Groundwater filtered through these ancient formations often produces notably clean, cold water. This spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by passersby, though water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Lake Nebagamon, WI**, head south on **County Road S**. 2. Continue along County Road S for approximately 2–3 miles. The spring is located on the roadside near the **9121–9139 block of County Road S**. 3. Watch for a pull-off area or pipe along the road — roadside springs in this region are often marked by a simple pipe emerging from the hillside or embankment. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 46.4344, -91.6749. Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended, as the spring can be easy to miss. ## What to Expect Brule River Spring is a roadside spring, making it easily accessible by car without any hiking required. Visitors can expect a modest flow of cold groundwater — springs in this part of Wisconsin typically run year-round, though flow may diminish during dry periods or late summer. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of northern Wisconsin: dense mixed forests of pine, birch, and aspen, with the Brule River State Forest providing a scenic backdrop. The area is popular with anglers, canoeists, and hikers, especially during the warmer months. If you're visiting the spring, consider combining your trip with a stop at the Brule River or one of the many trails in the state forest. The spring has been historically used as a source of drinking water by travelers along County Road S, and visitors have reported the water tastes clean and cold. However, as with any natural spring, water quality has not been officially tested or guaranteed — conditions can change seasonally. Parking is limited to the road shoulder or a small pull-off, so use caution when stopping, especially during busier summer weekends. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions along the road and near the spring outlet.