Crooked River Spring, Alanson, MI

## Overview Crooked River Spring is a public drinking spring located near the small village of Alanson in Emmet County, Michigan. Situated along US-31, this roadside spring offers convenient access for travelers passing through the area. The spring takes its name from the nearby Crooked River, a scenic waterway that connects Crooked Lake to Burt Lake and is well known among paddlers and anglers in northern Lower Michigan. Visitors have historically used this spring as a source of fresh drinking water, and it remains a popular stop for locals and those exploring the Inland Waterway region. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately 45.453541, -84.784126, placing it just off the highway near the entrance to Alanson. ## Directions 1. Head toward the village of Alanson along **US-31** (also known as US Highway 31). 2. As you approach or exit Alanson, look for the spring on the **opposite side of the highway** from the main village. 3. The spring is located near a private residence at approximately **6427 Walsh's Way, Alanson, MI 49706**. 4. You can park your car directly at the spring — there is roadside access, though please be respectful of the nearby residence. *Note: The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.* ## What to Expect Crooked River Spring is a straightforward, no-frills roadside spring. You can pull up and park your vehicle right next to the water source, making it one of the more convenient public springs in northern Michigan. The spring is located near a private residence, so visitors should be courteous — keep noise to a minimum and avoid lingering unnecessarily. The surrounding area is characteristic of Emmet County's rolling terrain and mixed hardwood-conifer forests. Alanson itself is a charming village situated along the Inland Waterway, a historic chain of rivers and lakes that stretches across northern Lower Michigan. If you're visiting the spring, consider exploring the Crooked River or nearby Burt Lake State Park for additional outdoor recreation. Because this is an unmonitored natural spring, water quality has not been officially verified. The spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike, but conditions can change over time. Seasonal variations — particularly during spring snowmelt or heavy rains — may affect water clarity and flow.