Crystal Springs, Crystal Springs, North Dakota

## Overview Crystal Springs is a natural public drinking spring located near the small community of Crystal Springs in Kidder County, North Dakota. The spring flows continuously from a charming mortar and stone fountain, delivering a steady pipe flow year-round. Despite occasional reports suggesting the spring has dried up, visitors have confirmed that the water continues to flow and is reported to taste excellent. The spring holds a special place in the memories of locals and summer visitors alike. As one longtime visitor, T. Huisinga, recalls: *"We used to walk from camp to drink from the fountain as kids. It tasted great!"* The town of Crystal Springs itself was likely named for the clear, natural springs in the area, and the spring has served as a beloved refreshment stop for generations of North Dakotans. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — making it accessible to travelers along the I-94 corridor at any time. ## Directions 1. From **Interstate 94**, take the exit for **Tappen / Crystal Springs** (near Tappen, ND 58487). 2. Head toward the small community of **Crystal Springs** via **Old Highway 10** (also known as the historic route that predates I-94 through this stretch of central North Dakota). 3. The spring is located in the Crystal Springs area, approximately **one mile from the Crystal Springs Baptist Youth Camp**, which sits along Old Highway 10. 4. Look for the distinctive **mortar and stone fountain** with a continuously flowing pipe — the spring is hard to miss once you're in the area. **GPS Coordinates:** 46.87915, -99.456353 ## What to Expect Visitors will find a classic roadside spring setup: a sturdy mortar and stone fountain with water flowing continuously from a pipe. The flow is steady and reliable across seasons, and the water has historically been used as a drinking water source by campers, locals, and travelers passing through central North Dakota. The surrounding area is quintessential North Dakota prairie — open, quiet, and peaceful. The nearby Crystal Springs Baptist Youth Camp, about a mile down Old Highway 10, serves as a useful landmark if you're navigating to the spring for the first time. Because the spring is located near I-94, it makes for a convenient and refreshing stop for road-trippers crossing the state. There are no posted hours or access restrictions — the spring is available around the clock. No facilities or amenities are present at the spring itself, so plan accordingly.