Elmer's Fountain

## Overview Elmer's Fountain is a public drinking spring located near the town of Mullan in Shoshone County, Idaho, just off Interstate 90. Situated in the heart of Idaho's historic Silver Valley mining district, this roadside fountain is a charming and unique water source that appears to have been constructed from repurposed parts of the area's once-thriving mining industry. The Silver Valley was one of the most productive silver, lead, and zinc mining regions in the world from the late 1800s through the 20th century, and Elmer's Fountain stands as a creative tribute to that industrial heritage. The fountain offers a convenient stop for travelers passing through on I-90, providing a refreshing drink of naturally sourced water in a setting steeped in mining-era character. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a beloved local landmark. ## Directions 1. Travel along **Interstate 90** through the Idaho panhandle toward the town of **Mullan, Idaho**. 2. Take **Exit 66** (Mile Marker 66) off I-90. 3. The fountain is located near the exit area, close to the town of Mullan. The nearest street address for navigation purposes is **306 3rd Street, Mullan, ID 83846**. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 47.460678, -115.822676 — use these for precise navigation, especially if your GPS doesn't recognize the exact location. ## What to Expect Elmer's Fountain is a roadside public drinking spring that's easy to access directly from the interstate. The fountain itself is a distinctive, hand-built structure that appears to incorporate old mining equipment and industrial parts — a fitting nod to the Silver Valley's deep mining roots. It makes for an interesting photo opportunity as well as a water stop. The surrounding area is mountainous and forested, typical of the northern Idaho panhandle landscape. The nearby town of Mullan is a small, quiet community at the eastern end of the Silver Valley, close to the Idaho-Montana border and Lookout Pass. Visitors traveling between Wallace, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana, will find this a convenient and memorable place to pause. The water has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers alike. As with any natural spring, water conditions can vary, and no formal water quality testing results are currently available for this site. The fountain is accessible year-round, though winter conditions in this mountainous region can bring snow and ice, so exercise caution during colder months. There is no fee to visit.