Glen Haven, WI

## Overview Tucked into the bluffs of Grant County, Wisconsin, the Glen Haven Spring is a continuously flowing natural spring emerging from the side of a limestone bluff in the small, out-of-the-way town of Glen Haven. Situated near the banks of the Mississippi River, this quiet community sits within the Driftless Area — a geologically unique region of the Upper Midwest that was never covered by glaciers during the last ice age. The rugged terrain of steep bluffs, deep hollows, and exposed bedrock is what gives rise to springs like this one, as groundwater filters through ancient layers of limestone and dolomite before surfacing along the hillsides. Glen Haven itself is a historic river town with roots stretching back to the lead mining era of the early 1800s. The village's proximity to the Mississippi made it a natural stopping point for river travelers, and springs like this one have long served as sources of fresh water for residents and passersby alike. Today, the spring continues to flow year-round, offering visitors a glimpse of the area's rich natural heritage. ## Directions 1. **GPS the address:** 8631 County Rd V, Glen Haven, WI — this is the nearest private address and will get you into the right area. 2. From County Rd V, look for **Squirrel Hollow Road**. The spring is located approximately **300 feet up Squirrel Hollow Road**, on the side of the bluff. 3. **Note about Dugway Road (sometimes called "Doug Way"):** This is a narrow gravel road that runs roughly 3 miles along the Mississippi River and may appear as a route option on GPS. **Be warned** — this road does not allow vehicles wider than about 10 feet and has sections where the passable width narrows to as little as 30 feet. It is not suitable for large vehicles, RVs, or trailers. Drive with caution and be prepared for tight conditions. 4. The listed GPS coordinates (42.8264, -91.0708) can also be used for navigation directly to the spring area. ## What to Expect The spring flows continuously from the exposed rock face of a bluff, typical of the many hillside seeps and springs found throughout Wisconsin's Driftless Area. The water emerges naturally and runs freely, making it easy to collect if you bring a container. Glen Haven is a very small, quiet town — don't expect amenities or signage pointing you to the spring. The surrounding landscape is scenic and rural, with rolling bluffs, wooded hollows, and views of the Mississippi River valley nearby. If you're traveling along Dugway Road, the drive itself is a memorable experience — a narrow gravel lane hugging the river bluffs — but exercise caution due to the road's extremely tight width. The spring has historically been used as a local drinking water source, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. Visitors have noted that the flow remains steady throughout the year. The area is best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Grant County's scenic river bluffs and the charming small towns of Wisconsin's southwestern corner.