Grotto Spring

## Overview Grotto Spring is a public drinking spring located on the grounds of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County, this spring has long been a cherished stop for visitors to the historic shrine. The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the oldest American replicas of the famous Lourdes grotto in France, with origins dating back to the early 1800s when the mountain was first used as a place of prayer by the founders of Mount St. Mary's. The spring's setting within these sacred grounds adds a layer of spiritual and historical significance that few public springs can match. Visitors have reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing. A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading of just 10 ppm has been recorded, indicating remarkably low mineral content — among the purest readings you'll find at a natural spring. This very low TDS suggests the water is lightly filtered through the surrounding mountain geology, resulting in a soft, crisp taste. ## Directions 1. Head to **Emmitsburg, Maryland** and make your way to **Mount St. Mary's University**. 2. Follow signs toward the **National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes**, located along **Grotto Road (16330 Grotto Rd, Emmitsburg, MD 21727)**. 3. Enter the shrine grounds and look for the **Miller Family Visitor's Center** nearby — the spring is located within the shrine area. 4. GPS coordinates: **39.681562, -77.356217** **Hours:** The grounds are open **8:30 AM to 4:30 PM**, with gates closing by **5:00 PM**. Plan to arrive with enough time to explore and fill up before the gates close. ## What to Expect Grotto Spring sits within the beautifully maintained grounds of the National Shrine Grotto, surrounded by wooded hillsides, religious statuary, walking paths, and peaceful gardens. The shrine itself is a popular pilgrimage destination and tourist attraction, so the area is well-kept and accessible. The spring is easy to reach — no rugged hiking is required. The Miller Family Visitor's Center is nearby and can serve as a helpful landmark when locating the spring. The grounds feature paved and gravel paths suitable for most visitors. With a TDS reading of approximately 10 ppm, the water has been reported to taste remarkably pure and delicious. Visitors often bring containers to fill. Keep in mind that the spring is on university and shrine property, so be respectful of the grounds, other visitors, and any posted guidelines. The Catoctin Mountain setting makes this a scenic visit any time of year, though fall foliage season is particularly stunning. The shrine grounds are free to visit during posted hours, making this an easy and rewarding stop for spring water enthusiasts traveling through western Maryland.