Grotto Spring, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

## Overview Grotto Spring is located on the grounds of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of the oldest American replicas of the famed Lourdes grotto in France. Nestled on the mountainside campus of Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, this spring has been a destination for pilgrims and visitors for well over a century. The Grotto itself was established in 1805 by Father John DuBois, a French émigré priest who later became the Bishop of New York. According to tradition, DuBois discovered the rocky grotto while walking through the forest and was struck by its resemblance to sacred sites in his homeland. He placed a copper crucifix at the site, and it gradually became a place of prayer and devotion. Over the decades, the shrine grew into a full pilgrimage destination, and the spring water flowing from the grotto became an integral part of the experience. The spring water has been reported to have a very low mineral content, with a user-measured TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading of just 10 ppm — remarkably pure. Visitors have described the water as tasting clean and delicious. The spring has historically been used as a source of drinking water by pilgrims visiting the shrine, and the water is sometimes referred to as "Blessed Grotto Water" in the context of the shrine's spiritual traditions. The Grotto is a designated public drinking spring and remains a cherished site where natural beauty, history, and faith converge in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains of western Maryland. ## Directions 1. From the town of Emmitsburg, MD, head south on US-15 S. 2. Take the exit for **Grotto Road** (also signed for Mount St. Mary's University / National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes). 3. Turn onto **Grotto Road** and follow it toward the university campus. 4. Continue to the **National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes** — the address is **16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727**. 5. Park at or near the **Miller Family Visitor's Center**, which is close to the Grotto entrance. 6. Follow the paths from the Visitor's Center to the Grotto, where the spring is located. **Hours:** The Grotto grounds are open from **8:30 AM to 4:30 PM**, with gates closing by **5:00 PM**. Plan to arrive with enough time to explore before closing. ## What to Expect The spring is situated within the scenic, wooded grounds of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, perched on the western slope of the Catoctin Mountains. The setting is peaceful and well-maintained, with forest paths, religious statues, and devotional areas winding through the hillside. The rocky grotto itself is a striking natural feature enhanced by shrine architecture. The spring water emerges near the grotto and has been reported to taste exceptionally clean, with a very low TDS reading of approximately 10 ppm. This suggests minimal dissolved minerals — among the purest readings you'll find at a natural spring. The Miller Family Visitor's Center is located nearby and serves as a good starting point for your visit. The grounds are accessible via paved and gravel paths, though some areas on the hillside may involve moderate walking on uneven terrain. The site is a functioning religious shrine, so visitors should be respectful of those who are there for prayer and devotion. The Grotto is especially popular during spring and fall, and it can draw large crowds on religious holidays and during university events. Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours will offer a quieter, more contemplative experience. The surrounding Catoctin Mountain landscape is beautiful year-round, with vibrant foliage in autumn and lush greenery in summer.