Harbor Spring, Harbor Springs, Michigan

## Overview Harbor Spring is a natural artesian well located in the charming lakeside town of Harbor Springs, Michigan, in Emmet County. This free-flowing spring produces clear, naturally pressurized water that rises to the surface without the need for pumping — a hallmark of true artesian wells. Harbor Springs, the town itself, was named for the numerous natural springs found throughout the area, and this particular spring is one of the gems that helped give the community its identity. The Harbor Springs area sits along the northern shore of Little Traverse Bay, a region shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The limestone and glacial till formations underlying this part of northern Lower Michigan create ideal conditions for artesian aquifers, where water is trapped between impermeable rock layers and naturally pressurized. The result is a steady flow of cool, clear water that has drawn visitors and residents alike for generations. The water from this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers passing through the area. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at approximately **6990 Hughston Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740**. 2. From downtown Harbor Springs, head east on Main Street (M-119). 3. Turn north onto Hughston Road and follow it until you reach the spring site near the 6990 address marker. 4. GPS coordinates: **45.442875, -85.007765** — use these for the most reliable navigation, especially if cell service is spotty in the area. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a naturally flowing artesian well producing clear water year-round. The spring is publicly accessible and is one of several natural springs scattered throughout the Harbor Springs area. The water flows continuously under its own natural pressure, making it easy to fill containers directly from the source. The surrounding area is scenic northern Michigan at its finest — rolling terrain, mature hardwood forests, and the fresh air of the Little Traverse Bay region. Harbor Springs itself is a well-known resort town with shops, restaurants, and access to beaches, so a visit to the spring pairs well with a broader day trip. Water flow may vary slightly with seasonal conditions, though artesian wells in this region tend to maintain relatively consistent output. As with any natural water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can change over time and has not been independently verified for this listing. The water has been reported to taste clean and fresh, and locals have long valued it as a drinking water source, but no current testing data is available.