Hill Road Spring, Rapid City, MI

## Overview Hill Road Spring is a natural public drinking spring located just off State Highway 72 near Rapid City in Kalkaska County, Michigan. The spring emerges from a hillside approximately two feet above ground level, producing a steady flow of water that feeds into a nearby stream. Nestled in the rolling terrain of northern Lower Michigan — a region well known for its abundant groundwater and natural springs fed by glacial aquifer systems — Hill Road Spring has served as a convenient roadside water source for locals and travelers passing through the area. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of Kalkaska County's mix of hardwood forests and gently sloping hills, shaped thousands of years ago by glacial activity. This geological history is what gives the region its prolific spring activity, as water filters through layers of sand and gravel deposited by retreating glaciers before resurfacing at points like this one. ## Directions 1. Head to State Highway 72 (M-72) near the intersection with Hill Road, between Rapid City and Williamsburg in Kalkaska County. 2. Turn onto Hill Road from Hwy 72. 3. Follow Hill Road downhill toward the bottom — the spring is located just off the road at the base of the hill. 4. There is no dedicated parking lot. Park carefully on the shoulder of Hwy 72 near the Hill Road intersection, making sure your vehicle is fully off the travel lane. 5. The spring is a short walk from where you park. **GPS Coordinates:** 44.779945, -85.296051 ## What to Expect Hill Road Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring. The water emerges from the hillside about two feet above ground level and flows continuously into a small stream below. There are no formal facilities, signage, or designated parking — just the spring itself in a natural setting. Visitors typically pull off to the side of Hwy 72 and walk a short distance to reach the water source. The spring is accessible year-round in theory, but during winter months when heavy snowfall is common in Kalkaska County, reaching the spring can be difficult or even impossible. Snow may obscure the roadside pull-off area and make the short walk to the spring treacherous. The best time to visit is from late spring through fall when road conditions are clear and the surrounding forest is at its most inviting. Because this is an unimproved natural spring with no posted water quality testing, visitors should be aware that the water has not been officially certified as safe for consumption. That said, it has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents and passersby. If you plan to collect water, bringing your own containers is essential — there are no cups or collection tools on-site.