Indian Springs @ Petrifying Springs Park, Kenosha, WI

## Overview Indian Springs is a cold, natural spring located within the scenic grounds of Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The park — one of the oldest and largest in the Kenosha County park system — takes its name from the mineral-rich waters that once deposited calcium and other minerals on objects left in the springs, giving them a "petrified" appearance. Indian Springs is one of the notable water features within the park and has long been a favorite stop for visitors seeking fresh, naturally cold spring water. An old stone structure, which once collected water flowing down the hill from the source, is still visible along the trail and serves as a reminder of the spring's long history of use. Near this structure, visitors will find a large meditation rock — a peaceful spot to sit and take in the surroundings. Continuing up the hill, a long metal pipe leads to the spring's source, where cold, clear water flows freely. Visitors have reported that the water is exceptionally refreshing and among the best-tasting spring water they've encountered. Nearby, there is also a reconstruction of an abandoned well house with an artesian water well that still functions. It's worth noting that the artesian well water has a strong sulfur smell, which is common in mineral-rich groundwater — the spring water itself, by contrast, has been described as clear and odorless. ## Directions 1. Head to **Petrifying Springs Park**, located at 5555 7th Street (also accessible via Petrifying Springs Road), Kenosha, WI 53144. 2. Once inside the park, drive to **Parking Area 4**. 3. From Parking Area 4, follow the marked **Indian Spring Trail** on foot. 4. Along the trail, you'll first encounter the old stone collection structure and the meditation rock down the hill from the source. 5. Continue up the hill past the stone structure until you reach the **long metal pipe** that leads directly to the spring source. *The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.* A park map (PDF) has historically been available through the Kenosha County Public Works website for additional orientation. ## What to Expect The Indian Spring Trail is a pleasant, relatively short walk through the wooded landscape of Petrifying Springs Park. The trail passes through mature hardwood forest and follows the natural contour of the hillside. The old stone water collection structure is a charming historical feature worth pausing to appreciate, and the nearby meditation rock offers a quiet place to rest. At the source, the water flows through a long metal pipe and runs cold year-round. The spring water has been reported to taste clean and exceptionally hydrating, with no noticeable sulfur odor — unlike the nearby artesian well, which carries a distinct sulfur smell typical of deep mineral wells. While the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by park visitors, water quality can vary seasonally, and no official potability guarantee is provided. Petrifying Springs Park itself is a sprawling 360-acre county park with picnic areas, golf courses, trails, and the Pike River running through it, making a visit to Indian Springs easy to combine with a full day of outdoor recreation. The park can be busy on warm-weather weekends, but the spring trail tends to be quieter than the main picnic areas.