Indiana Mine – Diamond Drill Hole Spring

## Overview The Indiana Mine – Diamond Drill Hole Spring is a public drinking spring located in Breitung Township, near Iron Mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The spring takes its name from the historic Indiana Mine, one of the many iron ore mining operations that once defined this region of Dickinson County. "Diamond drill hole" refers to a type of exploratory borehole used in mining — drilled with diamond-tipped bits to extract core samples from deep underground. When mining operations ceased, some of these drill holes intercepted underground aquifers, producing artesian flows of cold, clear water that continue to this day. The Menominee Iron Range, where this spring is situated, was a major center of iron mining from the mid-1800s through the 20th century. Many former mine sites across Michigan's Upper Peninsula have become sources of naturally flowing spring water, prized by locals who have collected water from them for generations. The Indiana Mine spring is one such site, where the legacy of the region's mining heritage lives on in the form of a steady flow of groundwater pushed to the surface through the old drill hole. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a popular stop for locals filling jugs and bottles. As with any natural water source, conditions can change over time, and the water has not been independently verified for quality in this listing. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in Breitung Township, just outside Iron Mountain in Dickinson County, Michigan. 2. Navigate to the GPS coordinates **45.83754, -87.99167** for the most precise location. 3. Look for the area associated with the former Indiana Mine site. The spring emerges from an old diamond drill hole and is typically accessible from a roadside or pull-off area. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and the listed address. If you are familiar with this spring and can provide more detailed turn-by-turn directions, your contributions are welcome.* ## What to Expect The Indiana Mine – Diamond Drill Hole Spring is a subsurface artesian-type flow, where water is pushed up through a former mining exploration borehole. Expect a steady stream of cold groundwater — typical of deep-source springs in Michigan's iron country. The surrounding landscape reflects the Upper Peninsula's rugged character: mixed hardwood and conifer forests, rocky terrain, and remnants of the area's mining past. Breitung Township and the greater Iron Mountain area experience harsh winters with heavy snowfall, so access may be more challenging from late November through early April. Spring, summer, and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. The area is rural, so plan accordingly — bring containers if you intend to collect water, and be prepared for limited cell service in some spots. The spring's location in Michigan's historic iron mining district makes it a unique stop for anyone interested in the intersection of natural hydrology and industrial heritage. Nearby attractions include the Iron Mountain Iron Mine (a tourist mine offering underground tours) and the Menominee Range Historical Museum, both of which provide deeper context into the region's rich mining history.