About This Spring
## Overview Irontone Spring is a public roadside drinking spring located in Otsego County, Michigan, just a few miles north of the city of Gaylord. Situated within Frank Wilkinson Park, this spring has long served as a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike looking to fill up with fresh, naturally sourced water. The spring's name suggests iron-rich mineral content, which is consistent with the geology of northern Lower Michigan, where glacial deposits and iron-bearing bedrock formations are common. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a well-known local landmark along the Old 27 corridor. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately 44.314844, -85.602364, though the listed address places it near Boon in Wexford County — visitors should note that the spring is most commonly associated with the Gaylord area in Otsego County. It is advisable to use the GPS coordinates for navigation rather than the mailing address. ## Directions 1. From Gaylord, Michigan, head north on Old 27 Road (Old US-27). 2. Continue approximately 3 miles north of Gaylord. 3. Watch for Frank Wilkinson Park on the roadside — the spring is located within the park and is accessible directly from the road. The spring is a roadside stop, so no significant hiking or off-road travel is required to reach it. ## What to Expect Irontone Spring is a classic Michigan roadside spring — easy to access and located right along Old 27 Road within Frank Wilkinson Park. The spring flows at the roadside, making it a quick and convenient stop. The surrounding area is typical of northern Michigan's wooded landscape, with mixed hardwood and conifer forests providing a pleasant, shaded setting. As with any natural spring, water conditions can vary seasonally. The spring has been historically used as a public drinking water source, though water quality can fluctuate and is not guaranteed. Visitors looking to collect water may want to bring their own containers. The park setting offers a nice place to stretch your legs if you're traveling along the Old 27 corridor between Gaylord and points further north.
Getting There
Address
1201, W 30th Rd, Boon, MI 49618, US
GPS Coordinates
44.314844, -85.602364
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. From Gaylord, Michigan, head north on Old 27 Road (Old US-27). 2. Continue approximately 3 miles north of Gaylord. 3. Watch for Frank Wilkinson Park on the roadside — the spring is located within the park and is accessible directly from the road.
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Parking available nearby.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.