Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL

## Overview Tucked inside the Cook County Forest Preserves at the edge of Schiller Woods, this popular public drinking spring on Irving Park Road in Schiller Park, Illinois, has drawn water-seekers from across the greater Chicago area for decades. Unlike the treated Lake Michigan tap water that flows through most Chicago-area faucets, this well-fed spring delivers water that visitors consistently describe as exceptionally clean and refreshing. The pump is maintained by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is freely accessible to the public, making it one of the most well-known natural water sources in the region. A posted limit of 5 gallons per visit is in place to ensure fair access for everyone, though it is not always strictly observed. The spring has developed a loyal following — it's common to see people lined up with jugs and containers, especially on weekends and warm-weather evenings. ## Directions **GPS Coordinates:** 41.956251, –87.851486 **Address:** 9100 Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176 1. From downtown Chicago, head west on **I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway)**. 2. Before the highway flyover, take the exit to merge onto **US-45 (Mannheim Road)** heading north. 3. Continue north on Mannheim Road for a few miles until you reach the intersection with **IL-19 (Irving Park Road)**. 4. Turn right (east) onto **Irving Park Road**. 5. Cross through the village of Schiller Park. Shortly after crossing the Des Plaines River, you will enter **Schiller Woods** (part of the Cook County Forest Preserves). 6. Look for a parking area on your left. Park here and follow the **paved path** a short distance to the spring pump. The spring is easily visible from the parking area and is typically marked by a small gathering of people filling containers. ## What to Expect - **Water Flow:** The pump produces a strong, steady flow, so filling containers goes quickly. - **Water Quality:** Visitors have long reported that the water tastes excellent — noticeably different from standard Chicago municipal water. Countless locals have been collecting water here for years, which speaks to its longstanding reputation, though water quality can vary and no public spring should be assumed safe without independent testing. - **Crowds & Timing:** Expect lines during daytime hours, particularly on weekends and holidays. Late-night visits are generally much quieter, with little to no wait. - **Pump Status:** The pump is occasionally taken offline for maintenance or technical issues. There is no reliable way to check status in advance, so be prepared for the possibility that it may be temporarily out of service. - **Rules:** Respect the posted 5-gallon limit and any additional signage. Keeping the area clean and following posted guidelines helps ensure the spring remains open to the public. - **Surroundings:** The spring sits within the scenic Schiller Woods forest preserve, a pleasant green space along the Des Plaines River with paved trails, picnic areas, and mature tree canopy. It's a nice spot to enjoy a short walk before or after filling up. - **What to Bring:** Bring your own containers — clean jugs or carboys work best. There are no containers provided on-site.