Island Park Artesian Spring, Elkhart, IN, 46516

## Overview Island Park Artesian Spring is a free-flowing natural artesian spring located on a small island in the middle of the St. Joseph River in Elkhart, Indiana. The spring sits within a public park that is accessible year-round and provides water to visitors at no cost. The flow has been reported as steady and strong enough to fill large containers relatively quickly, making it a popular stop for locals who regularly collect spring water here. The spring has reportedly been tested multiple times and the water has been found suitable for consumption on each occasion, though visitors should note that water quality can vary over time and independent testing is always a wise precaution. The spring is not connected to any municipal water supply — it is a naturally occurring artesian source, meaning the water rises to the surface under its own pressure from an underground aquifer. Elkhart's Island Park itself is a charming green space surrounded by the St. Joseph River, connected to the mainland by pedestrian bridges. The park has long served as a community gathering spot, and the artesian spring at its center is one of its most distinctive features. ## Directions The spring is located at approximately **41.69155, -85.971215**, near the intersection of **N Main St & E Sycamore St, Elkhart, IN 46516**. The spring is situated at the center of the island within the park. There are three pedestrian access points to reach the island: 1. **From the north** — Enter via Pulaski Park and cross the pedestrian bridge onto the island. 2. **From the east** — Access the island from near Sanders Pianowski LLP. 3. **From the south** — Enter through Tongxiang Park and walk across to the island. Once on the island, head toward the center of the park — the spring is located there and is generally easy to spot. ## What to Expect The artesian spring flows freely and produces a consistent stream of water. Visitors frequently bring jugs and large containers to fill up. Because there may be some construction or infrastructure around the spring spout, it can sometimes be a bit awkward to position containers directly under the flow. Many regular visitors bring short lengths of tubing or a funnel to make filling easier — a helpful tip if you plan to collect a significant amount of water. The island park setting is scenic and peaceful, surrounded by the flowing St. Joseph River. The pedestrian bridges connecting the island to the surrounding neighborhoods make for a pleasant short walk. The park is publicly accessible and there is no fee to visit or collect water. Keep in mind that conditions around the spring may change seasonally or due to ongoing park maintenance. If you're visiting for the first time, the northern approach from Pulaski Park tends to be the most straightforward route to the island.