Keenes Creek Spring

## Overview Keenes Creek Spring is a public drinking spring located in Hermantown, Minnesota, just west of Duluth along the shores of the St. Louis River watershed. Situated in the rugged terrain of northeastern Minnesota, this spring emerges in an area shaped by ancient glacial activity that carved the landscape thousands of years ago. The region's bedrock — primarily composed of Precambrian volcanic and sedimentary rock — naturally filters groundwater, which surfaces at springs like this one throughout the Duluth-Superior basin. Hermantown and the surrounding area have a long tradition of residents and visitors seeking out natural springs for drinking water. Keenes Creek itself flows through a wooded corridor before eventually joining the St. Louis River system, and the spring that feeds it has historically been used as a local water source. Visitors have reported that the water is clean-tasting and refreshing, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and should be considered untested unless otherwise confirmed by local health authorities. ## Directions 1. From Duluth, head west on US-2 / MN-194 toward Hermantown. 2. The spring is located in the Hermantown area at GPS coordinates **46.7738, -92.1854**. 3. Use these coordinates in your preferred navigation app to reach the approximate location, as the spring may not appear on standard road maps. 4. Look for Keenes Creek and any pull-off areas or access points near the roadside — many Minnesota public drinking springs are marked with a simple pipe or spout near the road. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general area knowledge. Conditions and access points may change seasonally — visiting during warmer months (May–October) typically offers the easiest access.* ## What to Expect Keenes Creek Spring sits in the forested landscape typical of northeastern Minnesota — expect mixed boreal forest with birch, aspen, and conifers surrounding the area. The spring feeds into Keenes Creek, so you may hear the sound of flowing water as you approach. As a public drinking spring, the site has traditionally been used by locals to fill jugs and bottles. The flow rate may vary depending on the season, with spring snowmelt and fall rains typically producing the strongest output. During winter, access may be more challenging due to snow and ice, though some hardy visitors do make the trip year-round. The area around Hermantown offers additional outdoor recreation opportunities, including nearby trails and access to the Superior Hiking Trail system, making this a worthwhile stop as part of a broader exploration of Minnesota's North Shore region.