Lake Nebagamon / Brule River Spring

## Overview The Lake Nebagamon / Brule River Spring is a public drinking spring located in the northwoods of Wisconsin, near the small community of Lake Nebagamon in Douglas County. Situated along County Road S, this spring sits within the watershed of the renowned Bois Brule River — one of Wisconsin's most celebrated trout streams, historically known for its cold, spring-fed waters. The region's geology, shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, gives rise to numerous natural springs that feed the area's pristine rivers and lakes. This particular spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers passing through the area, and visitors have reported the water to be clean and refreshing. The Brule River corridor has a storied past: it served as a vital travel route for the Ojibwe people and French fur traders, and later became a favored retreat for U.S. presidents, including Calvin Coolidge, who spent a summer nearby in 1928. The abundance of natural springs in the area is a defining feature of the landscape, contributing to the cold, clear flows that make the Brule River a world-class fishery. ## Directions 1. From the town of Lake Nebagamon, head south on **County Road S**. 2. The spring is located along County Road S, near the address range of **9121–9139 County Rd S, Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849**. 3. Watch for a roadside spring or pipe outlet on the side of the road — these types of springs in northern Wisconsin are often marked by a simple pipe emerging from the hillside or a small pull-off area. 4. GPS coordinates: **46.43454, -91.67503** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring may not appear on all mapping services. ## What to Expect This is a roadside public spring typical of northern Wisconsin — expect a modest, natural setup rather than a developed park. Springs in this region commonly flow from a pipe or natural outlet near the road, making it easy to fill water bottles or jugs directly. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense boreal forest, rolling glacial terrain, and the quiet beauty of Wisconsin's northwoods. The area around Lake Nebagamon and the Brule River offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation. Visitors often combine a stop at the spring with exploration of the Bois Brule River State Forest, which is located nearby. Water flow may vary seasonally, with the strongest flows typically occurring in spring and early summer as snowmelt recharges the aquifer. As with any natural spring, water quality can fluctuate, and the water has not been independently tested or certified — visitors should use their own discretion.