Little Traverse Spring

## Overview Little Traverse Spring is a public drinking spring located in the Little Traverse Beach Park area near Alanson, Michigan. Situated in Emmet County at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this spring sits in a region renowned for its pristine freshwater resources and glacially shaped landscape. The area around Little Traverse Bay and the Crooked River watershed has long been valued for its clean, cold groundwater — a product of the deep glacial deposits that filter water through layers of sand and gravel left behind by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. The name "Little Traverse" has deep roots in the region's history, derived from the French "La Petite Traverse," referring to the shorter of two canoe crossings across the top of Lake Michigan used by early French voyageurs and the Odawa (Ottawa) people who have called this area home for centuries. Natural springs throughout this part of northern Michigan have historically been used as drinking water sources by both Indigenous communities and European settlers. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near **Little Traverse Beach Park** in Alanson, MI 49706. 2. From downtown Alanson, head toward Little Traverse Beach Park. The GPS coordinates **45.4176, -84.8649** can be entered into a navigation app to guide you directly to the area. 3. Once at the park, look for the spring access point near the public facilities. *Note: These directions are based on the listed address and GPS coordinates. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact location upon arrival, as spring access points can sometimes be set back from main park areas.* ## What to Expect Little Traverse Spring is situated in the scenic surroundings of northern Michigan's lake country. The region is characterized by mixed hardwood and conifer forests, rolling terrain, and abundant waterways. Little Traverse Beach Park provides a pleasant setting with access to the shoreline, making a visit to the spring easy to combine with a day of exploring the area. As a public drinking spring, the water has historically been used by locals and visitors as a source of fresh drinking water. Northern Michigan's glacial aquifers are known for producing cold, clear water with a clean taste, though water quality can vary over time and no guarantees of potability should be assumed. The Alanson area offers additional attractions for visitors, including the nearby Inland Waterway — a historic 38-mile chain of rivers and lakes stretching from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron — and the charming small towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs just a short drive to the west. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should be prepared for snow and cold temperatures typical of northern Michigan.