Little Traverse Spring, Leelanau County Michigan

## Overview Little Traverse Spring is an artesian spring located along West Traverse Lake Road in Maple City, within Michigan's scenic Leelanau County. Nestled in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula — a region renowned for its glacially shaped terrain, rolling hills, and pristine inland lakes — this spring flows continuously, 24 hours a day, year-round. Artesian springs like this one are fed by underground aquifers where natural pressure forces water to the surface without the need for pumping, a hallmark of the limestone and glacial drift geology found throughout northwestern Lower Michigan. The spring has been used as a regular drinking water source by local visitors, with at least one longtime user reporting it as their sole water supply for over three years. Water testing by that user indicated a pH of approximately 6.5, which falls within a slightly acidic to neutral range, and somewhat elevated calcium levels — consistent with water that has traveled through the calcium-rich bedrock common in this part of the state. While the water has been historically used for drinking by locals, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary over time and no official testing guarantees are available. ## Directions 1. From Maple City, head west on West Traverse Lake Road (W Traverse Lake Rd). 2. Continue along W Traverse Lake Rd toward Little Traverse Lake. 3. The spring is located near the address 590 W Traverse Lake Rd, Maple City, MI 49664. 4. GPS coordinates: **44.923292, -85.864079** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss from the road. 5. Look for the artesian flow near the roadside. The spring runs continuously, so you should be able to spot or hear the water. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a steadily flowing artesian spring accessible from the road in a quiet, rural stretch of Leelanau County. The water flows year-round, making it a reliable stop in any season. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Leelanau Peninsula — lush and green in summer, with vibrant fall color in autumn and a serene, snow-covered setting in winter. The spring's calcium content may leave a slight mineral residue over time, though regular users have noted it is not readily apparent in containers. The reported pH of around 6.5 suggests water that is close to neutral. As with any natural, untreated water source, conditions can change, and the water has not been officially certified as potable — though it has been reported as good drinking water by those who use it regularly. Bring your own containers for filling. The area is rural and there are limited amenities nearby, so plan accordingly. Leelanau County offers plenty of additional attractions for a day trip, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, local wineries, and the shores of Lake Michigan, all within a short drive.