Little Yellowstone Spring, Kathryn, ND

## Overview Little Yellowstone Spring is a hand-pumped natural spring located on the west side of Little Yellowstone Park, a scenic Barnes County park near the small town of Kathryn, North Dakota. The spring draws water from an underground source — visitors at the pump can actually hear the water flowing beneath them — and has long been prized for its taste. Locals and travelers have reported that the water is exceptionally clean and refreshing. According to a local genealogy researcher, the spring was once free-flowing. In earlier decades, when the old highway ran straight past the site, it was a popular stop for travelers who would pull over to fill their water containers. At some point a hand pump was installed, though the reason for the change is unclear. Despite the modification, the spring remains a beloved water source and a highlight of the park. Little Yellowstone Park itself sits in a large, picturesque valley carved by a beautiful creek that winds through the grounds. The park features a campground, walking trails, and dramatic hillsides that reward hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding North Dakota landscape. The name "Little Yellowstone" is thought to reflect the area's striking, colorful terrain — unusual for the region — with rugged bluffs and layered sedimentary formations along the creek valley. ## Directions **From Fargo, ND** (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes southwest): 1. Head southwest from Fargo toward Kathryn, ND on the appropriate state highways (US-46 W / ND-32 S area routes toward Kathryn). 2. Once near Kathryn, look for signs directing you to **Little Yellowstone Park**. 3. The campground entrance is located roughly ¼ to ½ mile off the main road. 4. As you climb the hill into the park, look to your **left** for a gravel road — this leads to the spring. 5. A common landmark is a **cow pasture** near the gravel road, and you'll see a sign warning that chemicals and hazardous materials are not permitted beyond that point. 6. The spring and its hand pump are on the **west side** of the campground, near a small parking area. **Nearest address for GPS navigation:** 54th Street SE, Kathryn, ND 58049 **GPS Coordinates:** 46.641895, -98.00354 *Note: The original listing also referenced GPS coordinates of 46.51772, -96.27806, which appear to point to a different location. The coordinates 46.641895, -98.00354 correspond more closely to the Kathryn, ND area and Little Yellowstone Park. Use caution and verify with local signage upon arrival.* ## What to Expect The spring is accessible via a hand pump set in a small clearing with a dedicated parking area. The pump is easy to operate, and you can hear the underground water source as you draw water. Visitors have consistently reported that the water has a lovely, clean taste, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified for potability. The surrounding park is a hidden gem of southeastern North Dakota. A creek flows through the valley floor, and walking trails wind through the grounds and up the hillsides. The terrain is surprisingly rugged for the region, with wooded bluffs and layered rock formations that give the park its "Little Yellowstone" character. It's a wonderful spot for a short hike, a picnic, or an overnight stay at the campground. The spring and park are open **24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round**, though winter conditions in North Dakota may affect accessibility and the pump's operation. The campground offers a peaceful, low-key setting — expect a quiet, rural atmosphere with grazing cattle nearby and minimal crowds. This is an excellent stop for road-trippers exploring Barnes County or anyone seeking a unique natural spring experience in the Northern Plains.