Manistique Artesian Well

## Overview The Manistique Artesian Well is a beloved natural artesian spring located in the small Upper Peninsula city of Manistique, Michigan. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County, this free-flowing well has long been a popular stop for locals and travelers passing through the region. Artesian wells like this one tap into pressurized underground aquifers, allowing water to rise to the surface naturally without the need for mechanical pumping — a hallmark of the geology found throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where glacial deposits and layered limestone create ideal conditions for artesian flow. Manistique itself is a charming lakeside community known for its historic Siphon Bridge and the scenic beauty of the Indian River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The artesian well has historically served as a community water source, and visitors have long reported that the water tastes crisp and refreshing. As with any natural water source, water quality can vary over time, and the well's current testing status should be confirmed locally before consumption. ## Directions 1. The Manistique Artesian Well is located in or near the city of Manistique, Michigan, in the state's Upper Peninsula. 2. From US-2 (the main highway running through Manistique), head toward the central part of town. 3. Use the GPS coordinates **45.9647, -86.2559** to navigate directly to the well site. 4. The well is situated in a publicly accessible area. Look for signage or a visible pipe or spout where water flows freely. *Note: Exact turn-by-turn directions from a verified source are not currently available. Using GPS navigation to the coordinates above is recommended.* ## What to Expect Visitors to the Manistique Artesian Well will find a continuously flowing natural water source in a public setting. The well produces a steady stream of water year-round, characteristic of artesian pressure from the underground aquifer. Many visitors bring jugs and bottles to fill up, and the well has been a trusted local water source for generations. The surrounding area reflects the quiet, scenic character of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Manistique offers additional attractions nearby, including the famous Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring) at Palms Book State Park — one of Michigan's largest freshwater springs, located roughly 12 miles to the northwest — making it easy to combine a visit to both sites in a single trip. The well is accessible by road and does not require any hiking. Visitors should be aware that in winter months, icy conditions may be present around the well area due to the constant water flow. There are no fees to access the well.