Marietta Spring, Marietta, MN 56257

## Overview Marietta Spring is a public drinking spring located near the small town of Marietta in Lac Qui Parle County, Minnesota, close to the Minnesota–South Dakota border. Situated along the south side of U.S. Highway 212, this spring has long served as a roadside water source for travelers and locals alike. The spring is open to all visitors. The original spout, which once provided an easy flow of water for passersby, disappeared sometime during the 1980s. Historical photographs from the early 1970s show the spring in its earlier form, offering a glimpse of what was once a well-known stop along this stretch of highway. Despite the loss of the original spout, the spring site remains accessible and continues to draw visitors curious about this piece of rural Minnesota heritage. ## Directions 1. From the town of Marietta, MN, head east on U.S. Highway 212. 2. Travel approximately 1.5 miles along Highway 212, staying close to the Minnesota–South Dakota border. 3. Look for the spring on the **south side** of the highway. 4. GPS coordinates: **44.935726, -96.427539** (near 1839 111th Ave, Marietta, MN 56257). The spring is roadside and does not require a hike to reach. ## What to Expect Marietta Spring sits in the open landscape of western Minnesota's prairie country, just steps from the highway. The surrounding terrain is flat and rural, characteristic of Lac Qui Parle County. Access is straightforward — simply pull off Highway 212 on the south side of the road. Visitors should be aware that the original spout is no longer present, having been lost in the 1980s. The current state of the water flow may vary, and infrastructure at the site is minimal. The area is open to the public year-round, though winter conditions in this part of Minnesota can make roadside stops less convenient. Historically, the spring has been used as a drinking water source by travelers along Highway 212, though water conditions may have changed over the decades.