Massacoe Spring, Canton, CT

## Overview Massacoe Spring is a historic public drinking spring nestled along Canton Spring Road in Canton, Connecticut. The spring is housed within a charming small shed constructed from local stone, set just about six feet from the roadside. Water naturally bubbles up from the ground into the springhouse, where it collects in a stone tank. The stone structure serves a practical purpose — it shields the water from contamination and sunlight, helping to preserve its quality. The spring's name likely derives from the Massacoe tribe, a sub-group of the Tunxis people who historically inhabited the Canton and Simsbury area of the Farmington River valley, suggesting this water source may have been known and used for centuries before European settlement. The water has been reported to be extremely cold and refreshing. Visitors have noted that the stone tank is deep enough to submerge and fill a 3-gallon glass water bottle, though larger containers will not fit through the opening. The spring appears to flow year-round, and the area around it can become muddy, so waterproof boots are recommended. ## Directions 1. Head to **40 Canton Springs Road, Canton, CT 06019** as your starting reference point. 2. Follow **Canton Springs Road** heading toward the spring — it is located close to **Oxbow Farm**. 3. Continue just past the **cemetery** on Canton Springs Road. 4. Look for the small **stone springhouse** on the side of the road, set back roughly six feet from the pavement. The GPS coordinates **41.82058, -72.89682** can be used for navigation, though the listed nearest address is 13 Canton Spring Road. The spring is roadside and does not require a hike to reach. ## What to Expect When you arrive, you'll find a quaint stone springhouse — a small, sturdy structure built from locally sourced stone that blends naturally into the rural Connecticut landscape. Inside, a stone tank collects the spring water as it rises from the ground. The water is notably cold, even in warmer months. The surrounding area is rural and peaceful, situated near Oxbow Farm and a small cemetery along Canton Springs Road. There are no posted hours of operation, and the spring appears to be accessible at any time. There are no facilities on-site, so plan accordingly. A few practical tips for your visit: - **Bring appropriately sized containers.** A 3-gallon glass carboy or smaller bottles work well. Larger jugs may not fit into the stone tank opening. - **Wear waterproof boots.** The ground around the springhouse can be muddy, especially after rain. - **Be respectful of the site.** The stone springhouse is a piece of local heritage — help keep it clean and in good condition for future visitors. Massacoe Spring offers a glimpse into a long tradition of communal spring use in New England, where stone springhouses were once a common feature of the rural landscape. It remains a beloved local water source in Hartford County.