Mynster Spring, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503

## Overview Mynster Spring is a public drinking spring located near the Lewis and Clark Monument in the rolling bluffs above the Missouri River valley in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Situated along Monument Road just outside Council Bluffs, this spring sits in an area rich with exploration history — the Lewis and Clark Monument commemorates the famous 1804 Council Bluff meeting between the Corps of Discovery and the Otoe-Missouria and Omaha peoples. The spring itself has a storied past: it is believed that the water was once bottled and sold as a health supplement, suggesting that locals historically valued its mineral qualities. While the exact composition of the water is not publicly documented, the spring's reputation as a source of notably clean-tasting water has drawn visitors for generations. ## Directions 1. From Council Bluffs, head north on US-75 N / North Expressway toward Crescent, Iowa. 2. Turn west onto Monument Road (look for signage for the Lewis and Clark Monument). 3. Follow Monument Road as it winds uphill through the bluffs. The spring is located near the Lewis and Clark Monument area, in the vicinity of **19779 Monument Road, Crescent, IA 51526**. 4. GPS coordinates: **41.303745, -95.860801** — use these for precise navigation, as the area can be easy to miss. 5. Parking is available near the monument. The spring is accessible on foot from the parking area. ## What to Expect Mynster Spring is set in the scenic Loess Hills landscape — a geologically distinctive formation of wind-deposited silt bluffs found only in western Iowa and parts of China. The area around the Lewis and Clark Monument offers sweeping views of the Missouri River floodplain and the Omaha, Nebraska skyline in the distance. The spring emerges in this elevated terrain, and visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing. Given its history of being marketed as a health supplement, the water has long been regarded by locals as having desirable qualities. The site is publicly accessible and makes for a rewarding stop when combined with a visit to the Lewis and Clark Monument itself. The surrounding bluffs are especially beautiful in spring and fall, when wildflowers or autumn foliage add color to the landscape. Be aware that Monument Road can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully. Water flow may vary seasonally — spring and early summer tend to offer the strongest flow following snowmelt and rains. As with any natural spring, visitors should use their own discretion regarding water consumption, as water quality can change over time.