Nopeming Spring,Proctor, MN 55810

## Overview Nopeming Spring is a year-round, free-flowing public drinking spring located along Old Highway 61 near Duluth, Minnesota, in St. Louis County. The name "Nopeming" comes from the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) language, meaning "in the woods" or "out in the country" — a fitting name for a spring that has long served as a vital water source in this northern Minnesota landscape. For many years, Nopeming Spring supplied all of the water for the historic Nopeming Sanatorium (later known as Nopeming Nursing Home), a facility originally established in 1912 as a tuberculosis sanatorium for St. Louis County. The sanatorium operated for decades, and the spring's consistent, high-quality flow was central to its daily operations. When Interstate 35 was constructed through the area, the infrastructure connecting the spring to the facility was disrupted. The nursing home eventually closed, but the spring itself continues to flow steadily, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitors have long reported that the water from Nopeming Spring tastes exceptionally clean and pure, and many people travel considerable distances to fill containers here. The spring has developed a loyal following among locals and water enthusiasts who consider it one of the best natural water sources in the Duluth area. Some visitors have described the water as having a notably smooth, refreshing quality. ## Directions 1. From Duluth, head southwest on **Interstate 35 South** toward Proctor. 2. Take the exit for **Midway Road** (Midway Township frontage road area). 3. Head toward **Old Highway 61** (also listed as address 5796 Old Hwy 61, Duluth, MN 55810). 4. The spring is located at or near the **intersection of Old Highway 61 and Midway Road**, along the I-35 frontage road corridor. 5. Look for the spring flowing at the roadside — it is a well-known local landmark and is typically easy to spot, especially if other visitors are parked nearby filling water containers. **GPS Coordinates:** 46.7073089, -92.28938 ## What to Expect Nopeming Spring flows continuously year-round, even through Minnesota's harsh winters, making it accessible in all seasons. The water emerges from underground and is available at a roadside access point, so no hiking is required — you can drive right up to it. The spring is situated in a semi-rural area along the Old Highway 61 corridor near the I-35 frontage road, between Duluth and Proctor. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of northern Minnesota — wooded and quietly scenic. The historic Nopeming Sanatorium complex is nearby, adding a layer of local history to the visit. Many visitors come prepared with multiple jugs and containers to stock up on water. Because the spring flows constantly and has a steady output, there is generally no wait even when several people are filling up at the same time. The area around the spring is informal but well-trafficked by locals who have been visiting for years, and sometimes for generations. Note that while this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source and visitors have consistently reported the water to be clean and excellent-tasting, no current water quality testing data is available here. Those with compromised immune systems or particular health concerns may wish to exercise caution.