Rock Springs, Rock Springs, WI

## Overview Rock Springs is a public drinking spring located in the small village of Rock Springs, Wisconsin, in Sauk County. The spring flows from a pipe on the east side of River Street, drawing water that, according to a local geologist, originates from deep aquifers beneath the region. This area of south-central Wisconsin sits within the Driftless Area — a geologically unique zone that was never covered by glaciers during the last ice age — which contributes to the region's rich network of underground springs and aquifers. The spring flows continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has long been used by locals and visitors as a source of fresh water. Notably, the spring runs across the road from the Rock Springs Corporation facility, where tanker trucks belonging to a national bottled water distributor are often parked — a testament to the perceived quality of the water from this source. A security camera has been installed to monitor the pipe and surrounding area. The spring is situated just south of Van Hise Rock, a well-known geological landmark named after Charles R. Van Hise, a prominent geologist and former president of the University of Wisconsin. Van Hise Rock is a significant outcrop of Baraboo quartzite, one of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America, dating back roughly 1.6 billion years. The proximity of the spring to this landmark makes a visit here a rewarding stop for anyone interested in geology or natural history. ## Directions 1. **From the East:** Head north on **Highway 136** toward the village of Rock Springs. 2. **From the West:** Head north on **Highway 154** toward Rock Springs. 3. Both routes converge on **River Street**, which runs through the village. 4. Travel north along River Street. The spring pipe is located on the **east side of the road**, just south of **Van Hise Rock**. 5. Look for the pipe flowing across the road from the Rock Springs Corporation facility — you'll likely notice tanker trucks parked at the site. **Address reference:** 405 River Street, Rock Springs, WI 53961 **GPS coordinates:** 43.481884, -89.917244 ## What to Expect The spring is straightforward to access — it flows from a pipe right along River Street, so there's no hiking or trail navigation required. The setup is utilitarian rather than scenic: you'll see the pipe, the road, and the Rock Springs Corporation facility with its parked tanker trucks across the street. A security camera monitors the area. Despite the industrial surroundings, the water has historically been valued by locals and commercial bottlers alike, and visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and fresh. The spring flows year-round, so it's accessible in any season, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions on the road and around the pipe. While you're in the area, it's well worth walking a short distance north to see **Van Hise Rock**, a striking exposure of ancient Precambrian quartzite that's a registered National Natural Landmark. The combination of a deep-aquifer spring and a 1.6-billion-year-old rock formation makes this a uniquely rewarding stop for geology enthusiasts and spring water seekers alike.