Smithville Dam Spring, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

## Overview Smithville Dam Spring is a natural spring located near the small community of Smithville, just outside Eaton Rapids in Eaton County, Michigan. For years, cold, fresh water has flowed steadily from a large pipe that runs beneath the historic Smithville Dam. The spring has long been known to local residents as a reliable source of naturally cold water, and visitors have historically used it as a drinking water source. The Smithville Dam area sits along the Grand River corridor, a region shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The underground aquifers feeding this spring are typical of Michigan's glacial geology, where layers of sand and gravel deposited by retreating ice sheets create natural filtration systems that produce clear, cold groundwater. The spring's consistent flow from beneath the dam suggests a pressurized aquifer that finds its outlet through the infrastructure of the dam itself. ## Directions 1. From Eaton Rapids, head south on State Street (which becomes Plains Road as you leave town). 2. Turn onto **Smithville Road**, located between **Plains Road/State Street** and **V.F.W. Road**. 3. Follow Smithville Road to the Smithville Dam area near **4703 Smithville Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827**. 4. Look for the dam structure — the spring water flows from a large pipe that runs below the dam. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.500178, -84.62966 ## What to Expect At Smithville Dam Spring, you'll find water emerging from a large pipe that runs beneath the dam. The water is notably cold year-round, a characteristic of deep groundwater sources in Michigan's glacial aquifer system. The flow has been consistent for many years, making it a well-known stop for locals who come to collect water. The surrounding area along the Grand River offers a pleasant, rural Michigan setting. The dam itself is a point of local interest, and the spring adds to the charm of this quiet spot in Eaton County. Access is straightforward from the road, though the terrain near the dam may be uneven — sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions. Visitors should be aware that water conditions can change seasonally, particularly after heavy rains or during spring snowmelt, which may affect water clarity and flow. While the spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by area residents, water quality has not been independently verified through formal testing.