Victory Highway Memorial Spring

## Overview Victory Highway Memorial Spring is a free-flowing, continuously running public drinking spring located along State Highway 22 just south of Mankato in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Maintained and managed by the State of Minnesota, this spring has served travelers and locals alike for decades, offering fresh water from pipes plumbed directly into the natural spring source. The spring sits within a small wayside rest area nestled at the bottom of a valley between two hills. A memorial marker at the site reads: *"Victory Highway — In memory of those who served in World Wars I and II. Sponsored and maintained by the Mankato Garden Club with the American Legion, cooperation of the Department of Highways. 1958 — Centennial Year."* The Victory Highway itself was a historic transcontinental route established after World War I to honor American veterans, and this marker connects the spring to that broader tradition of remembrance. The 1958 date marks Minnesota's territorial centennial, adding another layer of historical significance to this humble roadside stop. The water flow is directed through basic but functional pipes, making it easy to fill bottles or jugs. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water quality should always be assessed with personal judgment. The surrounding area is a simple, quiet park near the Minnesota River corridor, offering a brief but pleasant respite from the road. ## Directions 1. From **Mankato, MN**, head south on **State Highway 22**. 2. Watch for the area where the highway passes between two prominent hills in a valley — the wayside rest is located at the bottom of this valley. 3. The spring and rest area will be on the **right (west) side** of the highway. 4. Look for the turnoff near the end of the highway guard rails, just before the road transitions to a double-lane section. The driveway is **steep, unmarked, and poorly maintained** — approach slowly. 5. The nearest cross streets are **Christa View Drive** and **190th Lane** (also known as Township Road 292). 6. **GPS coordinates:** 44.090939, -93.95462 **Note:** The driveway into the rest area is easy to miss at highway speed. If you're unfamiliar with the location, slow down as you enter the valley between the two hills and watch carefully for the turnoff on the right. ## What to Expect The wayside rest area is small and rustic. The asphalt parking lot has potholes and cracks, so drive carefully when pulling in — the steep, narrow driveway adds to the challenge. Once parked, the spring pipes are easily accessible on foot. The spring flows year-round and is available at all hours. However, **winter access can be difficult**: snow plows clearing Highway 22 often push snow banks across the rest area entrance, blocking vehicle access. It is technically possible to park along the roadside and walk in, but this is **not recommended** — traffic on Highway 22 typically moves at 60 mph, making roadside stops dangerous. If visiting in winter, consider parking safely ahead of the rest area entrance and walking back with caution. The park setting is simple but pleasant, with the river nearby and the valley providing a sheltered, scenic atmosphere. The Victory Highway memorial marker is worth a moment of reflection. This is not a destination park — it's a quick, meaningful stop for fresh spring water and a piece of Minnesota history. Bring your own containers for water collection. The pipes are basic but functional, and the flow is steady enough to fill jugs without a long wait.