Welpman Springs, Stover, MO 65078

## Overview Welpman Springs is a historic artesian spring located near Stover in Morgan County, Missouri. The spring's story begins in 1929, when two German immigrants — Albert Fagen and H.K. Welpman — discovered an abundance of fish thriving in the spring-fed waters. Recognizing the opportunity, they founded the Missouri Goldfish Company, one of several entrepreneurial ventures the pair pursued together. The business evolved over the decades and was eventually renamed the Missouri Goldfish Hatchery under the stewardship of H.K.'s daughter, Carol Welpman. Today, the hatchery remains a family operation, carried on by third-generation Randy Welpman and fourth-generation grandson Bryan Welpman — a remarkable legacy spanning nearly a century. The spring itself is an artesian well reported to flow at rates of up to 1,000 gallons per hour. Randy Welpman expanded the family's use of the spring water by supplying it to bottling plants, continuing the entrepreneurial spirit established by his grandfather. The consistent, high-volume flow of the artesian well has been central to the hatchery's operations and the family's livelihood for generations. As a public drinking spring, Welpman Springs has historically been used as a source of drinking water by locals and visitors. The water has been reported to be clean and refreshing, though visitors should be aware that water quality can vary over time. ## Directions 1. From Stover, Missouri, head south and follow local roads toward Pond Road. 2. The spring and hatchery are located at **11901 Pond Road, Stover, MO 65078**. 3. GPS coordinates: **38.517, -93.05764703** — use these for navigation if road signage is limited in the area. 4. Look for the Missouri Goldfish Hatchery property, as the spring is situated on or adjacent to the hatchery grounds. *Note: The area is rural, so cell service may be limited. It's a good idea to download offline maps before heading out.* ## What to Expect Welpman Springs is set in the rolling countryside of Morgan County, surrounded by the quiet, pastoral landscape typical of central Missouri. The artesian well produces a steady, natural flow — reported at up to 1,000 gallons per hour — making it an impressive sight for spring enthusiasts. The spring is closely associated with the Missouri Goldfish Hatchery, so visitors may see ponds and hatchery infrastructure nearby. The property has been in continuous use by the Welpman family since the late 1920s, giving it a genuine sense of living history. Because the spring is located on or near private hatchery property, visitors should be respectful of the land and any posted guidelines. If you plan to collect water, it's courteous to check in with the property owners if they are present. The surrounding area is rural and peaceful — a pleasant stop for anyone exploring the springs and back roads of Morgan County.