
About This Spring
## Overview Williams Well is a public drinking spring located in the small community of Williams, Minnesota, in Lake of the Woods County. Situated on city property near 285 Wilderness Avenue, this well has served as a longtime community water source for local residents and travelers passing through this remote corner of northern Minnesota. The area sits within the broader Lake of the Woods region, known for its boreal forests, abundant lakes, and proximity to the Canadian border — making Williams Well a convenient stop for those exploring this sparsely populated part of the state. The water from Williams Well has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community. As with any natural or municipal well, water quality can vary over time, so visitors may wish to check with local authorities regarding the most recent testing results. ## Directions 1. Williams is located in northwestern Minnesota along U.S. Highway 11, roughly midway between Baudette and Warroad in Lake of the Woods County. 2. From U.S. Highway 11, head into the town of Williams and locate Wilderness Avenue. 3. The well is situated on city property near **285 Wilderness Avenue, Williams, MN 56686**. 4. GPS coordinates: **48.7682279, -94.9587481** — use these for precise navigation, as the town is small and signage may be limited. ## What to Expect Williams Well is a straightforward, no-frills public drinking spring on city-maintained property. Visitors should expect a simple well setup rather than a scenic natural spring environment. The surrounding area reflects the quiet, rural character of Williams — a small unincorporated community in one of Minnesota's least populated counties. This part of northern Minnesota experiences harsh winters with temperatures well below zero, so accessibility may be limited during the coldest months. Spring through fall is the most practical time to visit. If you're traveling through the Lake of the Woods region — whether heading to the Northwest Angle, fishing on Lake of the Woods, or exploring the Beltrami Island State Forest to the south — Williams Well offers a convenient place to fill up with water along the way. The town of Williams is very small, so services such as gas stations and restaurants are limited. Plan accordingly if you're making a stop here as part of a longer trip through the region.
Getting There
Address
285, Wilderness Ave, Williams, MN 56686, US
GPS Coordinates
48.768228, -94.958748
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. Williams is located in northwestern Minnesota along U.S. Highway 11, roughly midway between Baudette and Warroad in Lake of the Woods County. 2. From U.S. Highway 11, head into the town of Williams and locate Wilderness Avenue. 3. The well is situated on city property near **285 Wilderness Avenue, Williams, MN 56686**. 4.
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.