Wilson Spring, Dodgeville, WI

## Overview Wilson Spring is a historic piped spring nestled in the rolling terrain of Iowa County, Wisconsin, within the heart of the Driftless Area — a remarkable geological region that was never covered by glaciers during the last ice age. This unique geological history has left the landscape with dramatic ridges, deep valleys, and abundant natural springs fed by ancient aquifers filtering through layers of sandstone and limestone. Since 1911, the Wilson family has maintained a homestead on this land, and the spring's infrastructure — a pipe channeling water through a bed of thick, thorny vegetation, along with remnants of concrete and stone — may date back to that era. Today, only these weathered remnants mark the site, lending it a quiet, time-worn character. The spring sits at the head of a small canyon carved over centuries by the flow of multiple springs in the area, a testament to the powerful groundwater systems that define the Driftless landscape. The spring is located within Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville, Wisconsin, and is accessible during park hours (6 AM–11 PM). Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions The nearest address is **4175 Highway 23 N, Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53533**, which corresponds to the Governor Dodge State Park area. 1. Enter the park and drive to the area near **campsite 76**. Park your vehicle nearby. 2. Follow the **gravel trail** leading away from the campsite area. 3. Take a **left turn** onto a **grassy path**. 4. Walk past a **scenic overlook** — take a moment to enjoy the canyon views shaped by centuries of spring-fed erosion. 5. Continue along the path until you see a **sign indicating the spring house**. 6. Look to the **left** for a distinctive **bent tree** — this landmark points directly to the spring's location. 7. The piped spring is located approximately **15 feet off the trail**, partially concealed by dense, thorny vegetation. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.01469, -90.107117 ## What to Expect Wilson Spring is a quiet, somewhat hidden gem that rewards visitors willing to follow the trail markers. The water flows through a pipe — likely original to the early 1900s homestead — surrounded by thick brush and thorny plants, so approach carefully. The remains of old concrete and stonework around the pipe hint at the spring's long history of use. The bent tree near the path serves as the primary landmark for locating the spring, so keep an eye out for it after passing the spring house sign. The spring sits at the top of a canyon formed by the convergence of several springs, and the scenic overlook along the way offers a beautiful vantage point of this spring-carved landscape. The surrounding Driftless Area terrain is unlike anything else in the upper Midwest — unglaciated hills and deep coulees create a rugged, Appalachian-like feel that surprises many first-time visitors. Spring flow may vary seasonally, with stronger output typically seen in spring and early summer following snowmelt and rains. The park is open from 6 AM to 11 PM. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker may be required for entry. Wear sturdy footwear, as the grassy path can be uneven, and be mindful of the thorny vegetation surrounding the spring pipe.