Throughout history, mankind has sought ways to restore youth - some magical, some natural. Perhaps the most infamous search of all was led by Juan Ponce de Leon, a 16th-century Spanish explorer who came ashore in Florida in noble pursuit of the fabled fountain. Unfortunately for Ponce de Leon, he didn't realize that the Fountain of Youth was all the way across the continent, hiding in humble Idaho - although, it wouldn't be built until centuries after the explorer had left his mark.
This set of simple, rustic fountains - tucked snugly in North Idaho - may not reward visitors who drink from it with ageless beauty, but the touching story behind their creation is proof enough that some things, like friendship, never fade.
Few people realize it, but the quiet, rough and tumble town of Mullan near Lookout Pass is quite the charming community.
Population: 673
Surrounded by lush green mountain peaks, dense forests, and all of the hike-worthy lakefront beauty that the Panhandle has come to be known for, this once booming mining town is a true hidden gem.
But hidden within the trees - just barely visible from I-90 - is an enchanting grove of fountains.
Hand-built by local silver miner and welder Elmer Almquist, these beautiful, folk art-style water features were erected in remembrance of one of Almquist's closest friends.
While the identity of this acquaintance - who is thought to have died tragically in a mining accident - is lost to time, he is remembered simply as "Arnold."
And while passersby might know this hidden gem as "Elmer's Fountain," the concrete at the base of the first fountain states otherwise:
It reads simply, "Arnold's Fountain," written by hand in the wet cement.
But whatever the circumstances that led to Elmer creating these rustic beauties by hand, the sentiment is truly touching.
These year-round fountains are crafted from old mining salvage and are located on close to 600 acres of forested land just off of the highway.
The water comes from nearby Gold Creek snow runoff, which as it comes down the steep slopes from Gold Creek mine, maintains enough pressure to run the fountains.
Old mining parts can be seen dotting the grove.
In the winter, water mist causes unique ice formations that are just as worthy of a visit.
The water is then channeled through a vertical mine pipe that prevents the water from freezing underground.
Today, the property is maintained by Elmer's family, and many claim that the fountain water is the purest, most delicious-tasting water in all of Idaho.
In Idaho, friendships are formed that never die, and this "Fountain of Youth" is a testament to that fact!
You can find this truly magical grove of fountains just off of I-90 on the outskirts of Mullan.
What a lovely and unexpected escape!
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