There’s a special treat waiting for you in Fond du Lac County, and it will only set you back a quarter. In a rural area of the county there’s an artesian well that has some of the best water you’ve ever tasted. It’s in a little shack by the side of the road, and some people make a special trip just to fill up their jugs and bottles. Here’s what you need to know about this little-known Wisconsin artesian well.
Artesian wells and springs can be found in many places in Wisconsin, from south of Whitewater, to all the way up in the Bayfield Peninsula.
In these wells, fresh, cold water continually flows from the ground. Fond du Lac, at one time, had so many of these wells that people called it Fountain City.
This Fond du Lac County spring is one of the survivors.
It’s located near Mt. Calvary. It’s an old community that dates to the 1840s. Priests arrived in 1856 and established a monastery that later became the St. Lawrence Seminary High School.
The building that holds this little wonder is a little rustic.
It’s a primitive wooden shack that’s right by the side of Triple T Road.
If you’re wondering if the water is safe to drink, a sign in the building should offer some reassurance – the water is tested annually by the state Department of Natural Resources.
So how much will this cold, clear water set you back?
It’s a lot cheaper than that stuff you’ll find sold in plastic bottles in the store. There’s a place for you to leave a quarter in payment – the well runs on the honor system.
Be sure to bring plenty of containers along.
This well has a lot of fans and the water reportedly tastes great!
I haven’t been to Mount Calvary in many years – in the past, I could have used some water making it up the town's huge hill! This Wisconsin artesian well may be an excuse to make a return trip. If you need water containers, check out the selection at Backcountry.com. Planning a trip to explore Wisconsin’s scenic backroads? Here are some things you won’t want to leave behind.
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