When folks think of natural springs in Minnesota, their minds may - naturally and understandably - drift toward the rugged, karst geography of southeast Minnesota's Bluff Country. That's totally logical, as the vast majority of the springs in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are located in this part of the state. However, there are plenty of other springs scattered across Minnesota, including a few in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A pair of natural springs in Minnesota are located in Eden Prairie, and though they're not well known outside local circles, many folks still retrieve their drinking water from them on a regular basis.

Fredrick-Miller Spring is located along its namesake Spring Road in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Access to the spring was established in this location in 1880.

It was acquired by the city in 1969, and little about the setting has changed since the site was first developed.

It sits on the bank of rushing Riley Creek.

And it remains a popular source for drinking water among locals, who fill jugs at the spring throughout the year.

A half-mile loop trail heads up the bluff from the spring.

It's an awesome way to stretch your legs and explore one of the few remaining undisturbed, bluff-top prairies in the area.

Eden Prairie's other spring bubbles up at nearby Richard T. Anderson Conservation area, just a few minutes away from Fredrick-Miller Spring.

The ​​conservation area is better known as a popular local hiking destination than as a source for artesian water.

But you'll find the spring conveniently located near the parking lot and trailheads.

It's the perfect way to cool down and refresh after a hilly hike along the beautiful Minnesota River bluffs.

I've tried water from both springs, and not only was it cool and refreshing, I found it to be relatively flavorless - which is a good thing (to me, anyway) when it comes to water. For more information on these natural springs in Minnesota, including details on how they're tested, visit the springs' page on the City of Eden Prairie website. If you dig these kinds of hydrological curiosities, be sure to head across the river to Savage, where an artesian upwelling causes an unusual phenomenon in Eagle Creek.

While there are hundreds and hundreds of natural springs in Minnesota, most of them are not regularly tested. Therefore, you should use caution before drinking water from any spring that you can't be certain hasn't been tainted by runoff or other contaminants. One way to protect yourself, especially if you're out hiking and run low on water, is to carry a water filtration system with you.  I always keep a Katadyn Be Free one-liter, collapsible water bottle and filter in my daypack. It weighs practically nothing and takes up about as much space as headlamp, but it's come in handy on longer hikes near questionable water sources.

Have you visited either of these springs in Eden Prairie? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tell us about your favorite natural springs in Minnesota.