4 Natural Springs in Michigan And Where To Find Them

Natural water springs are a relaxing way to explore nature. There is so much beauty in them as well! Calming water rushing out is a great to relax, and sometimes even dip your toes in. Michigan has plenty of amazing springs to explore! With an abundance of nature throughout the state, there is so much to look at and experience. Whether you’re looking for a natural spring to frequently visit, or you just exploring on a day trip out, there is most definitely a spring waiting for you to explore in Michigan. Keep reading to learn about some of the beautiful naturally occurring springs in Michigan.

What are Natural Springs

Defining what a natural spring is is an easy process. Natural springs are formed when an underground body of water, simply known as groundwater, emerges to the surface, creating a pool. These springs are a part of the water cycle and are very beneficial to areas where rain is uncommon, such as arid desert regions. An example of a natural spring is an oasis in a desert. Deserts are completely dry of any water, and rain falls rarely. However, there are oases that pop up every now and then, forming a lush body of water.

There are also a large number of different types of springs! Of course, you have your simple water spring. These springs disperse simple groundwater, and sometimes this water is even safe to drink! There are also hot springs, perfect for a relaxing soak on a winter day. Hot springs form when groundwater gains heat from the surrounding geography. Geysers are a form of thermal hot spring where the water gushes out! Other types of springs are typically based on the geography they are formed in such as a depressed spring which is found in land that has a fallen depression, allowing for a pool of water to form. One of the most interesting natural springs is carbonated springs! Carbonated springs are when the groundwater absorbs the carbon dioxide in the surrounding area, thus carbonating the water. These springs get the very fitting name of “bubbling springs.” With so many springs available, there are also a number of great benefits to explore!

Benefits of Springs

There are many benefits to natural springs. Whether it’s drinking it or bathing in it, there is always something you can gain. Drinking spring water is not always okay for the same reason as to why it may be okay to drink it! Natural spring water contains lots of minerals that are important for a healthy body. While drinking these minerals in moderation is good for you, make sure not to over-hydrate on them! There are also skin and body benefits to bathing in natural spring water. The minerals in the water are very beneficial for the skin, especially alkaline water that hydrates the skin, keeping it soft!

Other benefits include the water pressure of springs, especially thermal springs. Spring water allows for massages to do more such as relaxing nerves and stimulating the skin! There are also nerve benefits to bathing in spring water. If you bathe in a warm spring, your body becomes more relaxed. However, in a hot spring, your body may become more active and aware because the body’s nerves become more sensitive. There is a benefit to be had in any kind of spring, so consider visiting one soon!

Springs in Michigan

There are plenty of fun springs to enjoy in Michigan. With a mix of the different types, as well as business, there is something for everyone to learn about. Whether it is a naturally occurring spring in the woods, a small creek, or a large pond, what is available to explore is endless fun! Many of the naturally occurring springs, not just in Michigan, are found in local areas not typically visited. A lot of the time, they are in parks or under creeks, so keep an eye out. There are plenty of established springs that you can visit as well! Traveling throughout Michigan gives so many fun opportunities to see beautiful natural springs!

1. Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi is one of the most popular springs in Michigan. It is also one of the most popular attractions in the state. This spring brings in over 60,000 visitors yearly and for good reason! The waters of this natural spring are crystal clear blue, and you can even see the bottom of the spring! The spring is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, and it has a raft that goes to the middle. The spring also remains a consistent 45 degrees throughout the entire year, even in the hot summer or cold winter! Visitors are able to get on the raft that goes across the spring and enjoy the views of the spring and surrounding area! Consider going to Kitch-iti-kipi when you’re in Michigan!

2. Bubbling Springs

Bubbling Springs is a natural spring located on a hiking trail in Petoskey, Michigan. This trail brings you by the spring where you can enjoy interacting with it in any way you like! The Bubbling Spring hiking trail is a quick and easy way to visit a natural hot spring for beginners in the area. The trail is a little under a mile total and takes only 13 minutes to go around the full loop. If you want an easy trail, this one is perfect! Pets are allowed as well on the trail, as long as they are on a leash! This trail is perfect if you want to experience a natural spring as a first-time explorer!

3. Frankfort Mineral Springs

Frankfort Mineral Springs can be found in Raccoon Creek State Park. This spring is a small waterfall located in the woods along a hiking trail! Frankfort Mineral Spring is not the largest or most fun to go to as there is not enough space to swim, but it is very beautiful nonetheless. This spring is perfect to go to if you want an easy trail, similar to the Bubbling Springs trail. There is a long history of this little natural spring waterfall as well! An estate built close by Edward McGinnis was one of the first people to find the spring. The spring provided a natural drinking water source outside of the rainwater that came, ideal for the people who lived in the state. When you visit the spring, read up on the history with the signs close by!

4. Ironstone Springs

Ironstone Springs is located inside Frank Wilkinson Park and is a publicly accessible park for all! This park is amazing all thanks to the spring! The spring runs as a little creek throughout the park, adding to the ambiance of the area. The sound of the water trickling down, and being able to dip your feet in adds to the fun of the park! The park also has room for grilling, picnics, and general lounging around, perfect for a day out of the house. The park is in Gaylord, Michigan which has lots of fun things to do outside the park such as minigolf and shops! This unassuming spring is perfect for any visitor, so add it to your list of places to see!

Summary of 4 Natural Springs in Michigan And Where to Find Them

Whether you plan on visiting Michigan, or you live there, there is something fun to do for everyone. Natural springs are a fun day trip to explore for nature lovers, and their beauty is incomparable. Whether it is in a local park, or it is a full-fledged attraction, all the springs of Michigan are perfect to visit. Consider visiting the natural springs of Michigan!