8 Natural Springs in Wisconsin And Where To Find Them

Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful and underappreciated states in the country. This colorful and peaceful state has a little bit of everything, lakes, creeks, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, and springs. Did you know that this lovely and cold state is home to over 400 natural springs? They come in all shapes and sizes. Many are true hidden gems, meaning you won’t have to share the space with large crowds. Follow along to discover 8 natural springs in Wisconsin and where to find them.

1. Sajdak Springs

Starting our list of natural springs in Wisconsin is Sajdak Springs, which is multiple soft water springs. These beautiful springs feed a stream connected to the White River. Surrounding the lovely streams are many plant species including scarlet pimpernel, purple-fringed orchid, spotted jewelweed, Michigan jewel, blue-joint grass, and horsetail. Sajdak Springs is in the White River Fishery Area in Bayfield County. There is no designated parking area, so you’ll need to park on the side of the road and walk about 0.2 miles to the springs.

2. Benson Springs

Within the Benson Creek State Wildlife Management Area, you can find Benson Springs. It’s a clear and refreshing spring surrounded by plants. Benson Springs has a surface area of about 2 acres and a maximum depth of 5 feet. This lovely spring is located in Sawyer County. Connected to this spring is Benson Creek, known for its healthy population of trout.

3. Nemahbin Spring

Nemahbin Spring is an amazing hidden gem within Wisconsin. It’s in Delafield, Wisconsin. This lovely, but small spring, is in a hiking area. Near the spring is the Ice Age Trail and the Kettle Moraine State Forest. After exploring and discovering the Nemahbin Spring, you can spend the rest of your time hiking the area and nearby parks. Not too far away is also the Hausmann Nature Center.

4. Mecan Springs

Another beautiful natural spring in Wisconsin is the Mecan Springs in the Mecan Springs State Natural Area. This lovely spring is at the bottom of a moraine depression. Hiking is a popular activity in the natural area, but you can also fish. Popular fish within Mecan Springs include trout, perch, and bluegill. You may also see sandhill cranes, beavers, and northern bobwhite quails.

5. Forbes Springs

You may have noticed that many of the springs on our list of natural springs in Wisconsin are in state parks and natural areas. Forbes Spring in Lakewood is no exception. This lovely spring is within the Forbes Springs State Natural Area and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It’s a cool and refreshing spring pond that exits Forbes Creek. Surrounding the spring pond are sugar maple and paper birch trees. While exploring Forbes Spring, keep in mind that the area is very protected and is home to many rare plants.

6. Scuppernong Springs

The Scuppernong Springs is in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. To discover the springs though, you need to hike the Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail in Waukesha County. The trails are open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. While the springs are beautiful, one of the best activities to do while hiking the trail is bird watching. The springs you may encounter are clear, cold, and shallow. There are also abandoned buildings with graffiti and boardwalks. Keep in mind no dogs are allowed on the trail and it’s about 1.8 miles long, but rated easy.

7. Paradise Springs

If you want to see something unique and go on an adventure, it’s worth checking out Paradise Springs. Paradise Springs is in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. To view the springs, you need to hike the Paradise Springs Nature Trail. The trail is short, only running about 0.7 miles. This popular loop can be completed in less than 15 minutes. You can run, jog, walk, and bike the trail. Paradise Springs is very clear, enough that you can sometimes see swimming fish and turtles. Interestingly, this spring is around the remains of an old resort. While it may not look like it, this spring was once a very popular and busy tourist attraction.

8. Hyatt Springs

Our last natural Wisconsin spring on this list is Hyatt Springs. This spring is in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Hyatt Springs is small, landlocked, and has hard water. It’s near Shunenberg Creek and Bearsdale Creek. Hyatt Springs is home to minnows and brook trout. Surrounding this shallow creek are old trees and beautiful plants including black ash, velvet-leaf blueberry, bottlebrush grass, ostrich fern, and winterberry.

Summary of 8 Natural Springs in Wisconsin