There are a few parking spaces for you to stop at and there’s a pipe sticking out of the ground that runs fresh drinking quality water year round. It is always clean and always cold. If you sit there and watch for awhile, you will see that every 3-4 minutes someone will stop, fill up a bunch of water bottles, and then get back in their car and drive off. I would guess about 200 people a day stop there. The Lion’s Tap restaurant nearby even has some water containers there because they know a lot of people come there before or after going to the spring. There is also a small nature park and a stream there.
Nearest Address
9995 Spring Road Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Directions from Nearest Address
The Fredrick-Miller Spring is located on the east side of Spring Road (County Road 4) in Eden Prairie one-quarter mile north of Flying Cloud Dr. Once you see Lions Tap restaurant, just head north about 1/4 mile on the right-hand side. You will see a parking area and there is usually people filling up there.
My husband is an environmental chemist and we live near Miller Spring. He has tested the spring for nitrates also and says the level is right around 10 ppm, which is considered within safe drinking water limits. While it might be on the high side for infants and pregnant women, it is safe for the general public, and this water is much better for you in virtually every other respect than most other options around. Distilled water is not healthy for you, as the ph is too acidic and will draw essential minerals out of your body. It also increases the concentration of contaminants that are vaporized at a temperature lower than water, which can make it more toxic. It’s not a good idea to drink distilled water for any length of time. The EP city water supply tastes like a swimming pool. I’d take my chances with Miller Spring!
Hf – Thank you for your husband’s nitrate assessment. I had always wondered about the City’s “regular tests” which were mentioned before. Did he test for anything else? With the widespread use of this spring I am assuming no significant issues exist, but assumptions are risky with all the environmental concerns.
I have been drinking Miller Spring Water for 50 years and my parents have been going there longer, we are big water drinkers not big on the milk. We love going and filling up 100 gallons at a time since we come for Columbia Heights/Fridley. We have all lived a very healthy lives. I read an article how the Indians considered this spring the healing water. And I have to say this is the best water around and my parents and 3 brothers all agree. Now my 3 daughters love going to the spring and filling up our water jugs, this has been a very special tradition that I have been able to pass down to my kids!! We Love Miller Spring!! 🙂
I’m a reporter with the Star Tribune and I’m working on a story about spring water. I’d like to talk to some spring water fans on why you like to drink this as opposed to tap water. Could you give me a call at 612-673-1775 or email me: richard.chin@startribune.com. Thanks. Richard Chin
Updated Directions: The fastest way to get to Fredrick-Miller Spring from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for 2 miles (through about 4 stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is further down the hill on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
We have clients ask about this spring from time to time. We just had several water samples tested. Here’s what we found: http://www.premierwatermn.com/waterblog/frederick-miller-spring-water-quality/
Greetings! I spoke with the City of Eden Prairie today and asked about the testing done on the Miller Spring as well as the spring found at the entrance to the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area. I was told that the water from each spring is tested once per month and typically at the beginning of the month. I was told that the tests from the beginning of November showed the nitrate levels for the Miller Spring to be 3.5ppm and the Richard T. Anderson Spring to be 0.5ppm. I would like to have the water tested myself but was encouraged by what I learned from the City of Eden Prairie.
tested the well last summer and got a nitrate reading from it–i’m done with water there–found out that most distillers have a v.o.c. vent and v.o.c. back up filter so i went back to distilled. not the stuff you buy in the grocery store as that is stored in plastic–bought a good one from pure water inc. denny
You got a nitrate reading from the water, BUT, is it still better than tap water is my question. I’m in EP and am at a loss as to what the heck to drink. I’d love to see it compared to EP tap water.
Wow – that concerns me – I just went there last week for the first time – I was really excited to hear about this spring. Now I’m a little bummed out – was hoping to stop drinking water with chlorine, fluoride and all the other bad stuff. Maybe quality at the hwy 55 one is better. How do you test it?
Hi Denny – Would love to see the test results. Where did you get it tested and where the actual levels? Send them in to me through Contact form above. Thanks! ~ JS
Large glass bottles in various sizes are available at Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies. I prefer to use the gallon size, but they have many other sizes – 3 gallon, 5 gallon, 6 gallon and so forth. They also sell corks, screw caps and organic gardening supplies.
Contact Info: Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies 3440 Beltline Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952-925-9854 888-449-2739
The fastest way to get there from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for about a mile or two (through at least two stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
(10.10.2009) Not sure when this spring was posted, but the roads have since changed. The “old” 212 is now Flying Cloud Drive, the “new” 212 is a few miles north. So, if you are on 212 you would take County Rd 4 SOUTH to get to the spring. Continue south past the spring to get to the Lion's Tap where the road ends at a “T” on Flying Cloud Drive. (hope that's not confusing!)
There were about 10 people waiting to get water when we finally found it….tastes delicious!
Hello,
With all the mis-labeling of things these days I just want to ask if this is in fact a true spring and the pipe is straight from the source and not mixed with the creek or a well of sorts? If anyone has any history or details they would be appreciated.
I’m a reporter with the Star Tribune and I’m working on a story about spring water. I’d like to talk to some spring water fans on why you like to drink this as opposed to tap water. Could you give me a call at 612-673-1775 or email me: richard.chin@startribune.com. Thanks. Richard Chin
Thought I would share that we just got results back for testing this spring’s water on 10/3/17 using National Testing Laboratories- Quality Water Analysis (6571 Wilson Mills Rd, Cleveland, OH 44143; 1-800-458-3330). Most contaminants were not detected in the sample above the minimum detection level. “Hardness” was the only contaminant detected above the standard, which is not an EPA enforceable MCL. Nothing was detected above the EPA enforceable MCL.
I travel from northern suburbs to drink this water exclusively. Im just not too sure if the high calcium content in the water is safe for long periods of consumption? Also I would like to know if their is any algae or micro organisms in the water, if anyone knows. Too lazy to get a test myself. I have been trusting this water for quite a while now
The city tests monthly for coliform bacteria (living organisms/algae) and nitrates. The nitrates are comfortably below the “recommended level” and coliform is a positive/negative and the spring gets shut down with a positive test, which hasn’t happen. Hope this helps
I drank this water for a few years. I would boil it first in a glass pot because a fine white residue of calcium would collect on the inside of the pot. My cat developed bladder stones, that went away after I started boiling it. Coincidentally, I had developed a kidney abscess that was easily treated. I wonder if anyone prone to bladder or kidney stones should also boil then pour through coffee filter, because the sediment was visible. I just couldn’t keep up with the hauling. I have 18 half-gallon glass milk bottles with plastic caps and crates to sell for $20 or best offer, Eden Prairie location. eargems4u@gmail.com
Updated Directions: The fastest way to get to Fredrick-Miller Spring from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for 2 miles (through about 4 stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is further down the hill on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.
The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.
FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.
Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.
Filling 2.5 Gallon Alive Waters Jug
When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.
When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.
How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.
How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.
I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.
Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.
Written by Dakota Chanel. Water Priestess and Ceremonialist. DakotaChanel.com
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Fredrick-Miller Spring, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
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My husband is an environmental chemist and we live near Miller Spring. He has tested the spring for nitrates also and says the level is right around 10 ppm, which is considered within safe drinking water limits. While it might be on the high side for infants and pregnant women, it is safe for the general public, and this water is much better for you in virtually every other respect than most other options around. Distilled water is not healthy for you, as the ph is too acidic and will draw essential minerals out of your body. It also increases the concentration of contaminants that are vaporized at a temperature lower than water, which can make it more toxic. It’s not a good idea to drink distilled water for any length of time. The EP city water supply tastes like a swimming pool. I’d take my chances with Miller Spring!
Hf – Thank you for your husband’s nitrate assessment. I had always wondered about the City’s “regular tests” which were mentioned before. Did he test for anything else? With the widespread use of this spring I am assuming no significant issues exist, but assumptions are risky with all the environmental concerns.
I pooped in the water.
I have been drinking Miller Spring Water for 50 years and my parents have been going there longer, we are big water drinkers not big on the milk. We love going and filling up 100 gallons at a time since we come for Columbia Heights/Fridley. We have all lived a very healthy lives. I read an article how the Indians considered this spring the healing water. And I have to say this is the best water around and my parents and 3 brothers all agree. Now my 3 daughters love going to the spring and filling up our water jugs, this has been a very special tradition that I have been able to pass down to my kids!! We Love Miller Spring!! 🙂
I’m a reporter with the Star Tribune and I’m working on a story about spring water. I’d like to talk to some spring water fans on why you like to drink this as opposed to tap water. Could you give me a call at 612-673-1775 or email me: richard.chin@startribune.com. Thanks. Richard Chin
Updated Directions:
The fastest way to get to Fredrick-Miller Spring from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for 2 miles (through about 4 stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is further down the hill on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
1 gallon glass jar available free with purchase of any menu priced pizza. Roccos Pizza Little Canada , 2750 Lakeshore Ave, 55117
Has anyone done a mineral analysis on this water? Hardness, Dissolved solids, etc? All the information I see is pH.
We have clients ask about this spring from time to time. We just had several water samples tested. Here’s what we found: http://www.premierwatermn.com/waterblog/frederick-miller-spring-water-quality/
Greetings! I spoke with the City of Eden Prairie today and asked about the testing done on the Miller Spring as well as the spring found at the entrance to the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area. I was told that the water from each spring is tested once per month and typically at the beginning of the month. I was told that the tests from the beginning of November showed the nitrate levels for the Miller Spring to be 3.5ppm and the Richard T. Anderson Spring to be 0.5ppm. I would like to have the water tested myself but was encouraged by what I learned from the City of Eden Prairie.
Has anyone done testing since the radiation from Japan?
Has anyone done testing since the radiation from Japan?
I’ll back again for sure, thanks for great article 😀
tested the well last summer and got a nitrate reading from it–i’m done with water there–found out that most distillers have a v.o.c. vent and v.o.c. back up filter so i went back to distilled. not the stuff you buy in the grocery store as that is stored in plastic–bought a good one from pure water inc. denny
This Minnesota Public Radio report says the spring is regularly tested by the city of Eden Prairie: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/12/17/drinkingwells/
You got a nitrate reading from the water, BUT, is it still better than tap water is my question. I’m in EP and am at a loss as to what the heck to drink. I’d love to see it compared to EP tap water.
Wow – that concerns me – I just went there last week for the first time – I was really excited to hear about this spring. Now I’m a little bummed out – was hoping to stop drinking water with chlorine, fluoride and all the other bad stuff. Maybe quality at the hwy 55 one is better. How do you test it?
Hi Denny – Would love to see the test results. Where did you get it tested and where the actual levels? Send them in to me through Contact form above. Thanks! ~ JS
Theres a landfill just west of this spring up hill can that be good ??
/
5/8/10: Tried the Fredrick-Miller Spring and loved the water. So glad it is a healthy pH and the water tastes awesome! We're going back for more.
The web link to purchase the 1 gallon size glass jugs online from Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies is
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByI…
Large glass bottles in various sizes are available at Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies. I prefer to use the gallon size, but they have many other sizes – 3 gallon, 5 gallon, 6 gallon and so forth. They also sell corks, screw caps and organic gardening supplies.
Contact Info:
Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies
3440 Beltline Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-925-9854
888-449-2739
Anybody know of more springs in Michigan? There has to be a lot more than the 2 listed. I see more to come 🙂
The fastest way to get there from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for about a mile or two (through at least two stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
Thanks for letting us know It is most appreciated.
(10.10.2009) Not sure when this spring was posted, but the roads have since changed. The “old” 212 is now Flying Cloud Drive, the “new” 212 is a few miles north. So, if you are on 212 you would take County Rd 4 SOUTH to get to the spring. Continue south past the spring to get to the Lion's Tap where the road ends at a “T” on Flying Cloud Drive. (hope that's not confusing!)
There were about 10 people waiting to get water when we finally found it….tastes delicious!
My well in Central Minnesota reads 272 if I remember correctly.
Im so happy to hear about this spring.
Where can I get the monthly test results?
Hello,
With all the mis-labeling of things these days I just want to ask if this is in fact a true spring and the pipe is straight from the source and not mixed with the creek or a well of sorts? If anyone has any history or details they would be appreciated.
Thank you.
The measurements listed on this page came back as the following from our testing:
*TDS was 380 (standard is 500)
*pH 7.1
I’m a reporter with the Star Tribune and I’m working on a story about spring water. I’d like to talk to some spring water fans on why you like to drink this as opposed to tap water. Could you give me a call at 612-673-1775 or email me: richard.chin@startribune.com. Thanks. Richard Chin
Thought I would share that we just got results back for testing this spring’s water on 10/3/17 using National Testing Laboratories- Quality Water Analysis (6571 Wilson Mills Rd, Cleveland, OH 44143; 1-800-458-3330). Most contaminants were not detected in the sample above the minimum detection level. “Hardness” was the only contaminant detected above the standard, which is not an EPA enforceable MCL. Nothing was detected above the EPA enforceable MCL.
I travel from northern suburbs to drink this water exclusively. Im just not too sure if the high calcium content in the water is safe for long periods of consumption? Also I would like to know if their is any algae or micro organisms in the water, if anyone knows. Too lazy to get a test myself. I have been trusting this water for quite a while now
The city tests monthly for coliform bacteria (living organisms/algae) and nitrates. The nitrates are comfortably below the “recommended level” and coliform is a positive/negative and the spring gets shut down with a positive test, which hasn’t happen. Hope this helps
I drank this water for a few years. I would boil it first in a glass pot because a fine white residue of calcium would collect on the inside of the pot. My cat developed bladder stones, that went away after I started boiling it. Coincidentally, I had developed a kidney abscess that was easily treated. I wonder if anyone prone to bladder or kidney stones should also boil then pour through coffee filter, because the sediment was visible. I just couldn’t keep up with the hauling. I have 18 half-gallon glass milk bottles with plastic caps and crates to sell for $20 or best offer, Eden Prairie location. eargems4u@gmail.com
Updated Directions:
The fastest way to get to Fredrick-Miller Spring from Minneapolis is Highway 100 South to 62 West to 212 West to County Road 4. At the top of the exit ramp turn right and go straight for 2 miles (through about 4 stop lights if I recall correctly). After the road starts going down hill you will pass by some condominiums. The spring is further down the hill on the left side of the road in a heavily wooded area about a quarter mile past the condos. If you see Lyons Tap on the right side you have gone too far.
The web link to purchase the 1 gallon size glass jugs online from Midwest Hydroponic & Homebrewing Supplies is
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByI…