Description
This is not a true spring but a well that is 1,100 feet deep well taps into the Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifer to water that is purported to be over 30,000 years old. True fossil water! This well was drilled by the old Schmidt Brewery that is no longer in service but is now a St. Paul historical landmark.
The water has been available to the public on-and-off through the years and has recently been re-opened in early 2010. The water is brought up to a holding tank which is then dispensed to the public through a vending machine.
Note that there is a sign by the vending machine that claims that the water is UV treated. We are unsure how accurate this is at this time.
You can see a cross-section map of how far the well has been drilled into the aquifer here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/22857823/Schmidt-Brewery-Aquifer-Context
Here is a nice article from Minnesota Public Radio about the re-opening of the water to the public. Includes some nice history as well.
We’ve been using the water on-and-off since it’s re-opening. It tastes very clean and the TDS is a bit lower than Fredrick-Miller Spring, although not by much.
Nearest Address
Intersection of 7th St. West and Webster St. in St. Paul, right off the river.
Directions from Nearest Address
From highway 94, go south on 35E and exit on Randolph Avenue. Go East and then turn North on West 7th St. You will see it on the right-hand side up a few blocks.
Vital Information
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Hours Spring is Open:
24/7/365
GPS: N/A
Map Link: Schmidt Brewery Well Map
Submitted by: Anonymous
