Eagle's Nest Art Colony - Ganymede Spring

Ganymede Spring

Ganymede Spring, or Ganymede's Spring, is located along a path near the east bank of the Rock River at the base of Eagle's Nest Bluff, about 0.25 miles (400 m) north of the Black Hawk Statue. The natural spring, which originates in the limestone beneath Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, supplied the colony with water for cooking, drinking and for use in their swimming pools. One pool was at the base of the spring and the other was located where the present-day NIU parking lot is found. The original pool at the base of the spring can still be seen when the water level on the Rock River is low. Originally, from 1898–1902 water was transported up the hill by horse and wagon. By 1902 a large pump was installed, though it took two attempts, and a water tower dispensed water to the various buildings.