There's A Grove Of Fountains In Idaho, And It's One Of The Quirkiest Places You'll Ever Go
By Courtnie Erickson|Published April 11, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Idaho’s forests are filled with incredible wonders. From beautiful waterfalls to ancient cedar groves, there are some incredible gems to be discovered. But, tucked away in a forest in northern Idaho is something unusual, bizarre, and a little quirky — it’s an incredible grove of fountains known as Elmer’s Fountain.
The small town of Mullan is a beautiful place to visit. There isn’t too much here to see or do and less than 700 people call it home. But, Mullan is home to one of the quirkiest places you’ll ever go — Elmer’s Fountain.
These fountains were made by local silver miner and welder Elmer Almquist. He created these fountains to honor some of his closest friends who had passed away.
In fact, Almquist began this grove of fountains after his friend Arnold passed away in a mining accident. Almquist created a pair of fountains and placed them in the forest, adding to the beauty of the area.
These fountains were made using old mining materials. The water for the fountains comes from snow runoff from the nearby Gold Creek. As the runoff comes down the slopes from Gold Creek Mine, it creates enough pressure for the fountains to run.
These fountains run throughout the year, and even in the winter, they create a mesmerizing sight. In fact, winter is often a favorite time to visit as the ice formations on these fountains are spectacular.
When you visit, not only can you view the incredible fountains, but you may also see a few old mining parts and you can even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at a nearby table.
Year-round fountains tucked away in an Idaho forest may seem a bit odd, but it truly is a fascinating sight. It’s a hidden gem that you’ll be grateful to discover.
Have you ever stopped to explore Elmer’s Fountain? Did you find this a quirky and unusual attraction in northern Idaho? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And, if you are looking for even more hidden gems in Idaho, make sure to check out our list of 12 hidden gems in Idaho, one for each month of the year.
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