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This is a contributing entry for Waukesha Springs Tour and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.

This replica of the Silurian Spring house was originally placed in downtown Waukesha, at the so-called Five Points intersection of Main, Broadway, and Grand Ave. It was later moved to the present location along the Fox River Walk as a reminder of the spring houses that once populated the city.


Postcard of Springhouse at the Five Points intersection

Street light, Window, Building, Font

Springhouse at the Five Points intersection

Tree, People, Facade, Art

Inspired by the Silurian Spring House that once stood in the present Spring Park, this replica was made to honor the legacy of the Spring Era in shaping the City of Waukesha. The octagon design was typical of many spring house structures. The raised center platform indicates where the spring would have been exposed for tourists "taking the waters." The open pavilion style also indicates the seasonal nature of the springs. They were summer destinations, with companies focusing on bottling and shipping production during the cooler months.

Originally installed at the Five Points intersection just a short distance away, the pavilion proved to be an inconvenience for drivers downtown. It was moved to the present location, as part of the river walk improvement project.

John Schoenknecht, The Great Waukesha Springs Era Revised Edition, (Self Published, Waukesha WI) 2022.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum Photography collections

Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum Photography collections