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Wellhead Protection

Boiling Springs (MA-KA YU-SOTA)

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What is Boiling Springs?

Boiling Springs, or MA-KA YU-SO-TA, is one of the largest sand boil springs in the Midwest. It is the headwaters of Eagle Creek. The spring is named for the large ‘boils’ that erupt at irregular intervals from the main pool. The boiling action is not due to very hot water, as the name implies. Instead, ground water moving up through a crack in the bedrock is blocked by a layer of very fine sand that plugs the crack. Eventually, enough water pressure builds up to push the sand out of the way. The water erupts on the surface with a great gush, and it appears to be boiling.

The main pool is not the only spring on Eagle Creek. Water comes out of the ground for hundreds of feet upstream of the main pool, but these springs are much smaller and calm.

The water coming out of Boiling Springs is very old. Because it’s been underground so long, it has a lot of dissolved calcium and magnesium in it. That makes the water VERY hard. The water is approximately 50° Fahrenheit all year long, and the spring never freezes in the winter. The boiling action is irregular, but seems to diminish during the summer and fall. Boiling appears to be more active during the spring. More research is needed to better understand this fascinating spring.

Directions to Boiling Springs, from the SMSC:

·  Take County Road 83 north to County Road 42; turn right onto County Road 42

·  Take County Road 42 east to County Road 16; turn left onto County Road 16

·  Take County Road 16 north to Eagle Creek Boulevard; turn right onto Eagle Creek Boulevard

·  Take Eagle Creek Boulevard east to Independence Trail; turn left onto Independence Trail

·  Take Independence Trail north to the bridge over Eagle Creek. Park along the west side of the road.

·  Walk west along the nature trail (Eagle Creek will be on your right) until you come to Boiling Springs. The spring is well hidden, so keep your eye open for it.

What does Boiling Springs look like?

Historic Photos:

Boiling Springs in the 1940’s. Photo from Lucille Hirscher, previous resident at Boiling Springs. Note the bridge over Eagle Creek at the spring.

Historic Travel Postcard referring to Boiling Springs. Provided by Lucille Hirscher, previous resident at Boiling Springs.

Winter Photos:

The main pool in the snow, January 2005. Note the calm water.

Collecting water quality data, January 2005. Note the green vegetation.

Spring Photos:

The main pool with active boiling, April 2005. Note the active boiling at two locations.

Algae bloom in the stream coming out of the spring, April 2005. Algae growth is very strong in early spring.

Close-up of boiling in the spring, April 2005

Summer Photos:

Coming Soon!

Fall Photos:

Coming Soon!

Video (Windows Media Player):

Boiling at the eastern side of the pool, May 2005.

Underwater sand movement at the western side of the pool, May 2005.

What is the cultural significance of Boiling Springs?

Boiling Springs has been considered sacred by native people since long before European contact. The name MA-KA YU-SO-TA means ‘to make the earth muddy, or to roil up’. The very mysterious Boiling Springs have been included in many generations of oral history and the existence of burial mounds indicates that the area has been used by native people for thousands of years.

The Dakota have a strong oral tradition regarding this sacred area. The researcher Paul Durand, author of ‘Where the Waters Gather and the Rivers Meet’ (available through the SMSC Library), wrote that MAKA YU-SO-TA was a site where UN-KTE-HI (God of Waters and the Underworld) resided. Long ago, a warrior passing these malevolent waters witnessed twelve earthen objects swirling about. Launching his spear at the largest, he was astonished to watch it bleed as though alive. All of the objects immediately disappeared into the center of the spring. After hearing of his experience, a medicine man foretold a coming battle. The Battle of Shakopee occurred shortly thereafter. Dakota never drank from the spring or creek, since they believed the face of one of two girls who had died from drinking the water would appear.

The Eagle Creek area was the site of Eagle Head’s village in the early 1800’s along with many Dakota villages located in the Minnesota River Valley.

What modern challenges does Boiling Springs face?

In the early 1900’s, a new housing development in Savage threatened to destroy the wonderful Eagle Creek/Boiling Springs. The SMSC, as well as many environmental organizations, fought against this development. In November of 1994, the SMSC adopted a resolution calling for the “preservation of Boiling Springs as a cultural resource.” The resolution also called for consultation with Minnesota Indian Affairs Council on Eagle Head’s 1830’s village and the location of burial mounds in the area. Despite opposition, the development plans were implemented. However, as a result of the Community’s and other environmental groups’ efforts, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources received legislative approval to purchase a four-hundred-foot wide corridor which runs along Eagle Creek. An Aquatic Management Area (AMA) was created along the creek and around the springs to protect the environmental and spiritual integrity of this important natural and cultural resource. The DNR Fisheries Division manages the AMA and the main focus is the preservation of the creek as a trout stream. The SMSC is now working with the DNR for further planning to focus on the preservation and protection of Boiling Springs as a vital and sacred cultural resource for Native Americans.

The Land Department began collecting data at Boiling Springs in March of 2004. Every week or two, the amount of water coming out of the springs is measured, along with water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen content, specific conductance, total dissolved solids, and reduction-oxidation potential. Four times a year, water samples are collected and analyzed for calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, and chlorophyll-a. Land Department staff also observe the springs for changes in the amount of boiling activity.

What does Boiling Springs mean to you?

The future of Boiling Springs depends on the support of your community. Enjoy a visit to this cultural and natural resource, and share your thoughts with friends and family.

You can also share your observations about the quality of the spring with Lanya Ross or Dana Christopherson in the Land Department. This information will be used to document changes in the spring, which is important for future management strategies.

Email: .

Postal Mail: 2330 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372