Place · 0.2 mi away
Overview
A beloved local ritual, the Happy Hollow Jug Fountain is where folks swing by to fill bottles and jugs with cool, great-tasting spring water. It’s a simple roadside setup with multiple spouts, just above Fountain Street on the southeast slope of North Mountain—an easy add-on when you’re exploring downtown or North Mountain trails.
What the Water Is (and Isn’t)
This is a cold spring, distinct from the park’s famous hot thermal water. The source likely flows through Arkansas Novaculite, which helps explain the clean, lightly mineralized taste. Average temperature is about 62°F/17°C—refreshing on a warm day. Expect a light mineral profile rather than a heavy, salty taste.
- Typical minerals (approx. mg/L): silica ~8.6, sodium ~1.4, potassium ~1.0, chloride ~2.2, sulfate ~0.90, bicarbonate ~1.0, calcium ~0.30, magnesium ~0.28, nitrate ~0.072.
Safety and Treatment
Cold-spring fountains in the park (including this one) are treated with ozone to meet health regulations. It’s designed to be minimally intrusive, and by the time water reaches the spigots there’s essentially no noticeable “treated” taste.
A Bit of History
Before 1960, this spring was privately operated and called Magnesia Spring—reportedly a nickel for a pitcher. Go further back and you’ll hit the Happy Hollow era (late 1800s–1940s), when McLeod’s Amusement Park nearby had a shooting gallery, zoo, and souvenir shop. Those attractions are gone; the jug fountain tradition remains.
How to Do It Right
Bring clean, food‑grade containers and be courteous at the spigots—fill, cap, and step aside so the next person can go. Parking is right in front but limited, so think “quick stop,” not a long stay. The fountain can occasionally close for maintenance (the push buttons sometimes suffer from misuse), so have a backup plan if you’re hauling big jugs.
Wildlife Note
You’re in an urban-edge park setting; it’s common to spot songbirds and squirrels, and occasionally deer on North Mountain. Observe wildlife from a distance and don’t feed them.
Best Times to Visit
If you want to breeze through, hit it early morning or later in the evening on weekdays. Weekends—especially midday to afternoon—tend to draw more jug-fillers. Most people are in and out within 15 minutes.
Pros
- Free, crisp 62°F cold-spring water with a light mineral profile
- Multiple spouts make for quick, easy fill-ups near downtown
Cons
- Can see lines and limited parking at peak times
- Occasional maintenance closures when buttons get damaged
Tips
- Bring clean, food-grade jugs or bottles; the flow is quick at multiple spouts.
- Skip the bungee cords—holding buttons down damages them and causes closures.
- Plan for limited parking; fill up, then move your car for the next visitor.
- If it’s crowded, try early morning or later evening, especially on weekdays.
- Remember: this is drinking water only—no outdoor soaking anywhere in the park.
