Walking through the University of Wisconsin Arboretum today, I stumbled across a lovely seen, which I now know is Big Spring.

From The Wisconsin Magazine of History: Volume 10, number 3, March 1927:

Lake Wingra is the smallest of the three lovely lakes surrounding Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin. Although the smallest, it is not the least interesting either historically or geologically. It is a shallow lake with a marl bottom, its maximum depth being 14 and its average depth 10 feet.

Being in fact a small natural drainage basin, Lake Wingra formerly had upon its shores a greater number of fine large springs then any other of the Madison Lakes. Most of these springs are still in existence.

Big Spring is today the better of the two fine springs located in the Lake Forest Woodland. It is connected with the lake by a little crest grown stream flowing into the lake through a small strip of marsh. The vicinity of the spring has been for many years a well-known picnic ground for groups of university students and nature lovers. It’s cool waters are most refreshing, and many a steak has been broiled at camp fireplaces near its brink.

Today, broiling steaks is frowned upon in the Arboretum, but Big Spring is definitely worth a look.