Iargo Springs in Oscoda,

Michigan Michigan () is a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States. With a population of nearly 10.12 million and an area of nearly , Michigan is the 10th-largest state by population, the 11th-largest by area, and the ...

, features several viewing decks and a boardwalk path through the natural springs. Natural springs are formed from water that naturally flows to the surface from underground. The natural springs can be accessed from the road by stairs leading down to the Au Sable River. Man-made barriers pool the springs and create small

waterfalls A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf. Waterfalls can be formed in several wa ...

. The wooden boardwalk stretches over as it winds through the natural springs. Lying off of

River Road National Scenic Byway The River Road National Scenic Byway (also called the River Road National Forest Scenic Byway) is a National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway in the US state of Michigan. This byway follows M-65 and River Road; it extends eastward ...

, Iargo Springs provides a panoramic view of the Au Sable River. Used as a

drinking water Drinking water is water that is used in drink or food preparation; potable water is water that is safe to be used as drinking water. The amount of drinking water required to maintain good health varies, and depends on physical activity level, a ...

source since pre-settlement times, dams were constructed on the springs by early loggers before the turn of the century. The dams were useful in diverting water to the logging camps nearby. Most of Cooke Pond was dry land then. Europeans have visited the springs for recreation since the 1920s. A trail to the springs was constructed by the

Civilian Conservation Corps The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a voluntary government work relief program that ran from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men ages 18–25 and eventually expanded to ages 17–28. The CCC was a major part of ...

in 1934. Early photographs show the dam being repaired and reinforced by the CCC's. The dams lasted until 1981 when a storm took them out. The site was renovated in 1991. Steps were added and boardwalks along the springs, as well as the dams being rebuilt. For the avid

hiker Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century.AMATO, JOSEPH A. "Mind over Foot: Romantic Walking and Rambling." In ''On Foot: A Histor ...

, the Highbanks Trail has a trailhead here which heads directly east, past

Lumberman's Monument Lumberman's Monument is a monument dedicated to the workers of the early logging industry in Michigan. Standing at 14 feet, the bronze statue features a log surrounded by three figures: a timber cruiser holding a compass, a sawyer with his saw slun ...

, another worthy attraction to the Oscoda area. Although the springs are open year-round, the trails are not groomed during the winter months and camping along the way is only allowed in designated areas. Also, the use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on the trail. Interpretive signs help to teach visitors more about the site and its rich but often troubled history as well as explaining the formation and significance of the transition forest.

References

External links

Iargo Springs - U.S. Forest Service
Bodies of water of Michigan Springs of the United States {{IoscoCountyMI-geo-stub