Fountain Lake Farm

Fountain Lake Farm is a 19th-century agricultural property on a knoll near Montello in Marquette County, Wisconsin, consisting of 80 acres of meadows, fields, and a lake. Today the site is accessible through trails that follow the water's edge and designated paths across the surrounding land.

Scottish naturalist John Muir lived here between 1849 and 1862 with interruptions and formed ideas that shaped his later conservation work. The site gained recognition as a National Historic Landmark for its importance in the history of American environmental protection.

The name comes from the lake that shaped the landscape and centered the farm's life. Visitors can still see how water was central to the place that inspired Muir's later writings on nature.

Visitors can reach the southern and western portions by parking at County Road F and following the marked trails around the property. The paths are easy to walk and offer views of the meadows and lake without requiring special equipment or experience.

No original structures from Muir's era remain standing on the site, but several trees date back to when he lived here. These old trees provide a direct link to the person who would later lead the movement to protect America's wild lands.

Location: Montello

GPS coordinates: 43.69167,-89.38722

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08