Travel Features

Exploring Ferguson Springs in LBL

June 3, 2025 | Lydia

If you're like me and love finding those off-the-beaten-path locations in Land Between The Lakes that require a little adventure to reach, then Ferguson Springs is a spot you need to know about. Especially if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle!

Getting to Ferguson Springs is part of the experience. The drive involves navigating gravel roads, fording a creek, and potentially encountering some muddy sections. This isn't a trip for your everyday sedan, so a jeep or truck is highly recommended, particularly after any rain. But trust me, the effort to reach this secluded location is incredibly rewarding.

Ferguson Springs is one of LBL's lesser-known treasures, a truly peaceful spot that was once a thriving farming community. Before Land Between The Lakes was established in the 1960s, families called this area home. The spring itself was a crucial source of fresh, clean water for the residents. While time has erased much of the physical evidence of this past community, you can still find markers indicating the approximate locations of the former school and Baptist church, and there's a cemetery accessible on the hillside. It's fascinating to stand in this tranquil area and imagine the lives that once unfolded here.

Today, the true allure of Ferguson Springs lies in its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The spring water flows directly from the hillside, feeding into a crystal-clear beaver marsh. The gentle sounds of the rushing water and the sheer isolation from modern civilization create an incredibly peaceful environment. While there's some space to launch a kayak in the marsh, extensive exploration is limited by the beaver dam. It's important to note that this area is part of a wildlife refuge and is closed annually from November 1st to March 15th.

For those who crave an adventurous drive and a quiet escape into LBL's rich natural and historical landscape, Ferguson Springs offers a truly unique experience. It's a reminder that sometimes the most memorable discoveries are found by venturing a little further off the main road.

Here's a video of my experience...


Here is a map to the spring...

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