I’m lucky. My mom was born in northwest Oklahoma, so I feel like I’ve always known about the cool things to do in that part of the state. If my family wasn’t from there, I don’t know if I ever would have ventured that way. I’m glad things are the way they are!

One of the cool little secrets of northwest Oklahoma is the artesian well near Cherokee, in Alfalfa County.

This is seriously awesome.

We went here when I was a kid, and it was a little different then. I remember wild watercress growing underneath the pipe, which emptied into a big puddle/spring area. It’s easier to access now.

The well has been northeast of Cherokee on Hwy. 11 since 1954, when it was first drilled. The water has been free and available to the public 24 hours a day since then.

You kind of have to watch for it, because there’s no signs or anything. There’s a bit of a pulloff, and most times there’s other people there. Lots of folks bring their own big jugs and have fresh spring water at home all the time.

A company bought the area a few years ago, and they bottle the water and sell it for a delivery fee – so the water’s still free, basically. But the public is still welcome to come and get water anytime, right there at the source.

It’s only a little bit from Cherokee, and there’s other great things to do in Alfalfa County, what with the Salt Plains and sod house. This is a hidden gem for adults and kids alike. Don’t forget your bottles.