Alan Tomczak Park - ArtesEan Well

## Overview Alan Tomczak Park is home to an artesian well drawing water from the Copper Falls Aquifer, located along the scenic shores of Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior in Ashland, Wisconsin. This public drinking spring offers visitors a chance to fill up with naturally pressurized groundwater that rises to the surface from deep underground — a hallmark of true artesian wells. The Copper Falls Aquifer, named for the geological formations in the region, supplies water through layers of ancient sandstone and other sedimentary rock characteristic of northern Wisconsin's geology. Ashland sits at the base of Chequamegon Bay, one of the largest bays on Lake Superior, and the park provides a pleasant lakeside setting to enjoy the water. Artesian wells like this one have long been valued by communities across the upper Great Lakes region, where glacial geology created ideal conditions for pressurized underground water sources. ## Directions 1. From downtown Ashland, head east on US-2 / Lake Shore Drive East. 2. Continue along Lake Shore Drive East as it follows the shoreline of Chequamegon Bay. 3. Alan Tomczak Park is located at approximately 2803 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI 54806. 4. Look for the park along the lakeside — the artesian well is within the park grounds. 5. GPS coordinates: **46.608867, -90.848467** ## What to Expect The artesian well at Alan Tomczak Park is a public drinking spring set within a city park along the Lake Superior shoreline. As an artesian source, the water flows under its own natural pressure from the Copper Falls Aquifer, meaning it typically runs continuously without the need for a pump. Visitors have historically used this well as a source of drinking water, and it remains a popular stop for locals and travelers passing through Ashland. The park itself offers views of Chequamegon Bay and Lake Superior, making it a worthwhile stop even beyond the well. The setting is accessible and located within city limits, so reaching the spring does not require any hiking or off-road travel. Being a public park, it is generally accessible year-round, though winter conditions in northern Wisconsin can affect road and park access. Bring containers if you'd like to take water home with you.