Artesian Well on Highway 11, Cherokee, OK

## Overview The Artesian Well on Highway 11 is an ever-flowing natural water source located northeast of Cherokee, Oklahoma, in Woods County. Since the main well was dug in 1954, it has provided a cool, refreshing drink for travelers and served as a "fill-your-own-container" water source for many households in the surrounding area. The public has enjoyed free access to this artesian well for over seven decades, making it a beloved local landmark and a welcome stop along the highway. The well and its adjacent property were purchased by the McDermott Living Trust (Brickman Estate) in 2003. That same year, the McDermotts established deVine LLC as a water distribution business, with the goal of keeping the free public water service available to area residents and tourists while also bottling and selling a premium product. Their slogan captures the spirit of the operation: *"The water you drink is free... all you have to do is buy the bottle and delivery."* The well sits north of the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, a notable birding and wildlife destination, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the region. Historically, artesian wells in this part of north-central Oklahoma tap into pressurized aquifers beneath the Great Plains, producing water that flows to the surface without the need for mechanical pumping. Visitors have long reported that the water from this well tastes clean and refreshing. For more information about the water and distribution locations throughout North Central Oklahoma and South Central Kansas, the deVine Water website (devinewater.com) has historically provided details. News Channel 4 (KFOR) has also featured a short video segment about this well. ## Directions 1. From **Cherokee, Oklahoma**, head northeast on **Oklahoma Highway 11** (also known as OK-11). 2. The artesian well is located along Highway 11, northeast of town and north of the **Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge**. 3. Watch for the well site on the side of the highway — it is a known local landmark and is visible from the road. 4. **GPS Coordinates:** 36.8050069, -98.6650193 *Note: The listed nearest address is 526 Flynn Street, Alva, OK 73717, which may be an associated mailing address rather than the physical well location. Use the GPS coordinates for the most accurate navigation to the well itself.* ## What to Expect The Artesian Well on Highway 11 is an ever-flowing well, meaning water continuously rises to the surface under natural pressure from the underground aquifer. Visitors can pull over and fill containers with water at no charge — this has been the tradition since 1954. The water has been widely reported by locals and travelers to taste clean and refreshing, and many area residents have relied on it as a regular water source for decades. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Oklahoma Great Plains — open, rolling terrain with wide skies. The nearby Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, crystal digging (selenite crystals), and wildlife viewing, so the well makes a natural stop on a day trip to the refuge. Because the well flows year-round, it is accessible in all seasons. There is no fee to stop and collect water. Bring your own containers if you plan to take water with you. The site is roadside and easy to access — no hiking or special equipment is required.