Cornucopia Artesian Well

## Overview The Cornucopia Artesian Well is a free public drinking water source located on the shore of Siskiwit Bay in Cornucopia, Wisconsin — the northernmost village on the Wisconsin mainland and a charming gateway to the Apostle Islands region. Often labeled as an artesian well on maps, this site functions as a public drinking fountain where visitors can fill containers at no charge. The well is housed within a small wooden shelter — a hut or canopy-like structure — situated right on Cornucopia Beach. Water flows from a steel pipe at ground level, making it easy to fill jugs, bottles, and other containers. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike, though no laboratory test results are publicly available to confirm its quality. If the water tastes or smells unpleasant at any time, it is best to avoid drinking it. Cornucopia itself is a tiny, picturesque fishing village on the south shore of Lake Superior in Bayfield County. With its scenic beach, small-boat harbor, and proximity to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the area draws kayakers, hikers, and nature lovers throughout the warmer months. Stopping at the artesian well is a convenient way to top off your water supply while exploring this remote stretch of the Lake Superior coastline. ## Directions **Updated GPS Coordinates:** 46.85974, -91.09814 **Address:** 22545 State Hwy 13, Cornucopia, WI 54827, United States 1. Travel along **State Highway 13** to the village of Cornucopia, Wisconsin. 2. Head toward **Cornucopia Beach** (the public beach on Siskiwit Bay). 3. Once at the beach area, walk a few meters to the **east**. 4. Look for a small **wooden structure** resembling a hut or canopy — the well and pipe are inside. The well is very close to the road and beach, so no significant hiking is required. ## What to Expect The artesian well sits inside a rustic wooden shelter right on the beachfront. Water flows continuously from a steel pipe near ground level, so bringing a jug or wide-mouth bottle makes filling easier. There is no formal spigot or handle — the water simply runs. A few things to keep in mind: - **Slippery surfaces:** The wooden structure can develop algae buildup, especially during humid or rainy periods. Watch your footing on the floor inside the shelter. - **Seasonal availability:** The water supply may be interrupted at times, particularly during winter months when freezing conditions are common along Lake Superior. - **No formal water testing:** While the water has been used as a drinking source by many visitors, there are no posted lab results confirming water quality. Use your own discretion. The setting is beautiful — Siskiwit Bay stretches out in front of you, and on clear days you can see the Apostle Islands in the distance. Cornucopia Beach itself is a lovely spot to relax, and the village has a small selection of eateries and shops worth exploring. If you're passing through on Highway 13 — one of Wisconsin's most scenic drives — the well makes for a worthwhile and refreshing stop.