Newkirk Artesian Well

## Overview The Newkirk Artesian Well is a roadside artesian well located in the rural countryside just west of Newkirk, Oklahoma, in Kay County. Situated along N3320 Road amid open farming fields, this well has been flowing for over 80 years, making it a longstanding local landmark. The well taps into a pressurized underground aquifer, producing a remarkably high flow rate — reportedly capable of filling approximately 78 gallons per minute. Over the decades, area residents have relied on the well as a water source for various purposes, including cleaning and agricultural use. Locals have historically loaded spring water onto trucks to haul home for their own needs. The water has not been officially tested or certified as safe for drinking; however, local folklore attributes several beneficial properties to it. Some residents have reported that the water acts as a mild laxative, and there is a longstanding local belief that bathing in the water can help relieve poison ivy rashes. The well is equipped with a valve that can be turned on and off to regulate the flow. Because of this, visitors may arrive to find the valve shut off and no water flowing. The structure itself shows its age — it appears weathered and largely unmaintained, lending it a rustic, time-worn character that speaks to its long history of community use. ## Directions The well is located at GPS coordinates **36.902062, -97.085121**, along N3320 Road west of Newkirk, Oklahoma. **Coming from Newkirk:** 1. Head west on **7th Street** for approximately **0.3 miles**. 2. Turn **right** onto **Magnolia Avenue** and continue until you reach an intersection. 3. At the intersection, turn **left** onto **Peckham Road**. 4. Continue straight on Peckham Road for approximately **1.4 miles**. 5. Turn **right** onto **Union Street** and continue driving straight. 6. You will pass farming fields on both sides of the road. The artesian well is situated on the **right side of the road**. Look for an old, weathered well structure beside the road among the open farmland. There are no prominent signs, so keep an eye out as you drive. ## What to Expect The Newkirk Artesian Well sits in a quiet, flat agricultural landscape typical of northern Oklahoma. Farming fields stretch out on both sides of the road, and the setting is peaceful and rural. The well itself is an aged structure — visibly old and without recent maintenance — but it remains functional. When the valve is open, water flows from a notable height with strong pressure, making it easy to fill containers quickly. However, because the well has a manual valve, there is no guarantee that water will be flowing when you arrive. If the valve is turned off, you may find the well dry. Visitors should be aware that there is a second spring located near the artesian well that produces a continuous flow of natural spring water. However, this second spring is on **private property** and is protected by fencing — please respect the property boundaries. There are no facilities, restrooms, or amenities at the well site. The area is simply a roadside stop in the countryside, so plan accordingly. The well is accessible year-round, though road conditions in the area may vary with weather. There is enough room to pull off the road near the well to park briefly.