Pryor Ave Iron Well, Milwaukee, WI

## Overview The Pryor Avenue Iron Well is a historic artesian water well located in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Situated within the Bay View Historic District, this well has been a beloved community landmark for well over a century, drawing visitors from across the Milwaukee area who come to fill jugs with its naturally iron-rich water. The well taps into a deep artesian aquifer, meaning the water rises to the surface under its own natural pressure — no pumping required. The water is notable for its high iron content, which gives it a distinctive mineral taste that many locals prize. The iron-rich character of the water is the source of the well's name and has historically been one of its main attractions. Visitors have long reported that the water has a clean, refreshing quality with a noticeable mineral profile. The Pryor Avenue Iron Well is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bay View Historic District, underscoring its cultural and historical significance to the neighborhood. Bay View itself is one of Milwaukee's oldest and most storied communities, originally developed as a company town for the Milwaukee Iron Company in the 1860s and 1870s. The iron well is a fitting symbol of the area's deep connection to iron — both industrial and geological. The well is publicly accessible and has been reported to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it a convenient stop for anyone in the area. ## Directions 1. The Pryor Avenue Iron Well is located at approximately **1710 E. Pryor Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207**. 2. The well sits on E. Pryor Avenue between **S. Wentworth Avenue** and the surrounding residential streets in the Bay View neighborhood. 3. From downtown Milwaukee, head south on S. 1st Street or S. Kinnickinnic Avenue into the Bay View neighborhood. 4. Turn east onto E. Pryor Avenue and look for the well between S. Wentworth Avenue and the adjacent blocks. 5. Street parking is available along E. Pryor Avenue near the well. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.99725, -87.888298 ## What to Expect The Pryor Avenue Iron Well is a simple, street-side artesian well in a quiet residential area of Bay View. Visitors will find a spigot or tap where water flows freely from the deep artesian source. It's common to see locals lined up with gallon jugs, especially on weekends, filling up on the naturally mineral-rich water. The water has a distinctly high iron content, which gives it a slightly metallic or mineral taste that many people enjoy and seek out specifically. Because this is an artesian well, the water flows continuously under natural pressure from the underground aquifer. The surrounding Bay View neighborhood is a charming, walkable area with local shops, restaurants, and parks nearby — making a visit to the iron well easy to combine with exploring one of Milwaukee's most vibrant communities. The well is accessible year-round, though water flow and conditions may vary seasonally during extreme cold weather. There are no restroom facilities or formal amenities at the well site itself, as it is located along a residential street.