“Pardise Cove & Artesian Well”
The park has been constructed around an artesian well and waterfall. The 6 inch diameter well was drilled in 1927 and is the source for the town’s water supply. Because it is an artesian well, no pumps are required to get the water to the surface. (See the explanation and diagram of how an artesian well works below.) The well is capable of flowing over 630,000 gallons a day. The water is cold and pure and contains no additives or bacteria. It is tested twice per month for safety. People from as far as Chicago come to fill their drinking water containers from the public faucet near the well. It is very good tasting (not chlorinated), so make sure to have a refreshing drink while you are there.
The overflow from the well runs under the roadway and powers a 10 foot diameter waterwheel before it spills into the nearby Indian Creek. The waterwheel pays tribute to a 1840 mill which once existed nearby. Be sure to take a stroll over Indian Creek on Stephenson County’s only covered bridge. The well water also feeds a scenic waterfall and water garden. Other features of the park include a short nature trail, rock bluffs, flower gardens, a gazebo, park benches, picnic tables, and grills.
Driving directions: In Winslow, from Highway 73, turn West down a short narrow alley located just 1 building (a church) North of Hubbard Street. There should be plenty of parking and turn-around space.
Note: On 4/16/2008, I replaced the original ammo can with a bison-tube-type microcache container and again on 10/20/2009 with a camouflaged pill bottle in a new hiding spot due to repeated vandalism and theft. I have updated the coordinates, size, difficulty, description, and clue to match the new container and hiding place. Once again, if you've found this cache when it was an ammo can or bison-tube (before 10/20/2009), feel free to seek and log it as a new find as it is now a MUCH different cache.
The cache is NOT hidden among the bluff rocks. If you find the cache somewhere that doesn't match the description and hint, please put it in a nearby hiding place that matches them as this cache seems to have a tendency to get moved around. Thank you.
If you have a special interest in artesian wells, you might also want to check out my "Well, Well, Well: 3 Artesians" cache in Prairie du Chien, WI.
Explanation of how an Artesian well works: (See below image.)
An artesian well is a drilled well that results in water flowing to the surface without the need for a pump. Such a well taps into an underground inclined aquifer (layer of porous rock capable of holding and transmitting water) which is sandwiched between two impervious rock layers. The internal pressure is a result of the weight of water in a portion of the aquifer which is at a higher elevation than the well head pushing down through the aquifer. The greater the internal elevation difference, the greater the artesian well’s pressure and height of its fountain. Water from an artesian well is usually cold and free of organic contaminants making it desirable for drinking.
