The Natural Fountains in Alabama Not Many People Know About

We love exploring the endless hidden gems in Alabama. One of our favorites brings us to Autauga County, just outside of Montgomery. Besides being home to the hidden bamboo forest of Wilderness Park, the numerous artesian wells in Prattville, Alabama, are another natural phenomenon that many people may not be aware of.

Prattville's artesian fountains give the historic town its nickname, "The Fountain City." Fed by underground aquifers, the fountains provide a continuous flow of fresh, pure water and are popular among locals – and visitors, too, once they hear about them.

For centuries, people throughout the world have relied on artesian wells for a reliable source of fresh water. At one point, many years ago, Prattville's wells even helped supply the town's water system. Artesian wells form when water from an aquifer – a porous rock layer containing water – is pressurized between layers of impermeable rock. The pressure forces the water to rise and create a natural well that reaches the ground surface.

In 1933, the Prattville Progress recorded as many as 400 of these wells throughout the town and beyond. While the fountains have long been part of the town's identity, there are fewer today. Even so, you can visit four easy-to-find artesian wells in and around downtown.

These wells are located at the Prattaugan Museum, Heritage Park, the parking lot of First Baptist Church, and under a shelter on Doster Road. You'll often see people filling large bottles and other containers at these sites, especially the Doster Road Artesian Well House. The Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority and the City of Prattville partnered in 2001 to build the well house, which has become a gathering spot ever since. Some say it's the best water they've ever had! When there's a line, no one seems to sweat it, thanks in part to a nearby swimming hole and creek to enjoy.

To fully experience the history and charm of Prattville, book a stay in a beautiful historic home just two blocks from downtown. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house dates to 1880, just 41 years after the town's founding by early industrialist Daniel Pratt. It was Prattville's water supply and other natural resources like timber that led Pratt to choose this location for his cotton gin mill. Autauga Creek and other streams offered a reliable water supply critical to powering the machinery.

In late 2023, developers held a long-anticipated ribbon cutting for "The Mill at Prattville," the culmination of a reportedly eight-year, $37 million project to create 127 apartment units within renovated and repurposed mill buildings of the original factory on Autauga Creek. The mill and spillway are a focal point of the town's historic retail district, which is filled with cute shops, eateries, and some office space. A must-visit time of year? The winter holiday season. The entire area transforms into a wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink.

Did you already know about the artesian wells in Prattville, Alabama? If so, I guess I owe you a drink from one ... they're free, after all!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Consider visiting Prattville during Christmas! It's one of the most charming holiday towns in the state.