Artesia is a small city that embodies the word "pleasant." It's uncrowded, the air is clean, and there's never any lack for activities. And a walk down the Heritage Walkway acts as a reminder of just how historically significant Artesia is.

Indeed, Artesia has had a long enough history to have several names. When it was a railroad town, it was named "Miller," after a railroad employee. Then, the town was named "Stegman" after the first postmistress. The current name, Artesia, comes from the artesian wells discovered nearby. An artesian well is a natural oasis, and Artesia spent some time as an agricultural center in the desert. Today, it's better known for its productive oil fields, but this hasn't lessened its natural splendor.

Artesia's natural splendor is indeed more than a desert splendor. The city itself is green, cacti mingling with shade trees. If you leave the city on a hike, you can explore high desert or wet lakelands. Artesia is positioned between both. Carlsbad Caverns is a short drive away, as is the massive Lincoln National Forest. While you're within Artesia itself, you will want to walk by the murals of the Heritage Walkway and make a stop at the local museum and art center, for Artesia is as culturally rich as it is naturally.

Artesia is 40 miles south of Roswell and 36 miles north of Carlsbad. It's situated along US Highway 285, specifically located at the intersection with US Highway 82.