Top 20 Natural Water Springs In Texas And The Spring-Fed Texas Pools For A Summer Retreat
Are you planning to go to the States and are searching for the natural water springs in Texas? Natural springs are one of the main attractions in this south central state of the United States.
However, have you ever wondered why Texas has so many natural water springs and spring-fed pools? Texas has many storage basins, considering the aquifers and fractured rock systems. Edwards or Trinity aquifers demand special mentions in this regard.
Also, the water of springs reaches us through fractured rocky surfaces. The faults in Texas, like the Balcones fault, expose the water storage of aquifers. Thus, we get the springs.
Further, the natural water springs in Texas have been providing water to the local tribes for centuries. Now, they are important for the state’s economy, directly impacting tourism and employment.
| “Springs are a unique and valuable ecosystem in Florida. Every year, millions of people are drawn to our state’s springs for recreation and employment. In fact, when you put it in economic terms, water resources generate a lot of money for our state. Take, for instance, the springs in our state parks. In 2019, springs in Florida’s state parks were visited by more than 3.9 million visitors, who spent over $350 million in local economies, supporting 4,885 jobs.” Florida Museum of Natural History |
For example, in 2018-2019, the Blue Spring State Park was at the top in terms of the direct economic impact (DEI) on the state. Its DEI was $48.8 million DE, and it supported 572 total jobs. Moreover, 561,219 people visited the park in the same year.
So, for a tourist who wants to explore different aspects of a place, geological formations, or natural wonders, visiting the best natural springs in Texas will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Magical Natural Springs In Texas: Must Visit Natural And Hot Springs That You Must Visit!
Most famous for the oil and gas industries, Texas is a place that people often associate with city life. However, only a few people are aware of the fact that Texas is also a place that has some of the best and most fascinating natural springs in the world.
Further, Mineral Wells, a small town in Texas, has been one of the most popular health resorts in the United States. Recently, it has been designated as the “Wellness Capital of Texas” by the Texas state legislature. It goes without saying that this designation will be a catalyst in community and tourism development in this small Texas town.
| “We are thrilled to be named the “Wellness Capital of Texas. Since our founding days, Mineral Wells has been built upon the most fundamental of elements – water. The mineral-rich water that springs from our wells is healthful, healing, and pure. But beyond the water, Mineral Wells has so much to offer the wellness-minded visitor. We aim to use the foundation of our natural bounty – mineral water, lakes, rivers, parks, and more, to build a healthful future for the people of Mineral Wells, and Texas.” Rose Jordan, Director of Tourism, Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce |
So, natural water and the geological formations related to it are the biggest assets of this USA state. Here are the top 20 picks from Dream and Travel.
| Did You Know? Crazy Water is the only mineral water company in Mineral Wells, running from the early 20th century. Crazy Water mineral water is popular in Texas and the United States. Stories have it that an old woman with mental health issues lived near the original well and drank water from it twice a day. With time, her mental illness was cured, and many suggest that the high lithium content in the water was behind her cure. When the people of the concerned company started collecting water from the water, bottled it, and sold it, the name “Crazy Water” came into being. |
1. Balmorhea State Park
Location: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, United States
Hours Open: 8 am–7:30 pm
Phone: (512) (432) 375-2370, 389-4800 or (800) 792-1112
Entry Fee: $7 for Adults (Daily), Free for Children Below 12 Years
The first one on this list of the best natural springs in Texas is Balmorhea State Park. It is a 1.3 acre freshwater pool that is fed by the spring. It deserves the first place as it is the largest spring fed swimming pool in the world. Established in 1968, the water is pure and there is no need for chlorination as it receives fresh water in gallons daily.
2. Comal Springs
Location: New Braunfels, Texas, USA
With water that is provided by the Comal River, the Comal Spring is one of the largest concentrations of naturally occurring freshwater spring. It is a karst aquifer that receives water from the Edwards Aquifer and is connected to the Comal River. It is home to a number of plants and animals and is often referred to as the best or most scenic natural pools in Texas.
3. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Location: 24300 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, United States
Hours of Operation: Morning time slot (9:00 am – 12:30 pm) and afternoon time slot (2:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
Entry Fee: $8 for Visitors from 13-61, $3 for 62 Years and Above, Free for Children Below 12
It is one of the best recreational areas that was established in the year 1985 in Western Austin in the Texas Hill County. It is a perfect place to hang out with your friends and family. You can have an equal share of sunlight and shade as you bask in the natural spring or spend time under the fall!
| ⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Note ⁕⁕ Carry cash while visiting the Hamilton Pool Preserve. The park authority does not accept credit cards or other forms of payment at present. |
4. Big Bend National Park Hot Spring
Location: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, United States
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours
Entry Fee: $15 per person
Contact No: 432-477-2251
Searching for a place where you can camp while enjoying the spring? Well, if yes, then you must visit the Big Bend National Park Hot Spring that is located inside the national park. It is a place known for its 105 degrees hot spring. It is believed that taking a bath in this spring has a number of healing properties. So, why not try it?
5. Guadalupe River State Park
Location: 3350 Park Rd 31, Texas 78070, United States
Hours of Operation: 8 am–10 pm
Entry Fee: $7 Daily Charges for Adults, Free for Children Below 12
Contact Number: +1 830-438-2656
Built on a section of the Guadalupe River, this state park in Texas is one of the most visited national parks in the state. It is in the Kendall and Comal Counties in north Texas. From greenery to marvelously clean water that reflects the blue sky, this natural spring is one of the best places that you can visit when you are in the state.
6. Boykin Springs
Location: Forest Service Rd 313, Zavalla, TX 75980, United States
Contact No: (936) 897-1068
A place that is best for family activities? Well, the answer is Boykin Spring! This is a very famous recreational area that is known for camping, fishing, kikhing, and other water activities. If there is one thing that you cannot find here, it is boredom!
7. McKinney Falls
Location: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
Hours of Operation: 8 am–10 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-243-1643
Entry Fee: $6 for Adults, Free for Children Below 12
One of the best things that most people feel to do is to jump under a waterfall and soak in all the mineral infused water! And if that is something that you want to do as well, you can! Headover to the McKinney Falls that is located in Austin. If you are in the city and have been searching for “natural springs in Austin Texas,” this is the answer to your search!
8. Hancock Springs Pool
Location: US-281, Lampasas, TX 76550, United States
This one happens to be one of the oldest spring-fed pools in Texas. While most of the springs in the state are warm, this one is relatively cool, with a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is a popular public swimming pool in Lampasas, Texas and you must check it out if you want an experience of a lifetime!
9. Jacob’s Well
Location: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, United States
Hours of Operation: 8 am to 6 pm
One of the natural wonders of the world, Jacob’s Well had to make it to the list of the best and the most fascinating natural springs in Texas! It is a perennial karstic spring, which means that the water never dries out. With water all year round, this happens to be one of the most visited springs in Texas. It is also one of the deepest springs in the world. So, if you are in for an adventure, this might be the one for you!
10. Boquillas Hot Springs
Location: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129, United States
Hours of Operation: 9 am to 4 pm
Contact No: 432-477-2251
Entry Fee: $4
Now known as the Big Bend Hot Springs, this hot spring is located near the Rio Grande River. One of the reasons why this place is so famous is because there are cement walls that are built around it which serve as the remnants of the Langford Bathhouse from over a century ago. Enjoy a bath here with the 105 degree water while watching the sunset at the horizon!
11. Krause Springs
Location: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, United States
Want to be surrounded by magic? If yes, then you have to visit Krause Springs at least once in your life! Located in Spicewood, it is most famous for being a camping ground among the tourists. However, if you really want to experience the beauty of the place, it is best that you swing in the natural spring and feel fresh!
12. Blue Hole Regional Park
Location: 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX 78676, United States
Hours of Operation: 8 am–5:30 pm
Contact No: +1 512-660-9111
Entry Fee: $12 for Adults, $6 for 4-12 Years, $6 for Wimberly Residents
The last one on this list is the Blue Hole Regional Park. It is located in Wimberley and is best known for being a recreational area for the tourists as well as the locals.
Surrounded by huge trees that make the water look more green than blue, it is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit in Texas!
13. Chinati Hot Springs:
Location: 1 Hot Springs Rd, Presidio, TX 79845, United States
Phone No: +1 432-229-4165
If you go towards the west, towards the Chihuahuan Desert, you will come across the Chinati Hot Springs right before hitting the Mexican border. This remotely located oasis has hiking trails, overnight accommodations, pools at different temperatures, and so much more. Get hold of a climate-controlled cabin, get some cooking supplies, and enjoy a relaxing weekend here.
14. Langford Hot Springs:
Location: Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend National Park is home to so many beautiful landscapes and hiking trails in Texas.
When you want to rest your muscles, you will require rest – this is the time to step into the Langford Hot Springs along the Rio Grande.
The water here is heated via geothermal processes below the ground, according to the National Park Service.
15. Capote Springs:
Location: Presidio County in Texas
Capote Springs is another destination in the West of Texas. This collection of natural hot springs sits around for an hour just outside of the Marfa region.
The water here hovers at around 99 degrees throughout the year. From these springs, it is just a quick hike to Capote Falls, which is a 180-foot-tall waterfall for you to enjoy while you soak.
Honorable Mentions: Natural Water Springs In Texas That You Must Visit!
The list is not yet over! Here are some of the other places that you must visit or that you must have on the list of the natural springs in Texas if you are planning to visit them:
1. Lake Tejas
Location: 157 Lake Tejas, Colmesneil, TX 75938, United States
Lake Tejas is a Texas lake fed by natural spring water. It is ideal for family recreation. You can also make a solo visit and enjoy a swim in the lake.
2. Barton Springs
Location: Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Barton Springs is a popular year-round swimming destination in Texas. Its water comes from underground springs.
Moreover, the average temperature of the spring water is 68-70 degrees F.
3. Inks Lake State Park
Location: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Established in 1950, Inks Lake State Park is a chosen Texas destination for swimming and paddling. You can also explore scuba diving here.
4. Schumacher Crossing Hunt
Location: Schumacher Crossing, TX-39, Ingram TX 78025, United States
On the Guadalupe River, you will find the Schumacher Crossing Hunt, a popular swimming hole in Texas. Moreover, the place is quaint, and it exudes a serene vibe.
5. Rio Vista Park
Location: 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States
Rio Vista Park is a favorite destination in Texas for boating and kayaking. It is also popular as a picnic spot.
Wrapping It Up!
In case you were in search of the information related to the natural springs in Texas, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know by commenting in the box at the bottom of the page.
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