Why Visit the Meadows Center in San Marcos, TX?
The main attraction at the Meadows Center is the glass-bottom boat tour, which will provide you with a fantastic view of the natural beauty of the spring-fed lake. You will also want to visit Discovery Hall and stroll along the Wetlands Boardwalk on your visit.
If you want an even closer look, you can sign up for a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or snorkel tour!
The history of Spring Lake is also fascinating. Before it was part of Texas State University, it was home to prehistoric peoples, a boarding school, and Aquarena Springs, just to name a few. More on this below.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Ecosystems
- Conservation
- Environmental Studies
Quick Info:
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
201 San Marcos Springs Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Park Hours: Mon – Sun 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public Boat Tour Hours: Vary by Season
Public boat tours run every 30 minutes. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the walk up to the Ticket Kiosk.
Call for information on current conditions and availability: 512.245.7590
Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Children (3-12): $8
Children (0-2): $0
Need more info? Contact them here.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publishing of this article in August 2024. Contact The Meadows Center for any changes, or to confirm.
What Can You Expect to See and Do at The Meadows Center?
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
- Discovery Hall
- Wetlands Boardwalk
- Special Events, Classes and Tours
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
The glass-bottom boat tours are a unique natural attraction. These guided tours are led by knowledgeable staff who share insights into the flora and fauna thriving in Spring Lake and the San Marcos Springs. The boat rides are approximately 30 minutes long and are a fascinating and immersive experience suitable for visitors of all ages.
Discovery Hall
Discovery Hall serves as an educational space, offering visitors the opportunity to delve into the natural history and environmental significance of the Spring Lake and the San Marcos Springs area. The hall features informative displays and interactive exhibits that focus on the aquatic environment, including geology, ecology, and conservation efforts.
The Wetlands Boardwalk
The Wetlands Boardwalk provides visitors with a leisurely stroll through a unique ecosystem. Get an up-close view of various bird species, aquatic plants, and perhaps even some local wildlife as you walk along the boardwalk.
Special Events, Classes and Tours
The Meadows Center offers a variety of educational events including field trips, classes, and family fun days. Additionally, they provide paddling tours (including nighttime kayak tours), scuba diving, and snorkeling for those who want a more immersive experience.
The Fascinating History of Spring Lake
Spring Lake is possibly the longest continually inhabited settlement in North America. The area surrounding the San Marcos Springs has been inhabited during every known period of human habitation in Central Texas, beginning with the Paleo-Indian era.
The building you now see on the property, housing Discovery Hall was originally built as the Spring Lake Hotel in the 1920’s.
In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s Aquarena Springs Theme Park was bringing in tourists to see the bubbling springs, plants, and animals that thrived in the clear waters of Spring Lake via the glass-bottom boats. Mermaids were also featured on the tours. More buildings and attractions were added, including a submarine theatre, sky ride, space needle, pioneer village, restaurant, and a famous diving pig named “Ralph.” You can still find nods and tributes to Aquarena Springs throughout San Marcos.
Tips for Visitors:
- Vehicles parked at the Meadows Center must display a Texas State University parking permit between 7pm Sunday – 5pm Friday. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the pay-and-display station located near the ticket kiosk.
The Meadows Center Video Preview
Fun Resources to Enhance the Field Trip:
Free & Online
