Barton Springs

Barton Springs has got to be one of the coolest (the water temp is in the 60s) parks in Texas.

It is stunning.

A little info from the park's website

Within Zilker Park's 358 acres, lies one of the crown jewels of Austin, Barton Springs Pool. Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under ground springs and is on average 68 degrees year round.

Millions of years ago Barton Springs, the fourth largest natural springs in the state, was created as a result of a landshift that created the Balcones Fault.
Named in honor of Andrew Jackson Zilker. "Colonel Andy", as friends called him, donated the land now known as Zilker Park. In 1884, at age 18, Zilker, who had left his native Indiana to seek his fortune, came to Austin with only 50 cents in his pocket and got a job at an ice plant, which he eventually bought. He then became the first Coca-Cola Bottler in Austin. Shortly after Zilker bought the land in 1901, he built a small concrete pool and amphitheater for members of his Elks Club organization, at the site of one of the three springs, where people had gathered for centuries.

Native Americans called them the Sacred Springs and came there to heal their wounds. Spanish friars believed to be the first European settlers in the Austin area set up three temporary missions at the springs in 1730-31 before they moved to San Antonio. In 1837, William "Uncle Billy" Barton, built his rustic cabin on a tract of land which included the springs. Since he owned several adjoining tracts, the area came to be known as the "Bartons".

Barton Springs Pool has been a popular swimming hole for decades, but even more people showed up once it became part of a city park in 1917. In 1929, workers enlarged the irregular-shaped pool to 1,000 feet long by building a concrete lower dam and sidewalks on both banks. In 1932, the city added an upper dam. Over the years the springs has been the site of a flour mill, a source of drinking water for many citizens and a popular location for baptisms, family picnics, social gatherings, musical performances, fishing and swimming.

Many approach a dip in Barton Springs Pool's chilly 68 degrees water with a religious zeal. Devotees relish swimming in the roomy expanse of spring water, framed by century-old pecan trees. Those who plunge down under the diving board to look at the main spring, which pumps an average of 27 million gallons of water a day, say that the pulsating action reminds them of a steady heartbeat.

You can bring all your gear and lay out in various shade and non shade areas throughout the park.

Initial dip BRRRRRRRRRRR

Strolling along the pool

Belle & Daddy

The area on the opposite side of the pool where the water flows through a damn many people bring their dogs we opted to stay on the paid dog free zone.




You can take a short little hike around the pool area the kids enjoyed spotting turtles and bass.