The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

201 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 30

Shenan Stanley

I went to the amusement park that was here long ago - wanted my children to ride on glass bottomed boats. Luckily the boats still run, but all the shows and crazy stuff (piano playing chicken, swimming pig, mermaid show, etc.) is gone - it is more educational. Kids still loved it. Smashed some pennies in an old machine they kept around, looked at the fish aquariums and the turtle aquarium. They loved the ride on the boat and pointing out every fish and turtle they saw. The water was perfectly clear, the plant life underwater thick and fantastic and the springs were a sight one must see to appreciate. Although the amusements from when I was a child are long gone, the boats are still worth it for young and old alike.

Tony T

This place was an adventure in what, at first, seemed like an old school Resident-Evil styled laboratory on the edge of a suburban forest. The experience is made more surreal with the presence of an abandoned 1970s-futuristic styled amusement park where the vegetation and nature has reclaimed the man made structures! The glass bottom boats are cool, you get to see the creatures living in the vegetation below, within the pristine spring waters! There are still relics from the shows and rides that they had here during the 70s. The tours are loaded with local history of this "aquarena"! It has additional museum and info inside. Overall, a real learning experience. The flora & fauna above and below the spring is noteworthy!

Candice Hart

We went here not realizing what we were going to do. I read about an abandoned amusement park and thought it could be here. When we got there the signage was confusing and we ended up in an area for Texas university students? We eventually found where we needed to be only to find out they were closed. The glass bottom boats will definitely be something we try next time! The people that work there were just leaving and were kind enough to unlock the bathrooms so we could us it. The area was still nice to explore with Texas flowers and a beautiful river to look at.

Jennifer McDonald

5th time here Do not miss this tour. It is amazing to see the beautiful ecosystem God created through a glass bottom boat. It is stunning to look though 22 feet of crystal clear water from the bottom of a boat. The whole park is stepped an amazing history that makes you want to learn more and wander around. Take the time to walk out to the wetland board walk. Lastly,Dont forget to tip the tour guides as they well deserve it they are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and usually a lot if fun.

Carla Stevens

What used to be the Aquarena Springs amusement park is slowly being restored to beautiful natural areas with native grasses, plants and wildlife. The old hotel has a visitor center with fish, turtles and other aquatic animals. The glass bottom boat is worth the ride. If you go be prepared to pay for parking in addition to the cost of the boat ride.

Kent Ruedemann

It was a great experience. Our tour guide, J.C., was very informative and you could definitely tell he loved being there. What made my day is that no matter what my two sons and niece (ages between 3-5) asked him, he had an answer the best to his knowledge he could possibly give a small child. Definitely worth the trip. May 31, 2016

A Private User

Awesome place to take the family learn a little history and see some big fish in crystal clear springs. Just a tip though if your children are under 2 or 3 and scared of loud noises get on the glass bottom boat last so the motor isnt to loud and take their attention away. Either way awesome place. We will visit again.

Raymond Aguilar

Nice place to spend a few hours. The glass bottom boat ride is really nice, and educational for kids. The guides are really nice and answer questions from kids. The spring is very clean, with being able to see 30 feet below crystal clear. Highly recommend. You can find discounted tickets on Groupon.

Em Ledesma

Very beautiful. It wasnt even that sunny when we went, but the water was clear and the whole area was just pretty. We went on the Glass bottom boat tour and then the museum. Both the tour and museum was educational. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about what he was talking about.

Shane Griffiths

Nothing like it use to be,the glass bottom boats are the only thing left, the underwater theater,sky ride and old West town are what really made this place great.as well as the rotating tower. The boat rides are still a good thing to take the kids on.

Benjamin Girard

If you go on the glass boat tour you will understand how special this place is. The trails around are beautiful also. The museum is great and helps you understand the uniqueness of the geology and water cycle in this area.

Marisella Nava

Took family for something to do. My four year old and 15 yr old both enjoyed for different reasons. Wish there had been some kind of gift shop. If there was, we never saw it. But it was fun and educational at the same time.

Alejandra Levy

Great place for field trips. We take our 2nd graders every year. They have many different activities for them and the tour in the glass bottom boats is awesome. Most of the tour guides are excellent.

Shruthy Suresh

Possibly because it is winter, I found the lake pretty spooky and just okay. The color changes due to the springs was beautiful to see, we even saw some scavenger birds and an otter in the lake area.

Christopher Gonzalez

One of the greatest naturally occurring spots in all of Texas. This property has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features impressive glass bottom boat tours that never disappoint.

Sherry Revill

Not too long a drive, beautiful scenery. Guide was very knowledgeable. Boats and facilities extremely clean. Staff all nice & friendly. View from glass bottom boat breathtaking.

Jeanice Kett

Glass bottom boat was awesome. We got the new one and the Captain was very knowledgeable and spoke for an hour about the meadow and the history behind the meadow. Awesome.

Rick Cousins

Free museum, glass-bottom boat rides (not free), on the university campus. Good for kids, groups. Interesting for birders, though not known for any specific rarity.

Michael Chapman

Beautiful. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the springs and their history. My almost 2 year old and 7 year old loved it. Will be coming back again.

Clarissa Gardner-Warren

It is beautiful to see the crystal clear water and to be able to see the springs. The wetlands were very nice. Flowers were gorgeous!

Cody Watson

Awesome place. Glass bottom boats are super cool and educational. Take your kids,theyll love the experience.

Sergio Gutierrez Tinoco

Astonished by the boat tour. Great educational activities. Knowledgeable people and fun activity overal.

Wayne Powell

Well worth a visit even in the rain if you love info about nature, history, and Texas diverse ecosystem

Monica Reyes

The person driving the boat was so informative! We learned and saw a lot of under water life.

Victor Marquez

Bring the family, glass bottom boats, and a center to inform you of our gorgeous surroundings