Explore Spring Lake

Spring Lake Guided Kayak Tours provides low-impact educational fun on top of the spring-fed, crystal clear waters of Spring Lake. The water here is 72 degrees year-round, home to seven endangered and threatened species, and one of the longest persistently inhabited sites in North America. This program aims to connect guests to the wonders of our local ecosystem and our relationship with the environment.

The 1.5-hour experience includes:

• Introduction to the unique history and habitat of Spring Lake
• Check-in, safety, and skills debrief
• Hour-long guided kayak tour

All gear will be provided by the Meadows Center, including a life jacket, kayak, and a light (evening class only). No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 participants and maximum of 8. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.

*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students that would like to book the tour at a $10 discounted rate should reach out to the Spring Lake Tours Office at springlaketours@txstate.edu.

Participant Requirements:
The Spring Lake Kayak Program is limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat. Comfort around deep water and experience with kayaking is required.

All participants should be in good mental and physical fitness for kayaking. A signed waiver is required for all participants stating that they will not hold Texas State University or the Meadows Center liable for any injury that may occur.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made less than 24 hours prior to the event, you will receive half of the total amount paid. The amount refunded will be applied to the credit card that was used for payment.

Parking Information:
All visitors are required to display a parking permit Monday at 8am through Friday at 5pm to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One day temporary permits are available for purchase at the kiosk in the parking lot for $3. The kiosk takes credit cards only.

NOTE: Classes have a 2-guest minimum. You will be notified if the minimum number of guests has not been reached. Registration closes 2 days prior to the tour date. If registration has closed for your desired date, please contact our Ticket Kiosk at 512.245.7590 to check availability.

Splash into Science is an immersive snorkeling program which provides low-impact educational fun in the spring-fed, crystal clear waters of Spring Lake, the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Spring Lake is home to spring-fed waters that remain a constant 72 degrees year-round, seven endangered and threatened species, and one of the longest continually inhabited sites in North America. This program aims to connect guests to the wonders of our local ecosystem and our relationship with the environment.

The introductory course will include:

• Introduction to the unique history and habitat of Spring Lake
• Guided tour of the Discovery Hall
• All related equipment and basic snorkeling skills refresher
• *Participants will be required to pass a swim test prior to the tour and show ability to snorkel in open water
• Guided on water tour including Diversion Springs, Cream of Wheat Springs, and the Ossified Forest (approx. 45 minutes)

All gear will be provided by the Meadows Center, including a 5mm wetsuit (optional), goggles, snorkel, fins, life jacket, and dive light (evening classes only). No outside gear will be allowed unless it is for prescription goggles. Live jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 6. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.

*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students that would like to book the tour at a $10 discounted rate should reach out to the Spring Lake Tours Office at springlaketours@txstate.edu.

Participant Requirements:
Splash into Science is limited to swimmers aged 12 and up. *Participants must be able to swim and be able to pass a swim test. Comfort around deep water and experience with snorkeling is required. Participants must arrive in a clean, washed swimsuit to prevent the spread of invasive species like Zebra Mussels.

All participants should be in good mental and physical fitness for snorkeling. A signed waiver is required for all participants stating that they will not hold Texas State University or the Meadows Center liable for any injury that may occur.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made less than 24 hours prior to the event, you will receive half of the total amount paid. The amount refunded will be applied to the credit card that was used for payment.

Parking Information:
All visitors are required to display a parking permit Monday at 8am through Friday at 5pm to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One day temporary permits are available for purchase at the kiosk in the parking lot for $3. The kiosk takes credit cards only.


NOTE: Classes have a 2-guest minimum. You will be notified if the minimum number of guests has not been reached. Registration closes 2 days prior to the tour date. If registration has closed for your desired date, please contact our Ticket Kiosk at 512.245.7590 to check availability.

Have you ever wondered how the rocks found in Central Texas came to be? We will discover what rocks can tell us about the land we live on through hands-on activities and crafts. 

Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Meadows Center ticket kiosk.

About the Spring Lake Outdoor Academy
This series of classes is designed for K-12^th students to get outside and experience nature firsthand. Classes take place on one Tuesday of each month from September-December. Prior registration is required (limit 40). Each class includes a boat ride and other activities that vary from class to class. Homeschool students are encouraged to register. Learn more: OutdoorAcademy.MeadowsWater.org

Learn about the cultures that have existed and thrived in Central Texas for thousands of years! During this program, we will experience the indigenous cultures' way of life through games and crafts.

Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Meadows Center ticket kiosk.

About the Spring Lake Outdoor Academy
This series of classes is designed for K-12^th students to get outside and experience nature firsthand. Classes take place on one Tuesday of each month from September-December. Prior registration is required (limit 40). Each class includes a boat ride and other activities that vary from class to class. Homeschool students are encouraged to register. Learn more: OutdoorAcademy.MeadowsWater.org

Learn about the endangered and threatened species found here at Spring Lake! From blind salamanders to Texas wild-rice, we will explore the many unique organisms that call Spring Lake and the San Marcos River home.

Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Meadows Center ticket kiosk.

About the Spring Lake Outdoor Academy
This series of classes is designed for K-12^th students to get outside and experience nature firsthand. Classes take place on one Tuesday of each month from September-December. Prior registration is required (limit 40). Each class includes a boat ride and other activities that vary from class to class. Homeschool students are encouraged to register. Learn more: OutdoorAcademy.MeadowsWater.org