Jacob's Well Natural Area is an 81-acre park located in Hays County, just 37 miles outside of Austin, Texas.
The park's main attraction is Jacob's Well, an artesian spring and the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas. The region was home to over 200 Native American groups, collectively known as the Coahuiltecans, with the Tonkawa, Jumano, and Comanche tribes being the most prominent.
If you are planning a visit to the Hill Country, Jacob's Well is definitely worth exploring.


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The area has a lot to offer, including:
Jacob's Well
A walk to the well is a must. During our visit in the spring of 2023, the well was low but still worth the trip. Swimming wasn't allowed at the time due to low water levels.


Bird Watching
This is a quiet area set up for birdwatching, with feeders to attract birds and plenty of information available on the local fowl. The kids loved it and still talk about the birds they saw.

Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun activity for families, couples, or individuals alike, and there are caches throughout the park at Jacob's Well.
Nature Center
The Nature Center offers great resources and hands-on learning experiences. Guided tours are also available.

Children's Play Area
The building area is a favorite among kids, who can let their imaginations run wild.


Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
• Get there early to avoid the heat in the summer months. The park is open daily from 8am to 6pm (no entry after 5:30pm), and hours may vary on major holidays.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for kids. Check out our favorite ADVENTURE SNACKS
• Wear appropriate footwear. The trail to the well can be steep and slippery even when not wet. We wear our Earthrunners for most of our adventures. They work well for walking & swimming so you don't have to change shoes. SHOP EARTHRUNNERS (use code: WILDWONDER10 for 10% off)
• Make reservations for swimming. At this current time they are not allowing swimming due to the water level, but when they are open, it gets busy in the summer months. Park is free, but there is a fee for swimming at Jacob's Well.
• Limited Parking. Carpool or get there early to ensure a spot.
• If you have a stroller, note that the trail to Jacob's Well is not stroller-friendly.
• Guided morning tours are available for free to the public on Saturdays from October to May. During the summer months, an audio-guided tour is available.
Once you're done exploring Jacob's Well Natural Area, the nearby town of Wimberley is such a cute town to grab lunch and create more memories.
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