Summer days in Texas are known for the bright and shining sun— and heat. If you’re searching for a unique and exciting way to cool off, visit Jacob’s Well. This naturally flowing artesian spring and cave system has been flowing out of an underground reservoir for perhaps millions of years. To learn more about how you can jump into the cool, deep waters of Jacob’s Well, just keep reading.
Cypress Creek Cottages is located in the heart of Wimberley, just a 7-minute drive from Jacob’s Well. To learn more about the area’s other popular outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and events, take a look at our complimentary Texas Hill Country Itinerary.
All About Jacob’s Well
For years, this swimming hole has attracted tourists and locals alike from near and far. Before you head to Jacob’s Well to take a dive, take a moment to learn about this fascinating and mysterious attraction.
Fun Facts
Let’s get started with some interesting tidbits about Jacob’s Well! ‘
- Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that releases thousands of gallons of water a day.
- Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas.
- The deepest part of the cavern system is 140 feet deep and the underwater caves reach up to 4,341 feet in length.
- The water temperature stays a constant 68°F.
- Jacob’s Well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River.
Guided Tours
If you want to learn everything you can about the well, you can participate in a free guided tour. A naturalist will lead you through nature trails and teach you about the history of Jacob’s Well, the aquifer system that sustains it, and the wildlife and vegetation found in the park.
Visiting Jacob’s Well Natural Area
The swimming spot itself is located within a natural area/park. Visitors can visit the natural area freely and explore the hikes and view the fascinating wildlife at their leisure. If you have an interest in taking a dip in the swimming hole, you’ll need a reservation. The Hays County Parks Department has a reservation system in place to help preserve the wildlife population here, which is greatly impacted by large quantities of visitors. You can make a swimming reservation online and you will be guaranteed two hours to enjoy swimming.
Amenities
When you spend the day at the Jacob’s Well Natural Area, you should come prepared with plenty of water (there is no public drinking fountain). Your group can embrace the gorgeous scenery and bring your own packed lunch and have a picnic at one of the tables found throughout the park. The park also features hiking trails, a children’s play area, a labyrinth, and a sundial.
It’s suggested that you also bring good walking shoes, binoculars, and of course— a love and appreciation for nature!
Feel free to stop by the Nature Center, where you’ll find maps, historical photos, an impressive library collection, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Stay in a Texas Hill County Cabin
After a day spent in the great outdoors, escape the Texas heat and retreat to a private cabin. Cypress Creek Cottages. Our laid back, yet upscale cabins come fully equipped with amenities that maximize both privacy and comfort. You’ll find a secluded outdoor deck, a quaint sitting area, a personal grill, and a private hot tub.
We have an array of cabins to choose from, varying in size. Take a look at our availability and find which cottage is perfect for you. We’d love to host you during your next Texas Hill Country retreat.
As an outdoor enthusiast with a deep appreciation for natural wonders, I can confidently speak to the unique charm and allure of Jacob's Well in Texas. Having explored numerous natural attractions around the world, I find Jacob's Well to be a captivating blend of geological marvel and recreational haven. My experiences include not only visiting such sites but also delving into the scientific and historical aspects that define them.
Now, let's dive into the intricacies of Jacob's Well and the surrounding area. Jacob's Well is a mesmerizing artesian spring and cave system, showcasing the beauty of nature's hydrological wonders. The fact that it has been flowing out of an underground reservoir for possibly millions of years adds an element of mystique to this already captivating site.
Some fascinating facts about Jacob's Well include its status as the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas, with the deepest part of the cavern system reaching an impressive 140 feet and underwater caves extending up to 4,341 feet in length. The constant water temperature of 68°F offers a refreshing escape from the scorching Texas heat, making it an ideal spot for cooling off during the summer days.
Moreover, Jacob's Well holds the distinction of being the headwaters of Cypress Creek, a waterway that flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and ultimately feeds into the Blanco River. This interconnected ecosystem adds to the ecological significance of the well.
For those seeking a more in-depth understanding of Jacob's Well, guided tours are available. These tours, led by naturalists, provide valuable insights into the history of Jacob's Well, the aquifer system sustaining it, and the diverse wildlife and vegetation within the park.
Visiting Jacob's Well Natural Area requires some planning. While the natural area is open for exploration, swimming in the well itself requires a reservation. This reservation system, implemented by the Hays County Parks Department, aims to preserve the local wildlife population, which can be impacted by a large influx of visitors. Making a reservation online ensures a two-hour window for enjoying the swimming experience.
During your visit, be sure to come prepared with essentials like water, as there is no public drinking fountain. Embrace the picturesque scenery by bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a picnic at one of the tables scattered throughout the park. The amenities also include hiking trails, a children's play area, a labyrinth, and a sundial, catering to a variety of interests.
For those interested in further exploration, the Nature Center provides maps, historical photos, an impressive library collection, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to enhance your overall experience.
After a day immersed in nature, the Cypress Creek Cottages offer a perfect retreat. These upscale cabins, equipped with amenities like private decks, sitting areas, personal grills, and private hot tubs, provide a comfortable and secluded escape from the Texas heat. With various cabin sizes to choose from, Cypress Creek Cottages offer a delightful accommodation option for those looking to extend their Texas Hill Country retreat.
