Memory Lane: Aquarena Springs

What do mermaids, swimming pigs and endangered salamanders have in common? They were all a part of the theme park that used to reside at Aquarena Springs between 1951-1994.

With more than 200 springs, the lake is one of the world’s largest aquifer fed systems. Today, it’s a healthy and diverse ecosystem home to many endangered species such as the Texas Blind Salamander. 

But let’s go back in time for a minute. It’s Sunday and you get to pack into the car and head to Aquarena Springs for brunch and a show. The show usually included Aquamaids who had underwater picnics, Glurpo the Clown and even underwater ballet. If you were lucky, you could spot Ralph the swimming pig taking a leap into the lake! 

The springs also had the Alpine Swiss Skyline that you could sit in and see above the trees. If you wanted to see through the clear water without having to put on a suit, there were glass-bottomed boats you could ride on.

The park declined over the years and was eventually purchased by Texas State University in 1994. It was renamed the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and now draws researchers from the university.