Once the site of the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi; Aquarena Springs is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited site in North America. The site today belongs to Southwest Texas State University, and, including above water areas, covers about 90 acres. With native plants and animals, including five endangered species, this site is a wonderful ecological preserve where certified instructors may bring classes to the designated scuba area.
Outstanding Features
Where once a swimming pig named Ralph and ladies dressed in fabulous mermaid costumes held audiences spellbound, there are now only the sights and sounds of nature. Aquarena Springs’ crystal clear waters are a steady 71 degrees, thanks to the steady inflow of water from the area's 175 mile long aquifer. This aquifer is what has kept people in the area for such a long time. Before scientists took over the amusement park, there were settlers here, and before those settlers, there were Native Americans. A nearby dig has produced more than 50,000 artifacts, with the oldest dating back to the Clovis Indians, who lived here more than 12,000 years ago.
The springs were dammed in 1849, forcing the water level to rise to its present depth of 28 feet maximum; before this, the water coming from the springs formed a natural fountain. Once it was dammed, several mills and an ice factory harnessed its power, and in 1928, the area was established as a short-lived resort that closed during the Great Depression. In the 1980's, the springs were rehabilitated by volunteer divers, who re-established native plants and fish.
Today, you can enjoy an underwater obstacle course with hoops and grid cages, practice transporting heavy objects, and work on hovering drills in the springs, plus, you'll receive classroom sessions which discuss the historical, biological, and geological aspects of the spring. Later, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a night dive.
Glass bottom boat tours pass over the surface, looking for the same species you'll encounter while diving: Watch for catfish and gar, sunfish and gambusia, bass, perch, turtles, and crayfish, as well as darter fish and salamanders.
While certified divers may explore the springs, new divers can enter the area where the mermaids and Ralph the pig once kept spectators entertained; a noncritical area that encompasses the former underwater arena, this area is separated from the rest of the springs by partitions, yet the water is just as clear and comfortable as it is in the area reserved for wildlife rehabilitation.
Topside amenities include an enclosed staging area and indoor changing rooms, an air fill station with cylinder refills included in the price of the scuba diving admission fee, and of course, glass bottomed boat tours. If you're interested in becoming an archaeological diver or participating in ecological projects, you can learn more through the university, and if you want to volunteer, opportunities may be available. Last, but not least, any artifacts found are protected by law, as are all the fish and other creatures living in the springs. Enjoy the natural surroundings and the unique and interesting history of this place, and volunteer if you can. Not only is this a fantastic place to visit, it is also an amazing place to donate some of your free time.