Wimberley's Blue Hole Regional Park
A Central Texas Treasure
updated 01/27/25
Blue Hole is one of the best loved natural swimming holes in Texas. Located in Wimberley, it is surrounded by 126 acres of natural forests and native grass fields that have so far escaped the developers' touch. Now, thanks to many dedicated volunteers, and with good stewardship, chances are good that the natural beauty of the Blue Hole will be preserved for many years to come.
A unique spot almost hidden in the center of Wimberley, the Blue Hole is lined by old growth cypress trees that have survived floods, milling, and settlers' needs for building materials. The Blue Hole property possesses what is now becoming a much more rare ecosystem and supports many species of birds, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and mammals. Native grasses, wildflowers and groves of varieties of central Texas trees and shrubs are decoratively combined with rocky outcrops, creating a scenic and special environment.
The Blue Hole property was owned by the John R. Dobie family from 1897. In the 1920s, it became a popular spot for swimmers and picnickers when the Dobie family opened the Blue Hole to the public. Blue Hole was sold to a private Austin partnership group who allowed limited swimming and camping access to the property.
Since Blue Hole is so centrally located, offers so many unique features, and is so closely tied to Wimberley's history, the Village of Wimberley municipal government entered into an option agreement in 2003 to acquire the 126 acre tract along Cypress Creek for public use and parkland. In May 2005 the Village completed the land acquisition portion of the Blue Hole project with grants and donations from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Hays County, the Lower Colorado River Authority, The Trust for Public Land, and numerous individuals.
The Blue Hole property was owned by the John R. Dobie family from 1897. In the 1920s, it became a popular spot for swimmers and picnickers when the Dobie family opened the Blue Hole to the public. Blue Hole was sold to a private Austin partnership group who allowed limited swimming and camping access to the property.
Since Blue Hole is so centrally located, offers so many unique features, and is so closely tied to Wimberley's history, the Village of Wimberley municipal government entered into an option agreement in 2003 to acquire the 126 acre tract along Cypress Creek for public use and parkland. In May 2005 the Village completed the land acquisition portion of the Blue Hole project with grants and donations from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Hays County, the Lower Colorado River Authority, The Trust for Public Land, and numerous individuals.
In 2005
the City of Wimberley embarked on a mission to save the Blue Hole from the threat of residential development. After an unprecedented fundraising effort, the land was purchased by the City for use as a community park. The City has developed the newly acquired 126-acre park for the enjoyment of residents, visitors, and future generations. It includes much needed recreational facilities for our growing community.The park includes approximately 4.0 miles of trails, picnic areas, a community pavilion, playscape, basketball court, sand volleyball court, amphitheater, and the Blue Hole Swimming Area. The entire park is open to visitors within the regular operating hours, however swimming is only allowed during the designated swimming season.
The park balances the needs of the community while preserving and restoring the historic Blue Hole and surrounding ecosystems. The City hired Design Workshop to design the park that was originally envisioned in a master plan led by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 2006.
