Gateway to Wimberley
Jacob’s Well Nature Center
...the Nature Center, just as The entire Jacobs Well Natural Area is a work in progress. The population the area continues to expand and more and more individuals discover JWNA. Endeavoring to preserve the area while presenting everyone with an opportunity to enjoy and discover all that there is to offer, is an ongoing challenge which the JWNA staff takes to heart.
1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, TX
78676
512.214.4593
Park Hours 8AM~6PM
Nature Center Hours:
Sat & Sun 10AM~3:00PM
Contact
Official Website
Map
Pollinator Power!
Pollinators!
Fossils from the Glen Rose Formation
are displayed within the Nature Center. JWNA strives to educate and inform everyone interested in the natural world. The Nature Center has displays which include fossils of the Glen Rose Formation.They are of marine plants and animals that all lived in a shallow sea that covered this part of Texas during theLower Cretaceous Period: approximately 110 million years ago.
Groundwater Flow - Karst Aquifer Simulator
The simulator demonstrates groundwater flow in both unconfined and confined sand and gravel aquifers overlying cavernous limestone and fractured-bedrock aquifers. This simulator is particularly useful in visualizing how the groundwater flows and and interacts in our area which contains caves, sinkholes, fractured non-porous bedrock. It is one of several models that are available for viewing at the Nature Center.
Free Lectures and Guided Tours
You are invited to join the Hays County Master Naturalists for a Free guided morning tour starting at 10:00 A.M. Saturdays from October-April.
Tours are approximately 1 hour in duration and are offered the second and fourth Saturday of every month (October through April). Located at 1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, 78676 within the Jacob's Well Natural Area. Tours will depart from the Jacob's Well Nature Center at 9AM. Please arrive by 8:50AM.
You MUST sign-up ahead of time in order to attend. Tours are led by Master Naturalist volunteers from our local Hays County Chapter who have a passionate focus on the aquifer that sustains Jacob's Well, a natural artesian spring. The guides will speak in-depth about the history of the Well and the several species of wildlife that thrive in the surrounding habitat.
Please reach out to us at least 1 week in advance for small tours and 2-3 weeks in advance for large groups and special topic tours. Tours will be held rain or shine but call ahead at (512)-214-4593. if there is a chance of any severe or threatening weather conditions which might cause a cancellation.
Guided morning tours last approximately 1 hour and will lead you on various compacted granite and natural surface trails. The tour is family-friendly and all ages are welcome.
Please bring your own water, sun screen, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars (optional)and proper attire depending on the weather .
A great follow up after taking the guided tour are the videos which can be viewed in the Nature Center.
Shown: the 'class room' and the Watershed Education Kiosk.
Discover all that JWNA has to offer
Jacob's Well Natural Area is a Day Use Facility and open year long. The swimming season runs May 1st through October 1st.
The 2024 swimming season has been cancelled due to water shortages.
JWNA Home
the first Hays County - owned preserve includes 81.5 acres surrounding the Jacob's Well artesian spring. This ecological resource is the most significant and...Read More
Jacob's Well
The Artesian spring, is a favorite swimming spot in Wimberley and is also the head waters to Cypress Creek. The water is supplied to the spring by the Trinity...Read More
Trails for all to enjoy
Access to the spring requires a hike of approximately 1900' (580m) from the parking area.. Sturdy foot wear is advised, strollers and coolers are not advised...Read More
JWNA News and Information
Updated timely news, hours of operation, guidelines, regulations, maps, contact information and what to expect when visiting...Read More
Things to Do in the area
Complementary information; parks, rivers, facilities, vendors and other activities located within the general area.Read More
The Fatal Allure of Jacob's Well
Louie Bond tells of the history and the mystery of this natural wonder.On the surface, the scene is timeless.Read More
Last updated 03/08/25
Jacob's Well Natural Area is open to the public from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily for hiking and viewing the spring. In addition, the Natural Area offers primitive and accessible trails, geocaching, self-guided audio tours, bird and wildlife watching opportunities, picnic sites, demonstration gardens, weekend Nature Center exhibits and a small children's play area.
VisitWimberley.com is your 'online' gateway to the Wimberley area with Lodging information, features, links to shopping, eating, services, art, music, special events, things to do, animal and wildlife information, crafts, and services in the Wimberley area. Our sister publication,The Hill Country Home Guide, includes localized information for designing, building and living within the Texas Hill Country.
