The Oldest Spring-Fed Pool In Texas Deserves A Spot On Your Summer Bucket List
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 07, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We all know how intense the Texas summer heat can be, and on the most blistering days, nothing hits the spot quite like immersing oneself in cool, refreshing water. Hancock Springs offers this sort of relief, with a free-flowing, spring-fed pool deeply rooted in the town of Lampasas’ history.
Lampasas was built around the Hancock Springs in the late 1800s, when the town gained fame as a health resort. People traveled here from all over Texas to bathe in the healing waters, with many even getting baptized.
A free-flowing swimming pool was constructed in the early 1900s, fed by Marble Falls. Since 1886, about seventy gallons of water have been coursing through the channel each second.
One look at the bottom of the pool proves just how fresh and unadulterated this water is. It may not have the smooth texture we're all accustomed to underfoot, but you'll feel cleaner than ever after emerging from the blue-green depths.
Since the pool is spring-fed, it remains a constant 69 degrees all year round. Because of its comfortable temperature and sheer uniqueness, the swim area consistently ranks among the top summertime tourist attractions.
Directly in front of the swimming pool is a historic limestone building called The Hostess House. It dates back to 1929, erected to serve as a reception hall, changing room, live entertainment venue, and place for dances to be held.
So whether you're looking to cool off, experience an underrated slice of Texas history, or both, Hancock Springs Park definitely belongs on your summer bucket list. Rest assured it'll be a new family tradition for years to come!