Jacob's Well Tours & Events
Guided Tours of Jacob's Well Natural Area
Free to the public, offered Saturdays at 10am, September – May
When available, guided tours are led by park staff and/or dedicated volunteers. The guides will speak in-depth about the history of Jacob’s Well and the aquifer system that sustains it as well as the local wildlife and vegetation found here. NOTE: tours are not available during summer months.
Guided morning tours last approximately one (1) hour and will lead you on various compacted granite and natural surface trails. While we do not consider our tours to be strenuous, you will travel up and down several inclines and walk on rock ledges. Please be aware of your own personal limitations.
Additional Info:
- Tours depart from the Jacob’s Well Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Please email parks@hayscountytx.gov for all other questions. For private tours, please contact us in advance. A minimum of 10 persons are required for a private tour.
- Things to bring: drinking water, good walking shoes, binoculars, a love for nature
Upcoming Tour Dates in 2025:
September 13th
September 20th
October 4th
October 11th
October 18th
Upcoming Events at Jacob's Well Natural Area
Evening Explorations @ Jacob's Well - September 21st, 8pm-11pm
Explore the evening with park staff and friends at this After-Hours event! TXST Astronomy Club will be on-site with telescopes ready for a Star Party that will be out of this world! At the same time, Mothing Survey Stations will be set up around the park, allowing you to get a closer look at some of our nighttime natives.
Discovery Day - September 27th, 9am-12pm
Learn more about the geology and ecology of the park via hands-on stations throughout the park.
As you hike down the main trail to Jacob's Well you will encounter discovery stations designed to enhance your understanding of Jacob's Well Natural Area.
Explore tracks, scat, and skulls from local wildlife. See what's blooming in the park. Hold 100-million-year-old fossils and view our collections. Crafts, activities, and more. Come and go as you please!
Evening Explorations @ Jacob's Well - October 18th, 8pm-11pm
Explore the evening with park staff and friends at this After-Hours event! TXST Astronomy Club will be on-site with telescopes ready for a Star Party that will be out of this world! At the same time, Mothing Survey Stations will be set up around the park, allowing you to get a closer look at some of our nighttime natives.
Discovery Day - October 25th, 10am-1pm
Learn more about the geology and ecology of the park via hands-on stations throughout the park.
As you hike down the main trail to Jacob's Well you will encounter discovery stations designed to enhance your understanding of Jacob's Well Natural Area.
Explore tracks, scat, and skulls from local wildlife. See what's blooming in the park. Hold 100-million-year-old fossils and view our collections. Crafts, activities, and more. Come and go as you please!
Travis Audubon Bird Behavior Hike - November 15th @ 8am (Registration Required)
Join Shelia Hargis and Hays County Parks staff for a bird walk at Jacob’s Well Natural Area. JWNA features a unique habitat surrounding the iconic artesian spring, which feeds Cypress Creek and supports a diverse range of bird species. Multiple ecosystems are represented in this park, including mixed Oak/Juniper forest, Savannah/Prairie areas, as well as an Aquatic/Riparian zone. We’ll explore the lush landscapes and serene waters, while keeping an eye out for various breeding and migrant birds. We’ll take time to observe and discuss bird behavior as we encounter it.
Guided Audio Tour
This is a free guided audio tour of Jacob’s Well Natural Area. Five stops will guide visitors through the park while discussing the history, geology, and ecology of the area. Access the tour via the link above or by scanning one of the QR codes found throughout the park at each stop.
Nature Center Exhibits
Stop by the Nature Center, located by Parking Lot C. Here you will find SCUBA diving videos, historical photos, our massive fossil collection, wildlife exhibits, and more!
Open Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 10am-3 pm
Field Trips
Available year-round upon request
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is happy to host school field trips, scout trips, home school groups and other groups. Please contact us for more information about tours, trips, or other educational visits to Jacob’s Well Natural Area. If you are interested in a field trip for your school or organization, please fill out this form and email it to Katherine.sturdivant@hayscountytx.gov at the Hays County Parks Department.
Additional Amenities
Hiking Trails, Geocaching, Birding, Scenic Photography, Children’s play area, Picnic areas, Labyrinth, Sundial, Loose Parts Play Area
Geocaching
Geocaching is a real world “treasure hunt” that uses GPS coordinates to locate various sized hidden containers. Each container has a log to sign and there are often trinkets inside! Caches can be as small as a bison tube or bigger than a five-gallon bucket! Click on our brochures below to learn more.
See our geocaching brochures!
