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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

COVID-19 Updates

underwater spring lake

The Meadows Center is open to the public in a limited capacity Monday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We are thrilled to welcome you back! 

On this page, you’ll find some information you’ll need to know for your upcoming visit to Spring Lake.

August 9 Update:

The Meadows Center's indoor facilities (Discovery Hall and Spring Lake Hall) are open to the public. The Spring Lake Education Program's field trips and group tours are taking reservations. We are accepting public event rentals. 

Glass-bottom boat tour tickets are available at the Ticket Kiosk (no online registration required). For groups that would like to take a private glass-bottom boat tour, pre-registration is required.  

Guests are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask and practice appropriate social distancing. The Meadows Center will continue to follow Texas State University's guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocols (listed below). 

Expand FAQ List

  • The health and safety of the Meadows Center's visitors and staff remains our number one priority. The Meadows Center will continue to follow Texas State University guidelines and keep the COVID-19 safety protocols (listed below), including mandatory face coverings for all staff and visitors, in place through the end of the semester following Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order. 

  • The Meadows Center's indoor facilities (Discovery Hall and Spring Lake Hall) will re-open to the public beginning June 1, 2021. The Spring Lake Education Program's field trips and group tours will also re-open on June 1, 2021. We will begin accepting public event rentals beginning on June 1, 2021. 

    With the increase in cases of the COVID Delta variant, guests are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask and practice appropriate social distancing. The Meadows Center will continue to follow Texas State University's guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocols (listed below). 

Safety Precautions

As a result of the COVID-19 health pandemic, some procedures at Spring Lake have changed; please bear with us as we implement new procedures and work through the challenges of reopening Spring Lake safely and with all necessary precautions in place.

To ensure your health and safety, please follow these new policies:

  • With the increase in cases of the COVID Delta variant, guests are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask and practice appropriate social distancing by staying six feet apart from others. 
  • Outdoor facilities, such as the wetlands boardwalk and the trails at Spring Lake, as well as indoor facilities, such as the Discovery Hall, are open to the public during operating hours.
  • Glass-bottom boat tours are available at the Ticket Kiosk daily. For groups that would like to take a private glass-bottom boat tour, pre-registration is required.
  • Field trips and group tours are be available. Contact our Tour Office to book your tour.  
  • The Meadows Center has reopened Special Event Rentals (i.e. weddings, birthdays, meetings, parties, sporting events).
  • Boat tour guests will be required to check-in at the Meadows Center's ticket kiosk upon arrival. 
  • Please do not visit if you are feeling sick. If you are sick, please stay home.

Glass-bottom Boat Tour Tickets Are Available at the Ticket Kiosk

Glass-bottom boat tickets are available for purchase at the Meadows Center's ticket kiosk (201 San Marcos Springs Drive in San Marcos, Texas). For groups that would like to take a private glass-bottom boat tour, pre-registration is required. Call the Ticket Office (512) 245-7590 for more information. Boat tours are offered every hour and half hour, with the last tour leaving at 4:00 p.m. 

Group field trip tours have reopened. The trails at Spring Lake and wetlands boardwalk will remain open to the public, with no reservation required. The Discovery Hall and offices at Spring Lake Hall are open to the public. 

 

Spring Lake Diving

For information about the latest Spring Lake Diving policy and procedures, please visit the Spring Lake Diving webpage.

 

Vehicles parked at the Meadows Center must display a valid Texas State University parking permit between 7:00pm Sunday - 5:00pm Friday. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the pay-and-display station located near the ticket kiosk.