Krause Springs is a GORGEOUS & hidden oasis in the Austin area.  With over 32 natural springs on the property that feed both the manmade and natural pools, it is welcome treat on a hot summer day.  I put off visiting Krause Springs for a few years and wish I hadn’t.  It is relaxing and fun for the whole family.

So, if you have been waiting to go, don’t.  Go this summer and use the following tips to make it a fun trip for your family.

10 Tips for Krause Springs

Tips for Krause Springs: Take the time to visit the Butterfly Gardens

When you first arrive, take a moment to walk through these beautiful gardens, listen to the giant wind chimes, and soak in the serene atmosphere.  My children really enjoyed seeing all the flowers, water features, and even caught a glimpse of a snake. I know you are here for the springs, but these gardens are beautiful.

Tips for Krause Springs: Enjoy the manmade pool 

This pool is fed with the natural spring water and is just as cool & refreshing as the natural one.  It’s perfect for anyone who might be squeamish about swimming in the natural pool waters.  We went down to the waterfall and grotto when we first arrived and then swam at this pool later in the afternoon.  What we found is that it became more and more crowded as the day went on. There are also great picnic areas all around here.

Tips for Krause Springs: Claim a spot on the Rock when you first get here

We visited in May, so we wanted a spot on the rock to warm in the sun.  There are lots of shaded areas to choose from as well.

Tips for Krause Springs: Wear shoes with a grip on the bottom

The staircase down to the pool is a bit slippery as the rocks around the pool are too.  Make sure your shoes have a grip on the bottom.  My flip-flops did not and I was slipping everywhere I stepped.  Once I was down to the big rock, I ended up taking them off.  And we learned later, there is another staircase to use that is a bit easier to go up & down – keep waking away from the manmade pool, past this one, and you will see it.

Tips for Krause Springs: Stand Under the Waterfalls

The water is COLD.  Don’t tiptoe your way into it, just get right in.  After warming yourself in the sun on the rock, the water feels amazing!!

When we visited, it had rained hard a few days before, so the water was pretty murky.  The owner told me that the more people visiting, the less clear the water is form all the silt being stirred up.  He did say on a weekday, this water can be crystal-clear blue.  That was enough motivation to take a trip back!

Tips for Krause Springs: If you have little ones, try to go with more than one adult 

I have a 4 year old and I waited until my husband and friends could go with us to go.  If you have little ones, it just makes sense to have more adult eyes and hands to help hold with you.

Tips for Krause Springs: Use common sense while swimming

There are no lifeguards at Krause Springs, so swim at your own risk (there are waivers to sign when you enter).  The bottom is rocky, so wading, sitting in a tube and definitely no diving are in order.  The area with the rope swing is deep.

Tips for Krause Springs: Go exploring while you are there

We took a short hike into the woods (there are trails) and found another gorgeous waterfall.  The friends we were with had recently visited Hawaii and commented that it was just as pretty – not at all what you would expect to see in Central Texas.  I didn’t have my camera with me, so you are just going to have to make a trip out there to see it in person!

Tips for Krause Springs: Bring a picnic lunch, snacks, & drinks

Tips for Krause Springs: Weekdays are the best time to go