Barton Springs Pool, Austin (must see)

Barton Springs Pool, situated within Zilker Park in Austin, is an outdoor recreational swimming facility that relies solely on water sourced from nearby natural springs. The pool is nestled within the course of Barton Creek and draws its water primarily from the Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in the state of Texas. Known for its year-round popularity, the pool maintains a consistent temperature ranging from approximately 68 °F (20 °C) to 74 °F (23 °C).

The historical significance of Barton Springs dates back to ancient times when the Tonkawa Native American tribe, the original inhabitants of the region, considered these springs as sacred and used them for purification rituals. In the 17th century, Spanish explorers first encountered the springs, and by around 1730, they had established temporary missions in the vicinity.

In 1837, prior to the official incorporation of Austin as a city, William Barton, affectionately known as "Uncle Billy" and the eponymous figure behind the springs' name, settled in the area. Barton christened the three distinct springs after each of his three daughters: Parthenia, Eliza, and Zenobia. Recognizing the site's potential as a tourist attraction, Barton and subsequent property owners actively promoted it, contributing significantly to the enduring popularity of this natural swimming spot.

The property changed hands in 1918 when Andrew Jackson Zilker, the final private owner, bequeathed it to the city of Austin. In the 1920s, the city embarked on a construction project aimed at expanding the swimming area by damming the springs and constructing sidewalks. The iconic bathhouse, a structure with historical significance, was designed in 1947 by Dan Driscoll, who was also responsible for designing the bathhouse at Deep Eddy Pool.