Barton Springs Bathhouse

What to know

The Barton Springs Bathhouse, originally built in 1947, is a beloved community gathering spot in Austin's 358-acre Zilker Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bathhouse has served millions of swimmers and park-goers for over 70 years. However, the site's bathing history stretches back much further. An early four-walled bathhouse was in use here as far back as 1884, and in 1922, the local Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club built a two-story pavilion featuring a downstairs dressing room and an upstairs dance hall for $8,000. Situated adjacent to the three-acre Barton Springs Pool, the bathhouse sits directly within the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer. The pool itself is fed by underground springs that maintain a constant 68 to 70 degrees, making it a popular spot for year-round swimming. These springs are also a federally protected habitat, housing the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Over the years, the area has faced challenges, such as a 90-day closure in January 2003 for environmental testing after reports of arsenic and benzene-based compounds. In February 2024, the City of Austin broke ground on a major rehabilitation project to secure the bathhouse's future for the next 75 years. This effort, rooted in the 2008 and 2009 Barton Springs Pool Master Plans and a 2016 feasibility study, aims to restore the facility's original splendor. The project will modernize the historic rotunda and dressing areas, upgrade plumbing, electrical, and climate control systems, and replace the roof and structure. It also introduces new entrances and exits, as well as improved accessible parking and circulation. Beyond physical restoration, the project includes interpretive planning for the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, celebrating how the springs have shaped local human history for thousands of years. While construction is underway, visitors should note that entry routes have been temporarily altered, with cash entries and kiosk purchases redirected to the nearby Zilker Cafe building.

Visitor tips

• During construction, purchase pool tickets and make cash entries at the Zilker Cafe building instead of the bathhouse.
• Look for the temporary entry route located east of the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse while rehabilitation is underway.
• Keep an eye out for accessible parking and circulation updates designed to improve site navigation.

Nearby context

The Barton Springs Bathhouse sits at the heart of Zilker Park, a sprawling 358-acre green space that serves as Austin's premier outdoor playground. Located adjacent to the cool, spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool, the bathhouse is surrounded by lush lawns and shaded pathways. This area is not only a recreational hub for swimmers and nature lovers but also a vital ecological zone, positioned directly over the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer.