Balmorhea State Park, Texas

Nautical adventures galore await you at the 46-acre Balmorhea State Park in west Texas. Despite its modest size, 1.75 of these acres are allocated to the world’s largest spring fed (and chlorinated) swimming pool, which seeks to make up for the humble size of the park and prove that most things truly are bigger in Texas. In this pool patrons may enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, scuba diving and skin or free diving. The park is also home to restored cienegas or desert wetlands, which, once you get past the oxymoron, are actually pretty fascinating. Among these swampy marshes, you will see birds, endangered fish and other types of wildlife. With an outdoor sports lawn, picnic area and group hall, the park is ideal for your next family gathering.