Field Trip! Aquarena Springs - 28 Miles south of Austin, located on the Balcones Fault, a fracture in the earth's crust, that formed the San Marcos springs and river millions of years ago the amazing San Marcos Springs discharge 150-300 million gallons of water daily. Texas State University - San Marcos purchased the aging Aquarena Springs Resort in 1994 and began transforming the old theme park into a non-profit nature center. Today Aquarena Center is an environmental learning center dedicated to protecting, conserving and educating the public on the important role that water plays in everyone's daily life. Gorgeous day!!