Free and open to the public. However, donations will be gladly accepted to support The Waco Wetlands.
Generously sponsored by:
Stroll through gardens and visit ponds in the Waco area. Whether you want ideas for creating your own water garden or just need a relaxing day, this self-drive tour has something for everyone! From a small container pond to large in-ground ponds you will see a full array of ideas to inspire and delight!
The pond numbers correspond to the location numbers on the Tour Map page. To download a printable list of the ponds on the tour, click here.
Pond Etiquette
- Please do not ask to use the restrooms at pond sites.
- Please do not bring glass container into our yards.
- Please pick up any trash you may have dropped.
- Please control children for their safety.
- Please do not bring pets into our yards.
- Please do not smoke or bring alcoholic beverages into our yards.
Thank You from the Pond Owners
Enjoy your visit
New locations are being added to this list as information is finalized.
Ron and Rose Haft’s Pond
408 Cindy Lane, Lorena
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
The Haft’s first pond was built in 2002, a small 600–700 gallon affair. It was expanded to include a couple of tributary ponds with waterfalls added and then in 2015 added a 7,000 gallon koi pond that is 12’ by 16’ and 5’ deep. In all there are four connected ponds, ranging from the large one down to 100 gallons, plus two little puddles that are at the head of small streams. One pond is a settling tank to collect sediment and waste. More recent additions include 4, three hundred gallon water lily tanks and a 750 gallon bog filter. A swimming pool sand filter helps keep the water clear and drives the waterfall above the koi pond. In 2020 several bog-plant beds were added and bonsai displays incorporated.
Directions: From Waco on I-35 south and take the first Lorena Exit (322). Turn right at the stop sign right on Old Lorena Rd., FM 2837. Take the first left after railroad tracks onto Williams Dr. and then the second left onto Cindy Lane.
Harv and Georgia Peterson’s Pond
700 Fox Ridge Rd., Lorena
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
This backyard oasis has two 6,000 gallon ponds, two streams with waterfalls that flow into the lower pond, and a mega waterfall cascading into the upper pond. A large 4’ X 24’ X 24” deep bog with two waterfalls and a stream also flow into the upper pond. The birds, frogs, fish and dragonflies love their aquatic environment as we do.
Directions: Take FM 2837, Old Lorena Rd., west to Chapel Road and turn left. Go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Belver Rd., go to the Y intersection and bear left onto Fox Ridge Rd. Go to the first driveway on the right.
Amy and Marcus Johnson’s Pond
520 Meadow Mountain Drive, Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
This pond has a natural bog filtration system, aerators and a filter fountain that results in a waterfall and fountain for the approximately 1100 gallons. The pond was redesigned by pond expert Mindy Lawrenz of Cardinal Rock Renovations in 2024 to reflect the natural landscapes of Texas. The area is a thoroughfare for wildlife. Animal friends find their way to the pond including a bobcat, red eared slider, frogs, raccoons, and birds.
Directions: From corner of Hewitt Dr and Imperial Dr take Chapel Rd west 0.4 miles. Turn right on Mountain Meadow 0.4 miles on the right
John and Susan Peitsmeyer’s Pond
205 Lake Drive, China Spring
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Come Experience the Tranquility of the Country!
Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a stunning above-ground water garden oasis, nestled in a uniquely landscaped yard surrounded by mature trees, vibrant seasonal plants, and the cheerful sounds of native birds.
Bring the kids and reconnect with nature—our little homestead is full of life! You’ll meet friendly chickens and ducks and enjoy the natural bird sanctuary right in our backyard. Wild rabbits and graceful deer are frequent visitors to our home.
Our large pond, totaling 3,400 gallons and divided into two sections, is home to magnificent koi (many between 2 and 3 feet long!), colorful goldfish, and playful frogs.
As you explore, take in the serene beauty of hundreds of rolling wooded acres behind our home, framed by the peaceful view of a nearby lake. It’s country living at its finest—a place to breathe, enjoy, and unwind.
Directions: Start at the intersection of FM 185 (also known as North River Crossing) and FM 1637 (also known as China Spring Road). Head northeast on FM 1637 (China Spring Road) toward the city of Valley Mills for 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Bend of the Bosque Road. Continue for 0.9 miles. Our house, 205 Lake Drive, is the second house on the left!
Dave and Diane Dalzell’s Pond
1030 Caron St., Robinson
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
We have a 3-tiered pond: first level is our bog that feeds into a galvanized tank that holds our water lilies which ultimately empties into a cement block formed pond. This pond houses our turtle, Lucy, and koi. There is a water wheel off to one side that is water fed. Various plants surround all three areas.
Directions: We are located in the city of Robinson at 1030 Caron St. Caron Street is off of Moonlight Drive, between Robinson Road (aka the 77) and the 35.
Jay and Elizabeth Trout’s Pond
725 Tahoe Trail Dr., Hewitt
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
After several years of enjoying a small, preformed liner pond we decided to upgrade. Our fish now live in a 1000-gallon pond with a natural bog. Home to two koi and some goldfish. Many birds visit us too.
Directions: Just off of Spring Valley Rd behind Spring Valley Elementary.
Lisa Goodwin’s Pond
7959 Ivy Rd, Moody
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Come to the country and enjoy this shady backyard with many water features. A 2,500 gallon pond with 24” koi and a 10’ waterfall stream for birds to bathe surrounded by sand stones. A 8ft x 6ft bog filter planted with Yerba Manza, violet stemmed elephant ears, lizards tail and iris. A couple of smaller ponds with plants and a turtle. Pergolas planted with evergreen wisteria shade the smaller pond.
Directions: Take HWY 317 south towards Belton, 4 miles South of Moody and turn left on Ivy Road. Go over the hill and the home is on the right with a red barn. Watch for yellow pond signage.
Kathy Dupree’s Pond
1161 LaMotte Dr., Troy
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
This pond is worth the drive to Troy!!! It’s a 6,000 gallon pond with skimmer, veggie filter and rock waterfall. The veggie filter is full of water celery, violet stem taro, elephant ears and yerba manza. The pond is stocked with koi and red tail minnows. The entire backyard is landscaped, including a greenhouse, flowerbeds, herb garden, vegetable garden, fairy gardens, succulents, palm trees, banana trees and a gorgeous swimming pool.
Directions: Take I-35 South toward Troy. Turn right onto Big Elm Rd, exit 311. Take the next right onto Old 81 and then the first left back onto Big Elm. Take the next left onto Old Troy and then the next right onto LaMotte Dr. Watch for the yellow pond tour signs.
Tamra Walthall’s Pond
4101 Hermosa, Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Originally the Walthall’s were interested in Aquaponics (growing plants in water fertilized by fish), raising Butterfly koi and Tilapia.
During 2020, Tamra Walthall became intrigued with creating an outdoor pond for the larger koi.
The pond is 5’ at the deepest point and is terraced to provide two levels of shelves for water plants, steep sides to protect against herons. A bog lines 3/4 of the shoreline, and two waterfalls accent the opposite end of the shoreline – a drip waterfall and a Fast Fall.
Soon after the pond was completed, we got a call to rescue some koi. These fish were a mixture of brightly colored Japanese Koi, carp and Shubumkins (a mixture of koi and Carp).
Directions: The Walthall farm is at 4101 Hermosa Drive, Waco TX 76705, just beside Buena Vista Park.
Take Kendall Lane off Loop 340 turn left on Crow to Hermosa and Buena Vista Park, follow the direction signs to the pond.
Rachel Cain and Gordon Nyhof’s Pond
407 Morse Dr., Robinson
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
A two/fer pond site – Big Look-e-Loo and Little Look-e-Loo!
We discovered a God-made pond in the jungly part of our property, and began carving out a relaxing retreat around it three years ago. We built a cabin and peer to peruse the 20,000 gallon goldfish stocked Big Look-e-Loo.
The Little Look-e-Loo was built simultaneously by digging down and building up in our back yard. We enjoy a view from our backyard deck of Koi, Shubunkins and Goldfish in the 2,000 gallon pond.
Directions: Just off Hwy Loop 340, on the corner of Old Robinson Rd & Morse Dr.
Ron and Donna Linderman’s Pond
1158 Bend of the Bosque, China Spring
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM (Only)
Come out and look at this peaceful pond,
Dazzling colored Koi fish glide with graceful swivels.
With the sound of food, they respond,
Coming closer to the surface to grab a few nibbles.
A few Lilypads dance alongside the Koi,
Scenic waterfalls cascade into the stream.
The bubbling sound of water for all to enjoy,
Take a seat on the bench to relax and dream.
Garden rocks, stones, seashells, and shade form the basis,
A 30 ft Bog naturally filters and cleanses the water supply.
Beautiful rose gardens add to the allure of the oasis.
Catch a glimpse of the whimsical flight of many butterflies.
Directions: Continue on Twisted Oak Lane and turn right onto Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to a T bear left to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to the stop sign turn right to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., at China Spring Rd., FM1637, turn left and go 4.8 miles and turn left onto Bend of the Bosque.
Chip and Sandy Volz’s Pond
1139 Greenwood Lane, Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM (Only)
Our pond was built in early 2020 when we built our patio. It is approximately 450 gallons. It holds three koi and several goldfish. The koi were about 3 inches when we bought them and now they are 10 to 12 inches each. We have a pump and skimmer that circulates the water back into the pond through a waterfall. We bought a “kit” and so far it has worked well for us. If you are considering a smaller pond, ours would be one you’d like to see. You can always add more ponds!
Directions: From I-35, take Lake Shore/Loop 340 exit. Head west on Lake Shore. Pass the light at New Dallas Highway then turn right at next light (Gholson Road). Drive north approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Greenwood Lane (Moore Cemetery is on that corner. Follow Greenwood Lane. Go straight through the four way stop. Our house is about 1/2 mile from the stop sign on the left. There will be signs and a fish balloon on the mailbox.
Dave and Jerri Henry’s Fountain
8708 Gladedale Dr., Woodway
Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM (Evening Only)
Enjoy an amazing music and light show! This 500-gallon fountain contains 11 water jets with a separate pump and LED light fixture on each nozzle. The spray height and light colors are computer controlled and choreographed to music.
Saturday evening only!
Directions: From US-84 take the Estates Drive exit. Follow Estates Dr. for .4 miles and then turn right onto Gladedale Dr. for .2 mile.
Jeff and Stacey Winget’s Pond
4323 Blackwell, Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Backyard Oasis: A Tranquil Water Garden You Can Create Without Breaking Ground.
Nestled beneath the shade of a sturdy tree, this charming backyard retreat features two above-ground ponds—one 300 gallons and one 100 gallons—proving you don’t need to dig deep or spend a fortune to enjoy the serenity of outdoor water gardening. Crystal-clear water reveals hidden underwater features and a vibrant community of aquatic life including koi, goldfish, Hi-Banded sharks, and rosy red minnows. Water lilies float gracefully on the surface, adding a splash of color and elegance. This DIY paradise blends simplicity with beauty, creating a peaceful haven for both its fishy residents and anyone lucky enough to relax nearby.
Directions: We live just off Airbase Road in the Bellcrest addition in Bellmead.
Christian Tucker’s Fountain
215 Oriental, Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Newly installed disappearing water fountain set in an artistic rock garden, enhanced with native plants. If you are interested in learning about an achievable first water feature with designer elegance, or just want to walk through a pollinator playground in the heart of Waco please consider visiting our garden.
Directions: Just off of Austin Ave. Walk down driveway and through the courtyard. Follow the path to the fountain area.