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!
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
Click on the Pond Number Pin to open Google Maps navigation to that location.
Ron and Rose Haft’s Pond
408 Cindy Lane, Lorena
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday Night 8:30 – 10:00 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 Peterson’s Pond
700 Fox Ridge Rd., Lorena
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM (Only)
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 (Only)
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
Bert and Susan Yow’s Pond
330 Vista Grande Loop, Lorena
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
I estimate our pond is roughly 2400 gallons. We have koi and goldfish. It also has 2 bog areas.
Directions: Take exit 323 (Old Lorena Rd.). Take a left turn on Williams Rd. Turn left on Country Springs Rd. Turn left on Mockingbird Lane. Turn left on Robin Rd. Turn left into Ranchcrest Subdivision. Stay on Ranchcrest Rd. until it dead ends into Vista Grande Loop. Turn right on Vista Grande Loop. Our address is 330 Vista Grande Loop.
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
Our pond has now been upgraded to 3,500 gallons with the deepest part at 3 feet. The bog has been dug out and now is the same level as the pond with a small stream running through. We have butterfly koi, standard koi, and goldfish. The pond is enjoyed by us, many birds, squirrels, and the occasional frog.
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.
Dustin & Alese West’s Pond
2313 Carolinda Dr., Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Our pond is approximately 1600 gallons, 3’ deep, and we have 17 fish, including Koi, Shubunkin, and Comet goldfish.
Directions: We are located near the H.O.T. Colosseum, 2 blocks north of the intersection of Cobbs and Lake Air Drive. Head north on Lake Air Drive past Cobbs Drive. Turn right on Live Oak Ave., pass Wendy Lane, then turn left on Carolinda Dr. We are the 3rd house on the right.
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)
Koi Kisses and Butterfly Wishes
Come hang out by our happy little pond!
Brightly colored Koi fish glide gracefully through clear water, often rising to the surface at the sound of food. Two waterfalls cascade into a stream of water bubbles. Lilypads drift alongside the fish, while garden stones, seashells, and shaded areas add texture and charm to the space. A 10-foot bog serves as a natural filtration system, keeping the water clean and balanced. Surrounded by blooming rose gardens and fluttering butterflies, this 400-gallon pond offers a true oasis for both wildlife and quiet reflection.
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.
Robin Cole’s Pond
2619 Cedar Ridge Rd., Waco
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Two lovely ponds, one 300 gallons and the other 800 gallons, connected by a waterfall in a beautiful woodland setting.
Directions: From Hillcrest Drive turn on Cedar Ridge go ¼ mile, on the right. Go to second driveway and enter through gate and come around to back.
Bevil Cohn’s Pond
251 Cross Creek Road, McGregor
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM (Only)
Just a 10-minute drive from Richland Mall out Hwy. 84 across from the McGregor Airport you will find Bevil’s pond. It is home to butterflies, red dragonflies, frogs, and fish. Blooming plants in pots bring color to the area. Passion vines show off their dramatic purple blooms.
There is a pergola with succulents and a shady patio for tropical plants. A very large staff horn fern amazes guests. Children are delighted by the playhouse and fort in the back yard.
Originally built in 2001 the pond is an irregular oval, approximately 8’ X 10’ and 3’ deep. A tractor was used to dig the hole and old carpet pads the liner. An antique clawfoot tub filled with reeds, elephant ears, and canna lilies provides the bio veggie filter. In 2015 7,000 pounds of rock were added for edging and to create a waterfall. A filtration system of barrels, rocks, and sand was added to improve water quality.
This year the pond and backyard playhouse are decorated in red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday and to honor our veterans. Thank you for your service and Welcome Home”!
Directions: Take Hwy. 84 west towards McGregor. Across from the McGregor Airport, turn left onto Oak Creek Circle and then curve onto Cross Creek Road. The house is on your left.
Lana Schmidt’s Fountain
20 Oak Creek Circle Rd., McGregor
Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday Night 8:30 –10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Meandering pathways lead to a serene shabby shed where you can sit and enjoy the sounds of water and nature. A koi pond composed of multiple galvanized cattle tanks is nestled into a cozy shaded spot. This delightful retreat is beautiful during the day and becomes a magical experience at night. The serene environment glows with soft, ambient lighting that highlights the beauty of the pond. This one of a kind pond is located in McGregor across from the airport.
Directions: From Waco, take Highway 84 heading west. Take a left on Oak Creek Circle. First house on the right. Take the second driveway and drive around the left side of the house to the back. Walk through the gate between the house and the garden.