Dallas' Old Fish Hatchery Transformed into Nature Area Over Decades

The former state-run hatchery near White Rock Lake has evolved into a popular outdoor space.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Old Fish Hatchery in Dallas, which was originally built by the city in 1930 for $23,700 and later operated by the state, has transformed over nearly 100 years into the Old Fish Hatchery Nature Area, a popular nature preserve on the southwest side of White Rock Lake. The hatchery was part of a state network of fish hatcheries, but its operations were transferred back to the city in 1936 in exchange for $1,450 and salvage pipe to build a new state hatchery. The hatchery operated until 1960 and was managed by the Dallas Museum of Natural History, stocking the ponds with various fish species. After falling into disrepair in the 1950s, the park department revived the hatchery and continued propagating fish for White Rock Lake and other city parks.

Why it matters

The evolution of the Old Fish Hatchery into a nature preserve highlights Dallas' longstanding commitment to maintaining green spaces and outdoor recreation areas for its residents, even as the city has grown and developed over the decades. The hatchery's transition from a state-run facility to a locally-owned park demonstrates the city's prioritization of local control and community access to natural resources.

The details

The Old Fish Hatchery was originally built by the City of Dallas in 1930 for $23,700, filling more than 20 small ponds with perch, bass, channel catfish and bream as part of the state's network of hatcheries. In 1936, the state transferred hatchery operations back to the City of Dallas in exchange for $1,450 and salvage pipe to build a new state hatchery at Lake Dallas (now Lewisville Lake). The hatchery operated from 1930 to 1960 and was managed by the Dallas Museum of Natural History, which was part of the Park and Recreation Department. After falling into disrepair in the early 1950s, the Park and Recreation Department revived the hatchery and continued propagating fish for White Rock Lake and other city parks.

  • The Old Fish Hatchery was built by the City of Dallas in 1930 for $23,700.
  • In 1936, the state transferred hatchery operations back to the City of Dallas.
  • The hatchery operated from 1930 to 1960.

The players

City of Dallas

The local government that originally built and operated the Old Fish Hatchery.

Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission

The state agency that established the network of hatcheries, including the Old Fish Hatchery in Dallas.

Dallas Museum of Natural History

The organization that managed the Old Fish Hatchery on behalf of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department from 1930 to 1960.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department

The city department that took over operations of the Old Fish Hatchery after it fell into disrepair in the 1950s and continued propagating fish for White Rock Lake and other city parks.

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The takeaway

The transformation of the Old Fish Hatchery into the Old Fish Hatchery Nature Area demonstrates Dallas' long-standing commitment to preserving green spaces and outdoor recreation areas for its residents, even as the city has grown and developed over the decades. The hatchery's transition from a state-run facility to a locally-owned park highlights the city's prioritization of community access to natural resources.