So much to do and see in Austin and the Texas Hill Country
The State Capitol Building
BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
www.thestoryoftexas.com
For more information and reservations call Fran Walker, Head of Visitors Service
512-936-4609.
Operated by the Texas State Preservation Board, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
is a dynamic educational institution that engages visitors in the exciting Story of Texas through
a variety of program and exhibit experiences. The Museum provides a new kind of history
experience --one that recognizes that
The museum is named after the legendary
State history museum for "the greatest state in the
of pride for all Texans for generations to come and no visit to the
stop here. Approved in 1997 by the 75th Texas Legislature, the
April 21, 2001. Exhibits include historic artifacts, documents, re-creations, interactive displays etc.
Bat Colony (
Located about a mile south of the Capitol, this is the ideal spot to view bat flights, especially
during late summer. With a peakpopulation of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the
down to the Austin American-Statesman's Bat Observation area to watch the bats take flight at sundown.
Dos Banderos
Features three bay windows with brick front and rubble sides. Dos Banderos served as saloon
and bawdy house in its early years. Condemned by the city in 1961 for "nefarious activities,"
it was restored in 1968 as a townhouse.
The Drag
To understand UT campus life and its contribution to the city's laid-back feel, take a stroll down
some original artwork at the outdoor Renaissance Market. Find a CD or some vintage vinyl,
or simply slack at the nearest coffee house. There is plenty of eclectic shopping and good people
watching on the Drag.
Congress Avenue
A tribute to the Swedish community that helped establish
with materials from the Capitol building that burned in 1881. The last formal service was held at
this state and national historic landmark in 1961. The current church is located at
Anderson Lane
512-463-5516
Adjacent to the Capitol grounds sits the Governor's Mansion,
home. The mansion has been the official residence of
since 1856. Designed by Richard Payne and built by well-known
it is the nation's fourth oldest continuously occupied governor's mansion. The rooms are filled
with museum-quality, 19th century art and furnishings, including the writing desk of Stephen F. Austin.
While the Texas Historical Commission is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of
the Governor's Mansion, it belongs to all Texans and is open to the public for tours.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
512-292-4100
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (formerly the
was founded in 1982 to educate people about the environmental necessity, economic value,
and natural beauty of native plants. The
across the country and around the world. The headquarters in
plants with local culture, reflecting the specifics and peculiarities of Central Texas Hill Country
ecosystems. Walking through the Center, you'll find native plants in gardens and natural areas,
an unparalleled rainwater collection and storage system, recycled building materials, American
folk art, environmentally conscious onstruction, and engaging educational facilities--all designed to
help us learn to live a little more gently on the land.
Littlefield Building
Civil War hero George Washington Littlefield built this ornate and modern structure in 1910. He
later added another floor when a neighboring building also reached 8 stories. It was, for the time,
the tallest building between
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
2313 Red River
512-721-0200 or 512- 476-0029
The LBJ Library and Museum boasts the most visitors of all presidential libraries.
Administered by the National Archives & Records Administration, it houses two
major operations: The Library, with 45 million historical documents used by scholars;
and the Museum, which provides year-round public viewing of historical exhibits.
Mayfield Park
3801 West 35th Street
Hours: 5am-10pm daily
512-974-6700
formal garden area of native plants,graceful palm trees, rock gardens and lily ponds surrounded
by a nature preserve. Developed by Milton and Mary Mayfield Gutsch with their partner, Esteban
Arredondo in the 1920s and 1930s, today it is operated by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
Downtown
512-478-0098 or 800-926-2282
These 17, seven-story towers located throughout downtown served as street lighting in the 1890s.
Maps are available from the
Climb the 99 steps up 785 feet to one of the highest spots in the city limits. Overlooking the
360 bridge on
spots in town. For the most best views, go at dawn or dusk.
Nature Preserves
These preserves are dedicated to the protection and development of native plants and animals.
You will find acres of wooded land with streams and caves, meadows and hills, all providing a
tranquil, natural setting. Barrow Preserve,
Big Walnut Creek, North of Northeast District Park, Blunn Creek, 1100 block of St. Edwards Drive, Balcones Canyonlands, 8000 North Capital of TX Hwy. Colorado River,
NE corner of South US 183 and Colorado River Karst, 3900 Deer Lane, Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., a privately operated natural area about thirty miles west of Austin. Wild Basin Wilderness, on Highway 360, 1 1/4 miles north of
Old Bakery & Emporium
1006 Congress Avenue
Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
512-477-5961
Built in 1876 by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg, this downtown landmark has been
recently renovated. The building houses a shop that sells baked goods and items made by
Capital of Texas Highway
Austin's
McDonald, it was the only bridge of its kind in the
on December 3, 1982. It was the last link to completing
circling the city, which utilizes US 183, Hwy. 71, Capital of Texas Hwy., and
360. It's unique features include its Korean made steel designed to rust to a
striking amber color and its unique structure which spans
any parts touching the water. If you're dropping by the
consider stopping at
Old
512-478-0098 or 800-926-2282
Walking tours are offered. Call for schedule.
This area features restaurants, clubs and shops. Two National Historic RegisterDistricts
boast Victorian and native stone buildings, as well as the Texas Walk of Stars. Guided
walking tours begin at the south entrance of the Capitol and are offered Thursday-Saturday
at 9am and Sunday 2pm, spring and summer.
Built as a residence in 1871, it was later converted to a hotel and restaurant mainly to serve
the newly arrived railroad.
St. David's Church
Built in 1854, and one of the oldest Episcopal churches west of the
was originally simple Gothic. Revival in limestone rubble. It was remodeled in 1870 to its current
configuration. Some of the windows are tiffany creations. Allegedly, funds were donated by
gamblers for the original building.
St. Edward's University
St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts university of more
than 3,700 students in
founded
National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas Historical Landmark.
St. Mary's Cathedral
Built in 1874, this rusticated limestone Gothic structure was designed by noted
Nicholas Clayton. It is built in the shape of a Latin cross with a magnificent rose window above
the massive Gothic doorway. German and French stained glass windows were added in the 1890s.
This statue commemorates blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose life was cut tragically short
in a 1990 helicopter crash. "It did not take long for Stevie Ray Vaughan the man to be replaced in
the public eye by Stevie Ray Vaughan, the legend. Dying tragically at the age of thirty-five made him
an immediate object of worship in the great rock-and-roll tradition. Dying under such tragic circumstances
after overcoming his own personal battles with the demons of booze and drugs elevated him to
something just short of sainthood."
--- Joe Nick Patoski and Bill Crawford, Caught in the Crossfire
The Texas State Capitol
Capitol Visitor Center--112 East 11th Street
512-463-0063
Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm Admission is Free
Located in the center of Austin, the State Capitol represents a grand part of our heritage and is
considered a national treasure.Built over a three-year period between 1885 and 1888 and designed
by
state capitol and is seven feet higher than the National Capitol in
On the southeast grounds of the Capitol sits the oldest surviving state office structure, the
General
building originally housed the maps and records of the state's vast public lands. Following an early 1990s architectural restoration, the building today houses the Capitol Visitor's Center.
The Historic Texas Capitol Complex includes the Capitol and Capitol Extension, the General Land Office Building, their contents and grounds. The Visitor's Center, housed in the General Land Office Building,
is a visitor's introduction to the
Capitol: its design, construction, contents, restoration, and place in
900 Navasota
512-463-0605
This is the burial ground of many heroic figures from
Burleson, Stephen F,. Austin, Barbara Jordan and John Connally. A new visitors center and
extensive renovation of the grounds have recently been completed. A self-guided tour brochure is
available from the
512-463-5455
A part of the Capitol Complex, this library houses the State archives and documents which may be
used for research purposes. A genealogy collection, a reference collection of state and federal
documents, lobby exhibits of archival material and a mural depicting
The library is a regional depository of federal documents and the depository of state documents.
Treaty Oak
512-440-5174
The 500-year old Treaty Oak, the lone remaining member of the Council Oaks--a grove of live
oaks sacred to the Tonkawa and Comanche Native Americans--was nearly killed after a deliberate
poisoning in 1989. Austinites and people worldwide bandedtogether to save the tree, whose stature
is equal to the lore that surrounds it. Only about one-quarter of the majestic tree stands today.
The
(Built in 1934-1935)
For many years, this symbol of the
structure in the city. Today it houses the administrative offices and the Office of the President of
the University. An American historical site and symbol of optimism, the Tower has recently been
reopened so visitors can safely enjoy awesome
UT
1. On occasions marking a great distinction in the life of the University
2. A NCAA national team championship is won in any approved varsity sport
3. Bowl Championship Series victory in football
Complete Tower
1. Commencement
2. A big 12 Championship is won in any team sport
3. Football victories over
4. A basketball tournament championship is won in the NI or the NWIT
5. Student organization sports club national championships
6. UT's birthday (Sept. 15), Texas Independence Day (March 2)
Tower shaft white, observation and column decks orange:
1. Football victories other than those involving
2. Basketball or baseball victories in a Big 12 Tournament, if team is in the running for
the national championship
3. Victories in NCAA district or regional championships, if the team is in the running for
the national championship
4. Each basketball victory in the NIT or NWIT
5. April 21, Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Tower shaft orange, observation and column decks white:
1. Academic and staff achievements.
Tower sides orange, top split orange and white:
1. Symbolic campus events such as Gone to
2. The welcoming of new students to the university
Tower sides dark, white cap and observation deck:
1. Solemn occasions such as the annual UT Remembers service honoring
members of the UT community who died in the previous year
Walter Tips Building
710-712 Congress Avenue
Built in 1876, this historic structure's interior columns and girders are made of recast Confederate
artillery shells. The first floor is done Corinthian style while upper floors are Venetian Gothic.
Watering Holes (Swimming)
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Avenue
512-472-8546
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Off TX Hwy. 71 on RM 3238
512-264-2790
Hippie Hollow
2.5 m. off RM 620
512-473-9437
Stacy Pool
800 East Live Oak Drive
512-476-4521
For additional listings of swimming facilities and lake activities see the Recreation section
Zilker Park Complex
2100 Barton Springs Road
At Zilker Park you can enjoy the pleasures of a jaunt along a creek, an afternoon picnicking under
a tree, a dip in Barton Springs or a hike up a rocky path. On any given Saturday afternoon the place
is hopping with life--swimmers, soccer players, sun-bathers, canoeists, picnickers, runners, cyclists,
hikers and mountain bikers. On the northeast corner of the park, overlooking the river, is a place
called Lou Neff point. From this vine covered spot you can view the city skyline, feed the ducks and
just sit and watch the world go by. Bring a picnic and call it an afternoon. Can't decide what to do first?
A ride through the park aboard the Zilker Zephyr will help you decide.. Weather permitting, it
operates year round, seven days a week from 10am to sunset. Howling through the tunnel is optional.
Austin Music Festival
Held on a weekend in September, this festival is only two years old and has been a wonderful
success. The three-day event features multiple stages with constant music from local, national,
and international bands such as R.E.M. Local vendors offer plenty of food, drink, and souvenirs.
Parking is available in all state and city parking lots with shuttles running to the park on a regular basis.
Zilker Tree Lighting and the Trail of Lights
The City of
Lights starts a few weeks before Christmas. The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed
of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, for a total of 3,309 lights. At the top
of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150
frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of
up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the
Lights Festival is an annual
originally known as Yule Fest, began in 1965 by Mrs. Alden Mabel Davis and then Parks and
Recreation Director, Beverly Sheffield as a holiday gift from the Parks and Recreation Department
to the citizens of Austin and visitors. The first display, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", was set up
in
deep tradition of the Trail.
Zilker Annual Kite Festival
kites@zilkerkitefestival.com
or 512-339-0412 or 512-647-7488
The Zilker Kite Festival with contests, stunts and kites galore is usually scheduled for March.
Barton Springs Pool
512-867-3080
Barton Springs is a natural, spring-fed swimming facility so you don't have to worry about the
children getting chlorine in their eyes--they don't use the eye-stinging chemical in Barton Springs.
After a refreshing dip in the constant 68-degree waters, the whole family can stretch out on the
long, grassy hill, big enough for lots of sunbathers.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
512-477-8672
The Zilker Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis. These lush 22 acres overlook the Zilker park playing
fields. The Botanical Gardens are actually made up of many different gardens. The gardens include
the
by Isamu Taniguchi, who retired here in the 1960s. Taniguchi spent over a year without pay or
compensation building the garden treasure. The garden has a waterfall, a running stream, ponds,
and bridges. More than 200,000 people a year stroll through the lush vegetation that is the
Botanical Gardens are irresistible any time of year, but are particularly beautiful in the spring. What's
more, the gardens now offer guided adult tours.
Zilker Nature Preserve
A meadow, a flowing stream, and a high cliff face make up the 60-acre Zilker Nature Preserve.
A habitat above the cliff is typical of the dry Edwards Plateau. Croton Brush, Myrtle Croton, and
Mountain Laurel are abundant. An overlook trail
offers a spectacular view of downtown
Zilker Boat Rentals
512-478-3852
A unique way to take in the scenic beauty of
Barton Springs Pool,
and kayak rentals by the hour. You can paddle down Barton Springs until it empties into
and then wind along
where the bats reside. Water currents are not a problem, so even the less experienced can manage
to maneuver along the lake. Notice the turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, and soak up
some of the natural
Athletic Fields
512-472-4914
8 Soccer fields; 2 Softball fields; 1
Texas Botanical Garden Society
512-478-0010
The Texas Botanical Garden Society is headquartered in the Zilker Botanical Gardens and is
involved in education, research and the preservation of nature. The Society is affiliated with the
Austin Area Garden Council, the American Association of Botanical Gardens & Arboreta,
the American Horticultural Society and the Association of Texas Botanical Gardens.