In 1839 five mounted scouts scoured over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. The sire chosen was located on the north bank of the Colorado River, where the rich blacklands meet scenic hills. A family of four occupied the site at the time. The name of city honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." In early Sept. 1839, archives and furniture of Texas government were transported from Houston to Austin by 50 ox-drawn wagons.
Things to do in Austin
Austin Children's Museum
Children of all ages can touch, play and climb to their hearts' content. Museum activities relate to three themes; how different people live, the human body and everyday science and technology. Admission is charged and the museum is located at W. 2nd Street. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. Call 512-472-2499 for more information.
Austin City Limits Tour
Although tickets are hard to come by, fans of the popular television show can tour Studio 6-A at station KLRU on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Located in the Building B at the corner of Guadalupe and Dean Keeton Streets. The tour includes a short video on the history of the show and Hall of Fame photos of the artists who have appeared over the years. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and have their pictures taken on the stage where Willie Nelson, Emmy Lou Harris, Lyle Lovett, the Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, and many more talents have graced the show. In the Jesse H. Jones Communications. Tours are available on Fridays at 10:30 am. Call 512-471-4811 for more information.
Austin County Jail
This was the County jail from 1896 through 1992. Handsome old building offers revolving exhibits of Austin County history. For additional information, call the chamber of commerce. Located at 36 S. Bell Street. Open Saturday 11am - 3pm. Call 979-865-9116 for more information.
Austin Downtown Museum of Art
The facility on Congress Ave. more than quadruples the space at the original location at Laguna Gloria It also consolidates the museum's efforts of to bring everything under one roof, including a gift shop. Changing exhibits throughout the year. Located at 823 Congress Avenue. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. Call 512-495-9224 for more information.
Austin Duck Adventures
Tour historic and scenic streets of Austin and then in the very same vehicle splash into Lake Austin for a leisurely cruise in its crystal clear waters. Tour usually includes the State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, University of Texas - Austin campus, Sixth Street, Congress Ave. and Lake Austin. For information and departure times, call or visit the Web site. Tours depart from the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center. Tours daily. Call 512-477-5274 for more information.
Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria
This museum is housed in an Italian-like villa on the shore of Lake Austin at a site first chosen by Stephen F. Austin for his home. Changing art exhibitions, classes, films and lectures. Located at 3809 W. 35th. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm. Call 512-458-8191 for more information.
Austin Nature & Science Center
This science center has exhibits of science, natural history and botany. It has wonderful hiking and nature trails right in the heart of the city. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. Located at 301 Nature Center Drive. Call 512-458-8191 for more information.
Austin Visitor Center
Visit here for details about events and city attractions. Located at 209 E. 6th Street. Open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm.
Austin Zoo
This delightful children's zoo in southwest Travis County offers children of all ages hands-on encounters with many different animals. Pony rides, train rides and picnic area. Admission. Located at 10807 Rawhide Trail. Open daily from 8am - 6pm. Call 512-288-1490 for more information.
Badu House
Originally a small-town bank, c. 1891, restored as a country inn and restaurant. Marble-floored front room, quaint dining rooms, original fixtures, and antique furnishings - six rooms and one suite with baths. Located on Texas 71 north. Call 915-247-1207 for more information.
Balcones Canyon lands National Wildlife Refuge
Primary purpose of the refuge is to preserve the nesting habitat of the migratory endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. The Warbler may be seen on hiking trails at Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch public use areas. The vireo may be seen at Shin Oak Observation Deck, which is open from the end of April to mid-March. The Deck and Doeskin Ranch are closed during the weekends from mid-November through mid-December during deer hunting season. The Refuge is a sponsor of the Texas Songbird Festival in May 2002 and National Wildlife Refuge Week during the first two weekends in October. From U.S. 183, take FM. 1869 approximately 9 miles to the observation deck. Open daily. Closed mid-March - April and mid November- mid December. Call 512-339-9432 for more information.
Balmorhea State Park
At historic San Solomon Springs, facilities include motel with meeting room, camping and trailer sites, rest rooms with hot showers, shaded picnic areas, and playground. Huge walled swimming pool is fed by the springs at rate of 22-26 million gallons daily. With a 62,000-square-foot surface the pool is one of the largest man-made pools in the U.S. Springs were important watering place for buffalo, Indians, and pioneers. Today, the springs supply irrigation needs. Open year round. Call 915-375-2370 for more information.
Bar H Dude Ranch
From a hearty chuck wagon breakfast to mesquite-grilled steaks at dinner, activities are tailored to suit your interests. Depending on season, guests can watch cowboys work cattle; mend fences, and other ranch chores. Ranch is also a game preserve licensed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Call 806-874-2634 for more information.
Blanton Museum of Art
The Museum's permanent collection includes more than 13,000 works that span the history of Western civilization ancient art to the most recent contemporary work. The Blanton's stellar reputation rests on its collections, including three distinguished collections: The Contemporary Latin American Art Collection, the Mari and James A. Michener Collection of Twentieth-Century American Painting, and The Prints & Drawings Collection Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm. Call 512-471-7324 for more information.
Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club & Range
9100 Decker Lane, Austin, TX
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
This state of the art museum features exhibits and interactive experiences that travel Texas history from before European exploration to the early 1970s. The 400 seat IMAX theatre features 2D and 3D films, the Texas Spirit Theatre's "Star of Destiny" presentation gives a brief history of the Lone Star State included in three dimensional images, special lighting and sound effects as well as shacking seats as you witness a gusher from a Texas oil derrick an the takeoff of a Saturn V rocket. Open Monday - Saturday 9am -6pm; Sunday noon - 6pm. Located at the corner of MLK Blvd. and Congress Avenue. Call 512-936-8746 for more information.
Bremond Block Tour
The Bremond Block Historic District is a rare collection of historic homes all belonging to the same family. The tour includes a walk by the Governor's Mansion. The tour, which is 1 ½-hour, leaves from the south steps of the State Capitol at 11am(weather permitting). No tours December 1 - February 28. Call 512-478-0098 for more information.
Butler Park Pitch & Putt Golf Course
West Riverside & Lee Barton Drive, Austin, TX
Capital Cruises
These cruises go out on Town Lake and onto Lake Austin for family outings, sunset cruises, bat-watching expeditions or private getaways. Reservations recommended. Departs from the Hyatt Regency dock on Town Lake, 208 Barton Springs Road. Open March - October; Friday 3pm - dusk; Saturday - Sunday 9am - dusk. November - February as weather permits by reservation only.
Circle C Ranch Golf Club
7401 Highway 45, Austin, TX
Congress Avenue Tour
Stroll down the avenue with informed and hear interesting tales of what went on behind the limestone and brick facades. This 1 ½-hour tour also includes Sixth Street, a popular entertainment district. Tours leave from the south steps of the State Capitol at 9am Thursday - Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. No tours December 1 - February 28. Call 512-478-0092 for more information.
Daughters of the Republic of Texas Museum
Owned and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas since 1890s, the museum features traditional and hands-on exhibits about Texas history. The eclectic displays include important collections of Republic and early statehood artifacts. Open Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm. Located at 510 E. Anderson Lane. Call 512-339-1997 for more information.
Dougherty Arts Center
Offers a variety of visual and performing arts programs and a fine arts school with multi-disciplinary classes and workshops. Gallery features works in all media and subject matter. Located at 1110 Barton Springs Road. Open Monday - Thursday 9am - 9:30pm; Friday 5:30pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm. Call 512-397-1472 for more information.
East Sixth Street (Old Pecan Street)
Before the Capitol was built and the center of commerce was shifted to Congress Avenue, Old Pecan Street was Austin's main street. Neglected for years, it has been reborn with restaurants, clubs, shops and art galleries occupying the Victorian and native-stone buildings. Call 512-583-7209 for more information.
Elisabet Ney Museum
This is a National Historic Site and studio of famed German sculptress who immigrated to Texas in the 1870s. Her works have been placed in many European palaces, the Texas and National Capitols and the Smithsonian National Museum of American Art. The largest collection of her work however, is here at her studio. Open Wednesday- Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. Located at 304 E. 44th Street. Call 512-458-2255 for more information.
French Legation
Comte Alphonse de Saligny, the charge of French affairs to the Republic of Texas, built this gem of Creole architecture in 1840. Includes a superb collection of period furnishings. Open Tuesday - Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm. Located at San Marcos Street. Call 512-472-8180 for more information.
George Washington Carver Museum
View the changing exhibits of black history and culture of Austin and Travis County; photos, artifacts, folk craft and art. Located at 1165 E. Angelina Street. Open Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 6pm; Friday - Saturday noon - 5pm. Call 512-472-4809 for more information.
Governor's Mansion
Dignified white-columned mansion built in 1856. The Governor occupies a private second-floor apartment. Other elegant rooms and antique furnishings may be seen on public tours. Groups and official functions control the schedule. Open Monday - Thursday every 20 minutes from 10am - 11:40 am. Call 512-463-5518 for more information.
Guadalupe Arts Center
This complex features galleries and studios for more than 40 local artists. Located at 1705 Guadalupe Street. Call 512-473-3775 for more information.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
This treasured swimming hole is a grotto-like pool with a 60-foot waterfall that spills into a deep, jade-green pool. Other activities include picnicking and nature study. Guided nature tour by reservation. No drinking water is available on site. Take Texas 71 west approximately 16 miles to Hamilton Pool Road (FM 3238) south 13 miles. Call 512-264-2740 for more information.
Hancock Park Golf Course
811 East 41st Street, Austin, TX
Harry Ransom Center
The Harry Ransom Center houses one of the world's finest archives and includes a very rare Gutenberg Bible, 30 million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, the world's first photograph and more than 100,000 works of art. Located at 21st and Guadalupe Street. Call 512-471-8944 for more information.
Haynie Chapel United Methodist Church
This is the oldest Methodist Congregation in Travis County, founded in 1839 by the Rev. John Haynie. The cemetery across the road bears the same name. Thursdays you will find the ladies of the church quilting. The quilts are auctioned at the fall festival on the third Saturday of October. Located approximately eight miles east on Texas 71 near Garfield. Escorted tours are available. Thursday 10am - 2pm and Sunday mornings. Call 512-247-4454 for more information.
Hyde Park Tour
A Self-guided tour. Enjoy Victorian and bungalow-style homes along tree-shaded streets in this historic neighborhood. Elisabet Ney built her studio here. Hyde Park is just north of downtown and the University of Texas, roughly between 38 ½ Street & 45th Street. A step-by-step booklet is available from the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau for these self-guided tours. Call 512-478-0098 for more information.
Jimmy Clay Course
5400 Jimmy Clay Drive, Austin, TX
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm
This outdoor museum recalls story of rural life in central Texas. Help pick cotton and see it spun into yarn, or gather around the fire and sing old time favorites played on pump organ. Costumed interpreters share the past as they do the work of early Texans. Admission. Open Sunday 1 - 5pm year around; September - May Monday - Wednesday 9:30am - 1pm; June - August Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 3pm. Call 512-837-1215 for more information.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Founded by Lady Bird Johnson in 1982, the spacious facility includes a 240-seat auditorium and five classroom sized meeting areas. The Center is the only national nonprofit research and educational organization committed to the preservation and re-establishment of native plants in planned landscapes. Located at 4801 La Crosse Avenue. Open Tuesday - Sunday 9am-5:30pm. Call 512-292-4200 for more information.
Lake Austin
This 1,830-acre lake is part of the lower Colorado River Authority impoundment. It begins within the western edge of Austin and winds 20 miles up the Colorado. It is popular for boating and skiing and the shoreline is dotted with marinas, clubs and leisure home developments.
Lions Municipal Golf Course
2901 Enfield Road, Austin, TX
Lone Star Riverboat
Sight seeing excursions on the Town Lake from March - October (charter cruises year round). Departs from dock between Hyatt Regency Hotel and South First Street Bridge on Town Lake; 1.5-hour cruise under city bridges, past mouth of Barton Creek and Zilker Park, wilderness scenery of limestone cliffs, huge bald cypress and native pecan trees, waterfowl and great blue herons. Call 512-327-1388 for more information.
Lyndon B. Johnson Library & Museum
Archives and a museum relating to LBJ and office of presidency in general and colorful highlights of his political campaigns. Exhibits include gifts from foreign heads of state, a moon rock, replica of Oval Office and changing exhibits. Located at 2313 Red River Street. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 512-721-0200 for more information.
Manor Downs
Quarter Horse pari-mutuel racing is usually held during the spring and fall just minutes from Austin. Take the U.S. 290 east to Manor and Manor Downs Road. Call 512-272-5581 for more information.
McKinney Falls State Park
At confluence of Onion and Williamson creeks with quiet pools, occasional rapids and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy hiking and interpretive trails, campsites, a playground, the ruins of the Thomas F. McKinney homestead and one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 colonists. Situated about 13 miles southeast of downtown at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway. Call 512-243-1643 for more information.
Mexico-Arte Museum
Permanent exhibits include Mexican masks and photographs. Exhibitions feature works by Latin American artists throughout the year. Located at 419 Congress Avenue. Open Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm; Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. Call 512-480-9373 for more information.
Moonlight Towers
Austin's beloved street lighting system began in 1895 when the first of the original 31 towers was mounted. From a height of 165 feet, a cluster of six carbon arc lamps (now mercury vapor) casts a glow over a radius of 3,000 feet. Only 17 towers remain, and Austin is the U.S.'s only city with a tower system still intact. For locations, contact the Austin Visitor Center.
Morris Williams Golf Course
4305 Manor Road, Austin, TX
Mount Bonnell
This vista-point is located at the western edge of the city overlooking Lake Austin. Located on Mount Bonnell Road and can be reached via west 35th or Old Bull Creek Road.
Neill-Cochran House
Domicile of National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas. Also features Greek Revival architecture circa 1853 complete with antique furnishings and historic documents. Located at 2310 San Gabriel Street. Open Wednesday - Sunday 2 - 5pm. Closed holidays and August. Call 512-478-2335 for more information.
O. Henry Home
This is the former residence of William Sydney Porter, who wrote short stories under the pen name O. Henry. Porter lived in Austin 1885-1895. His desk, writing materials and other furnishings of the period can be viewed here. Call 512-472-1903 for more information.
Old Bakery and Emporium
Although this was originally built as a bakery it is now a craft shop selling handicrafts and baked goods by senior citizens. Located at 1006 Congress. Call 512-477-5961 for more information.
Riverside Golf Course
1020 Grove Boulevard, Austin, TX
Roy Kizer Course
5400 Jimmy Clay Drive, Austin, TX
Slaughter-Leftwich Winery
Native stone facility, built in tradition of early Texas architecture, transforms grapes grown at the vineyard near Lubbock into award winning wines. Tours of winery available Thursday - Sunday 1 - 5pm (September - June on weekends only 1 - 5pm). The wine tasting room is open daily from 1 - 5pm. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Travis and the Hill Country. Call 512-266-3331 for more information.
South Congress
This hip strip, also known as So Cal, features a wide array of different shops and boutiques. The shops start just south of the Congress Avenue Bridge and end at James Street.
Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer
This is a hands-on exhibit for kids and adults, which explains how the creeks and rivers in the Austin area are monitored for pollution. Visitors will see the evolution of how rain in the city makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and then back into rain clouds. Located in the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday noon-5pm. Call 512-327-8181 for more information.
State Capitol Complex
The Capitol itself, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the 46-acre park area. The handsome building underwent a major renovation during 993 -1994 when it was restored to its original splendor. Daily tours begin at 8:30 am. (9:30 am. on weekends) and include both facilities. Located at 112 E. 11th Street. Open Monday - Saturday 9am. - 5pm; Sunday noon-5pm; Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call 512-463-8586 for more information.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial
Take a stroll on the Town Lake hike-and-bike trail and stop at Auditorium Shores to pay homage to an Austin musical icon, who died in a tragic helicopter crash in 1990. Visitors from all over the world come here to view the life-sized statue of the blues guitar legend. Call 512-478-0098 for more information.
Texas Military Forces Museum
Camp Mabry was established in 1892 as a summer base for the Texas Volunteer Guard and continues its military tradition as home to the Texas National Guard today. The Museum features artifacts, dioramas, aircraft, weapons, and vehicles. Located at West 35th St. and MoPac Freeway (Loop 1). Open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm; Closed Holidays. Call 512-837-1215 for more information.
Texas State Cemetery
The "Arlington of Texas" where monuments mark the resting place of nearly 2,000 patriots, statesmen, and heroes of Texas, including tombs of Stephen F. Austin and Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. Located E. 7th and Navasota Streets. Open 8am - 5pm. Call 512-478-0098 for more information.
Texas State Library
Explore various documents and books dealing with all the phases of Texas history. Located just east of the Capitol. Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Genealogy research, which is open Tuesday - Saturday 8an - 5pm. Closed holidays. Just east of the State Capitol.
Theatre
Austin is blessed with live, year-round theatre at various local playhouses. There is the restored Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue, which features stage productions, musicals and classic films. Other prominent stages include Zachary Scott Theatre, One World Theatre, Live Oak Theatre, St. Edward University's Mary Moody Northern Theatre, University of Texas Performing Arts center and Hyde Park Theatre. Call 512-320-7168 for more information.
Town Lake
Lies on The Colorado River in the heart of the Austin
Travis Lake
This 18,930 acre reservoir is a part of the Lower Colorado River Authority. There are 270 miles of shoreline largely devoted to camps, marinas, resorts and leisure homes. The lake is popular for boating, skiing, sailing and fishing. Interesting mineral outcroppings and fossils can be found here.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Visit one of worlds few exhibits devoted to a single sculptor. See museum displays, some 150 examples of works by Charles Umlauf, nationally acclaimed sculptor. Indoor exhibits are found in the modern museum; various other works are scattered along walks throughout the tree-shaded garden. Admission. Located at 605 Robert E. Lee Road. Open Wednesday - Friday 10am. - 4:30pm; Saturday - Sunday. 1 - 4:30pm. Call 512-445-5582 for more information.
University of Texas
From its original 40 acres near the State Capitol, the school has grown to become a major institution known nationally for the quality of its academic programs, research, and public service. Today, it has a main campus of 357 acres and 120 buildings. An Information Center is located in Sid Richardson Hall, adjacent to the LBJ Library and Museum, providing information and maps for campus attractions. Open weekdays 8 am - 4:30pm. Call 512-471-1604 for more information.
Valley Creek Stables
8601 Bluff Springs Road, Austin, TX
Veloway
This popular landmark has a 3.1-mile surface that is great for biking and in-line skating. Located next to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Call 512-480-9812 for more information.
Walter E. Long Lake
This is primarily a fishing lake. Some anglers hook saltwater flounder and redfish that have been stocked in the lake along with native freshwater species. Located just east of Austin.
Wild Basic Preserve
This 220-acre preserve is home to two endangered bird species: Golden cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. Four miles of hiking trails and a special trail for the handicap. Open daily sunrise to sunset. Located on Loop 360, 1.25 miles north of Bee Cave Road. Call 512-327-7622 for more information.
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