The town of Burnet, established in 1849, is also the seat of Burnet County and is one of the most ancient geological areas of the world. The area features wondrous outcroppings of granite and the famous Longhorn Cavern. The city is a year-round tourist destination and was named the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas by the 67th Texas Legislature because it is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers each spring.
Things to do in Burnet
Black Rock Park
This park is located about 18-miles west on Lake Buchanan. There is a public facility located on the western shore of the lake that offers swimming, fishing and boating. Located on Texas 261 north from Texas 29.
Burnet County Park
The Burnet County Park has an excellent fishing camp on the east side of Lake Buchanan. Access can be found via Texas 29 west, at R.M. 2341 north.
Canyon of the Eagles
This nature park features miles of sandy beaches and hiking trails on 900-acres of land. Includes the "Bird and Butterfly Trail" and the Eagle Eye Observatory, designed and build by the Austin Astronomical Society. The Vanishing Texas River Cruise tours also depart from here. Located at Highway 1341 - Northeast Lake Buchanan. Call 800-977-0081 for more information.
Eagle Eye Observatory
This observatory was designed and built in cooperation with the Austin Astronomical Society and is one of the few public access observatories in the country. Includes several 22-inch telescopes as well as pedestals and decks for visitors to setup their own scopes. Call 800-977-0081 for more information.
Fort Croghan Museum
This museum is housed in a restored powder house and other stone and log buildings. The exhibits include restored carriages, old guns, furniture and relics that depict the frontier era. Open April - August, Thursday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm. Call 512-756-8281 for more information.
Highland Lakes CAF Air Museum
This museum is headquarters for the Commemorative Air Force Hill Country Squadron. The museum features World War II era fighter planes, firearms, photographs and other memorabilia. Open Saturday from 9am - 5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Located at the Burnet Municipal Airport, south on US 281. Call 512-756-2226 for more information.
Hill Country Flyer
This steam excursion train runs through Hill County from Cedar Park City Hall, near the US 183 and RM 1431. The train is pulled by Engine No. 186, which was a 75-year-old steam locomotive that was once displayed in downtown Austin. Departs Saturday and Sunday at 10am. Located at US Highway 183 an FM 1431. Call 512-477-8468 for more information.
Inks Lake National Fish Hatchery
Located about 10-miles west of Burnet
Inks Lake State Park
This park is located on 2,000-acres of shoreline on Inks Lake. Includes picnicking, grocery, fishing, swimming, boats, golf, nature studying and hiking. Call 512-793-2223 for more information.
Inks Lake State Park
This park is located on 2,000-acres of shoreline on Inks Lake. Includes picnicking, grocery, fishing, swimming, boats, golf, nature studying and hiking. Call 512-793-2223 for more information.
Lake Buchanan Adventures
Here visitors can experience the scenic beauty and history of the Texas Hill Country by taking guided boat excursions on Lake Buchanan. There are canoe trips, winery tours, island beach parties, sunset cruises, bird watching trips and more. Other options can be arranged. Call 512-755-5448 for more information.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
This park is two miles of underground fantasy. It was the home to prehistoric cavemen and is the sire of a secret Confederate gunpowder manufacturer during the Civil War. Also includes a museum, which displays Indian artifacts and frontier and Civil War items. Located 11-miles southwest of Burnet via US 281 on Park Road 4. Call for tour information. Open Daily except Christmas and Christmas Eve. Call 512-756-6976 for more information.
Scenic Drives
There are many beautiful drives around Burnet. The most notable are Texas 29 west and RM 2341 northwest, which is a route to Spider Mountain, which according to legend, was an Indian burial ground.
Vanishing Texas River Cruise
This tour is an ecological tour of the rugged Colorado River Canyon on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill County. Wildlife and scenery can be viewed from all the decks of the Texas Eagle II. Cruises vary depending on the season. Call for information. Located three miles west on Texas 29 and northwest 20-miles on RM 2341. Call 800-728-8735 for more information.