Austin, capital of Texas, situated 81 mi. north-east of San Antonio at the point where the Colorado River leaves the Edwards Plateau, was founded in 1839 and named after Stephen F. Austin (1793-1836), the "father of Texas". It is an educational centre, with the University of Texas, the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum and the Texas Memorial Museum.
Other features of interest include the red granite State Capitol (1882-88), modelled on the Capitol in Washington, DC, which is the second largest Capitol in the United States; the restored Old Pecan Street (Sixth St.), the town's old main street and still a popular place in the evenings; the museum in the house of the sculptor Elisabeth Ney (1830-1907); and the Governor's Mansion (1010 Colorado St.), a classic Southern mansion dating from 1856.
Anyone wanting exercise in the form of a walk or sport should head for Zilker Park, the adjacent botanical garden or the gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A rather more unusual pleasure Austin has to offer is the spectacle every evening of a large flock of bats leaving the Congress Avenue Bridge on their nightly flight.
The Austin Children's Museum offers a place for children to learn, play and experiment. Educational programs are available for parents, teachers and children.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: Only children under 3 permitted on Mondays. Free admission on Sunday from 4pm to 5pm.
The Austin Museum of Art, which merged with the Arthouse at the Jones Center in November of 2011, focuses on modern and contemporary art. It features exhibits from around the world with emphasis on art from the United States. The small permanent collection is primarily centered on American modern and contemporary art.
Address: Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 495-9224, Fax: 1 (512) 495-9029
The Austin Nature and Science Center functions as a living museum with interpretive exhibits, programs, collections, and trails. It is designed to inspire and appreciation of nature for all ages. Some of the highlights of the center are the wildlife exhibits with a variety of animals, the Dino Pit with its recreated dig site and fossils, and the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center (Splash). Also of interest are a number of educational programs, many of which are oriented towards children.
Address: Austin Nature and Science Center, 301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 974-3888, Fax: 1 (512) 974-3885
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Austin Zoo features a range of native and exotic animals. The aim of the zoo is to provide a sanctuary for animals, with 90 percent of the animal residents made up of rescues or owner released pets.
The airport began operations in 1999 at the former Bergstrom Air Force Base. It is located in southeast Austin, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center. The airport is serviced by numerous airlines and offers non-stop flights to a variety of destinations across the USA.
There is a Family Viewing Area that allows visitors to watch planes land and take off on the airport's 9,000 foot east runway.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the "Story of Texas" through a variety of interesting exhibits, along with with films and an IMAX Theatre. This is really a good opportunity to learn about the entire history of the state, from the natural landscape, to the Native Americans, explorers, the "Lone Star" identity, ranching, and much more. After visiting the exhibits, see it all come to life by taking in one of the special effects shows.
The Texas State History Museum in Austin.
Hours:
9am-6pm; Sun:12pm-6pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
This area was Austin's main street prior to the Capitol being built. More recently the area has once again become trendy with restaurants, cafes, and shops taking up residence in old Victorian style buildings. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
An old brick building on East Sixth Street in Austin.
Typical old architecture on East Sixth Street in Austin.
The museum displays works of the nineteenth century portrait sculptor Elizabeth Ney, along with personal items and other memorabilia. It is located in her original studio which was preserved following her death in 1907. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 East 44th Street, Austin, TX 78751, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 458-2255, Fax: 1 (512) 453-0638
Concerts, sporting events and banquets are some of the events that take place at the Frank Erwin Center. Check the calendar to see what is coming up at the center.
Address: Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 471-7744, Fax: 1 (512) 471-9652
The site was originally built in 1841 for the chargé d'affaires who represented the government of France in the Republic of Texas. In 1848, it became the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Robertson.
The site has been restored and is furnished in period.
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail runs from Brownsville to Orange along the entire length of the coast. It is actually a compilation of 43 loop trails which can be accessed by car. The area features more than 600 species of birds.
The Hill Country Flyer is a steam powered excursion train. On weekends visitors can take a scenic trip on this historic train through the surrounding hill country. A shorter option is a ride on the Bertram Flyer which takes visitors to the Bertram station for a quick tour, and then returns. The trains do not run year round so be sure to check the schedule for departure times and operating schedules.
Address: Austin Steam Train Association, 401 East Whitestone Boulavard, Ste A-103, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 477-8468, Fax: 1 (512) 477-8633
This fine arts museum is part of the University of Texas. It offers changing exhibits as well as a 17,000 piece permanent collection of European, American, and Latin American art. The museum is also used as a teaching and research institution.
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Sat:11am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Tips: Free admission every Thursday. Open until 9pm the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms explores the history of Texas through themed historical recreations of 1800s places. The five areas include a 1841 Tonkawa Encampment, a 1868 German Immigrant Farm, a Commercial Cotton Farm from 1887, an 1873 Texian Farm, and Sprinkle Corner rural village from 1899. The complex is set on 90 acres and surrounded by woodlands.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, originally the National Wildflower Center, was created to educate people about the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants. The center is lovely any time of year, with interesting architectural elements and a wetland pond. There is also a calendar which lets visitor's know what is in bloom on any given week.
Hours:
9am-5:30pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Sightseeing boats offer a variety of tours on Town Lake and Lake Austin. Sunset cruises and bat-watching trips are just a couple of the possible excursions.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum has 40 million pages of historical documents which include papers from LBJ's entire career. The museum also features changing exhibits on American history.
This is one of the top attractions in Austin and enjoyable even for those who are not overly familiar with President Johnson.
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Mexic-Arte Museum promotes traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. Exhibits include photography, painting and sculptures.
Address: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue, Box 2273, Austin, TX 78768, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 480-9373, Fax: 1 (512) 480-8626
The Neill-Cochran House was built in 1853 and is Greek Revival in style. It currently houses a collection of furniture and documents dating from 1770 to 1900.
O. Henry Museum is a tribute to William Sidney Porter - who wrote under the name O. Henry. The cottage has been restored and contains artifacts and memorabilia from Porter's life.
The Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History features a huge collection of items representing the natural and cultural history of Texas. Areas covered include paleontology, geology, biology, herpetology, ichthyology and entomology. Some of the highlights for visitors include dinosaurs and other fossils, as well as gems and minerals.
Address: Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78705-5786, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 471-1604, Fax: 1 (512) 471-4794
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
This live oak is believed to be more than 500 years old, and its branches span over 128 feet. It is said that the first settlement between the Indians and the settlers was signed under this tree.
The museum is dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of American sculpture. It features the work of sculptor Charles Umlauf. Many of the sculptures are located in the tranquil surroundings and natural environment of the garden. Inside the museum is a permanent collection as well as changing exhibits.
Address: Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E Lee Road, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: 1 (512) 445-5582, Fax: 1 (512) 445-5583
Zilker Botanical Gardens covers 30 acres and includes lovely areas with a variety of plants and a number of theme gardens. The Japanese Garden is one of the highlights with streams, waterfalls, and ponds. There is also a rose garden, herb garden, and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.
In the spring the garden hosts an annual festival with entertainment, the Flower Show, lectures, and activities for children. Spring is also a great time to visit the gardens with an ever changing variety of blooming flowers.
Zilker Park is a favorite outdoor area for many locals. Within the park are the Zilker Hillside Theater which hosts many events including Shakespeare in the Park, the Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Austin Nature and Science Center, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Canoeing on Town Lake or taking a ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train are some popular past times within the park. There is also lots of open space, sand volleyball courts, and Barton Springs Poll for those looking to take a dip.
The origins of the town date back to the late 1800's when it developed as a railroad community. In 1973 a prehistoric archeological site was found just east of the city. Among the finds was a 10,000 - 13,000 year old female skeleton which was named Leanderthal Lady. A historical marker indicates the location of the find.
Claude, being the seat of Armstrong County, is home to the Armstrong County Museum. The museum also features displays on the county's history, including an exhibit on the local Boy Scouts, which is one of the oldest troops in the West.
The Gem Theatre is located next door and hosts a variety of musical shows.
The museum and library houses a collection of records, documents, and memorabilia from George Bush. One section of the library is devoted to Barbara Bush.
Address: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77845, United States
Phone: 1 (979) 691-4000, Fax: 1 (979) 691-4050
Hours:
9:30am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
This small town was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The area was settled by a variety of immigrants, many of whom came from Eastern European countries. The town still celebrates a number of Czech traditions.
Address: Flatonia Chamber of Commerce, 101 East North Main, Flatonia, TX 78941, United States
Phone: 1 (361) 865-3920, Fax: 1 (361) 865-2451
The museum houses items related to the history of the area. The collection includes furniture, clothing, and documents. A stable on the grounds contains antique farm equipment, tools and other household items.
Giddings (pop. 4,700) was settled primarily by Wendish immigrants when the H&TC Railroad was laid between Brenham and Austin. The town is know for being the town were Bill Longley was hanged in 1878.
Address: Giddings Chamber of Commerce, 171 East Hempstead, Giddings, TX 78942, United States
Phone: 1 (979) 542-3455, Fax: 1 (979) 542-7060
The small town of Rosanky is located south of Bastrop and southeast of Austin. Over the past 150 years the population of the town has fluctuated between 100 and just over 200, where it remains today.
Located in Round Top (pop. 100) is the Winedale Historical Center, a complex consisting of a visitor's center, restored historic structures, a log barn converted into a theater, and conference center, along with hiking trails and gardens.
Sterling B. McCall, Jr. began collecting the cars for the Sterling McCall Old Car Museum in 1979 when a Toyota customer drove a 1927 Ford Model T Doctors Coupe into his dealership to trade in on a new 1979 Toyota Corolla. The museum houses over 80 cars ranging from 1920-60.
The town was settled in 1873 under the name Jackson Station, and was located on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. The name was later changed by the German settlers to Weimar. The German heritage is still an influence in the town.
The museum features exhibits related to the town's history and includes and early doctor's office, agricultural implements, photographs and other historical memorabilia.
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Flatonia - E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum
State Capitol, Austin
Zilker Botanical Gardens, Austin
University of Texas at Austin, Austin
Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet
Zilker Park, Austin
East Sixth Street / Old Pecan Street, Austin
State Capitol, Austin
