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 National Wildflower Research 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 museum offers a place for children to learn, play and experiment. Educational programs are available for parents, teachers and children.
Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
9:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
12:00
Close
12:00
17:00
20:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
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 (Apr 08)
Cost
Admission Cost
$ 6.50
Child 3 & under
$ 4.50
Child 1 & under
FREE
All values are in United States Dollars
Tips
Only children under 3 permitted on Mondays. Free admission on Sunday from 4pm to 5pm.
The 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.
Address
Austin Zoo 10807 Rawhide Trail, Box 91808 Austin, TX 78736-2716 United States
Phone 1 (512) 288-1490
Fax 1 (512) 288-3972
Hours
February 1 to October 31
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
Close
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
November 1 to January 31
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
Close
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
Always closed on:
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ) Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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 11 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" with three floors of interactive exhibits, a special effects show, The Star of Destiny, in the Texas Spirit Theater, and the IMAX Theatre, featuring the signature large-format film, Texas: The Big Picture.
The Texas State History Museum in Austin.
Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
12:00
Close
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
18:00
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 (Apr 08)
This area was Austin's main street prior to the Capitol being built. More recently the area has once again become trendy with restaurants and shops taking up residence in old Victorian style buildings. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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.
This fine arts museum is part of the University of Texas. It offers changing exhibits as well as a 13,000 piece permanent collection of European, American, and Latin American art. The museum is also used as a teaching and research institution.
Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
Closed
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
11:00
13:00
Close
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
Cost
Adult
$ 9.00
Senior over 65
$ 7.00
Students
$ 5.00
Youth 21 & under
$ 5.00
Child 12 & under
FREE
All values are in United States Dollars
Tips
Free admission every Thursday. Open until 9pm the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Three historic farmsteads depict diverse lifestyles - a Commercial Cotton Farm, a Homestead Farm and a Tenant Farm. This living-history museum depicts life in the 1880s on the Blackland Prairie of Central Texas.
This center was created to educate people about the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants.
Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
Close
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
17:30
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.
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
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 museum features the world's largest collection representing the natural and cultural history of Texas.
Address
Texas Memorial Museum 2400 Trinity Street Austin, TX 78705-5786 United States
Phone 1 (512) 471-1604
Fax 1 (512) 471-4794
Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
9:00
10:00
13:00
Close
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
16:45
16:45
16:45
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 (Apr 08)
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 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
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Open
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
12:00
Close
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
17:00
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
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
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
