City’s History in Brief in Austin, Texas, United States
1. Capitol Visitor Center
Learn about Texas history at this educational center beneath the State Capitol. Displays exhibits showcasing Texas artifacts and a 7-minute orientation film.
- Historical Artifacts: See original artifacts such as Sam Houston's sword and George Washington's camp bed.
- Orientation Film: Gain an understanding of the Texas State Capitol's history through a short, informative film.
- Free Admission: Explore the center at no cost, making it an affordable addition to your Austin trip.
2. Texas State Capitol
Discover Texas' rich history inside this grand neoclassical building. Explore the rotunda, senate chamber, and governor's office.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Admire the stunning architecture and intricate details of this beautiful building.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the Capitol's history, architecture, and art collection.
- Iconic Photos: Capture memorable photos of the State Capitol dome or take a selfie with the Texas Star on top.
3. Museum of the Weird
Step into a bizarre world filled with curiosities at this quirky museum. See shrunken heads, vampire killing kits, and other strange artifacts.
- Rare Artifacts: Explore oddities like the world's smallest woman or the legendary Feejee Mermaid.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with exhibits, including a shrunken head display and a mysterious wall of wax hands.
- Unique Gift Shop: Find unusual souvenirs like vampire repellent spray or mystery boxes in the gift shop.
4. Bat Observatory at Congress Avenue Bridge
Witness the nightly spectacle of millions of bats emerging from beneath the bridge. Watch as they soar into the sky.
- Mass Migration: Observe one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America.
- Informative Exhibits: Learn about the bats, their habitat, and their importance in the ecosystem through exhibits and displays.
- Best Viewing Times: Time your visit for sunset when the bats are most active and easy to spot.
5. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Experience Austin's natural beauty at this botanical garden dedicated to native Texas wildflowers. Explore themed gardens and take part in educational programs.
- Native Plant Collection: Discover a vast collection of native Texas plants, including rare species.
- Themed Gardens: Explore themed gardens such as the Butterfly Garden or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Schoolyard.
- Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs, guided tours, and workshops to learn more about Texas' native plants and wildlife.
6. Texas State Cemetery
Pay respects to notable Texans buried here, including Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Barbara Jordan. Walk among historic tombstones.
- Historic Figures: Visit the graves of important historical figures who played significant roles in Texas' history.
- Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour using the available brochure and maps to learn about the notable people buried here.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Find a peaceful, reflective atmosphere among the beautiful tombstones and lush greenery.
7. LBJ Presidential Library
Learn about the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson through exhibits, artifacts, and oral histories.
- Historical Artifacts: See original documents, photographs, and personal effects from LBJ's presidency.
- Oral Histories: Listen to firsthand accounts from people who knew LBJ through recorded oral histories.
- Special Events: Attend special events, lectures, and workshops that focus on LBJ's life, presidency, and the issues he addressed.
8. Texas Memorial Museum
Explore the natural history of Texas through exhibits on fossils, wildlife, geology, and more.
- Dinosaur Fossils: View a collection of dinosaur fossils discovered in Texas, including an impressive Triceratops skull.
- Texas Wildlife: Learn about Texas' diverse wildlife through interactive exhibits and specimens.
- Hands-On Activities: Participate in hands-on activities, like fossil casting or specimen identification.
9. Zachary Scott Theatre Center
Experience live theatre performances at this historic venue. Catch a play or musical in an intimate setting.
- Live Performances: See plays and musicals by local, national, and international artists.
- Historic Building: Enjoy a performance in the beautiful, historic Zachary Scott Theatre Center.
- Diverse Offerings: Choose from a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and family-friendly shows.
10. Mexic-Arte Museum
Explore Mexican and Latino art at this museum dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
- Permanent Collection: See a diverse permanent collection of works by Mexican and Latin American artists.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Discover temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary works by established and emerging artists.
- Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs, workshops, and lectures to learn more about Mexican and Latino art.
11. The Bullock Texas State History Museum
Explore the history of Texas through interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts at this modern museum.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive exhibits, including a simulated train ride or a virtual reality experience.
- Texas Artifacts: See Texas artifacts such as Sam Houston's sword and the Alamo flag.
- State-of-the-Art Theater: Watch films about Texas history in a state-of-the-art theater with advanced sound systems.
12. Museum of Natural and Artificial Ices
Explore the history of ice, its uses, and its impact on society at this unique museum.
- Ice Timeline: Learn about the history of ice and its role in human civilization through exhibits and interactive displays.
- Ice Machines: See historic ice machines, like the original manual ice machine, and learn about their evolution.
- Hands-On Activities: Participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate how ice has been harvested and preserved throughout history.
13. Pioneer Farms
Step back in time to the 1800s at this living history farm. Witness demonstrations of pioneer life, agriculture, and crafts.
- Historic Buildings: Tour historic buildings, such as a log cabin or one-room schoolhouse.
- Demonstrations: Watch demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving.
- Pioneer Life: Learn about pioneer life, agriculture, and crafts through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
14. LBJ Ranch
Visit the former president's ranch to learn about LBJ's personal life and presidential decisions.
- Historic Building Tours: Tour the historic buildings on the ranch, including the main house and the airplane hangar.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about LBJ's life, presidency, and time spent at the ranch.
- Historic Artifacts: See original artifacts from LBJ's presidency and personal life, such as photographs and memorabilia.
15. Texas Suspension Bridge
Experience the engineering marvel of this 19th-century bridge, one of the first suspension bridges in the United States.
- Historic Bridge: Walk across this historic suspension bridge, an iconic symbol of Austin's early development.
- Engineering Feat: Learn about the engineering feats that made this bridge possible during a guided tour or exhibit.
- Iconic Photos: Capture memorable photos of the Texas Suspension Bridge and its beautiful, tranquil setting.