LBJ STATE PARK A MUST-SEE DESTINATION

Not only is the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site at Stonewall a must-see destination, it is also an adventure.

It’s a place where historians, naturalists, recreationalists, wildlife viewers, political enthusiasts, wildflower lovers, walkers, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and more can find something of interest.

The park features historical exhibits, memorabilia and a living history farm with recreational sports, nature trails and bicycling opportunities, shopping and more.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are no events or activities currently scheduled and admission to the park is limited, but it may be fully open soon.

Reservations are suggested for day visits and camping by going to https://texasstateparks. reserveamerica.com/. For updated information, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-bjohnson.

HONORING A PRESIDENT

The LBJ State Park and Historic Site honors Gillespie County native Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States.

A Visitor Center complex houses exhibits and memorabilia focusing on the late president’s two terms of office.

PARK FACILITIES

There’s also an auditorium that accommodates up to 225 persons for free films shown daily and a gift shop that is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Visitor Center is the first stop for any tour to the LBJ Ranch, which is a part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. (See separate article on the national park facility elsewhere in this issue.)

Attached to the Visitor Center is the Behrens Cabin, a two-room dogtrot cabin built during the 1840s by German immigrant Johannes Behrens.

There’s also an outdoor amphitheater used for a variety of programs.

SAUER-BECKMANN LIVING HISTORY FARM

The park is also home to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, which depicts the life of a German/Texas family from 1915-1918.

East of the Visitor Center and off the nature trail, the farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from October to May and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from June thru September. The farm is closed the last Tuesday of every month.

Guided tours there allow park interpreters to demonstrate every phase of life characteristic of that era.

School classes and other large groups of 15 or more are encouraged to make reservations for one-hour farm tours by emailing LBJ.ToursReservations@ tpwd.texas.gov.

The entrance to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

and Historic Site at Stonewall. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

NATURE TRAILS

Elsewhere in the park, a winding nature trail leads walkers to a larger-than-life bronze statue of the former president overlooking the Pedernales River.

It also trails near a wildlife enclosure housing buffalo and other areas with the members of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd.

The life of a German/Texas family from 1915-1918 is depicted at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm where interpreters and volunteers carry out their chores, including blacksmithing. The farm is located in Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site at Stonewall. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

MORE INFORMATION

Another trail approximately a mile long is handicapped accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It departs the Visitor Center and travels through fields of wildflowers and past the Texas Longhorns’ pen to the Danz cabins.

Every trail in the park is marked with directional signs and strategically placed markers giving a brief description of highlights along the path. Leashed pets are welcomed but are not allowed inside buildings.

THERE’S MORE

Numerous shaded picnic and rest areas (some with restroom facilities) are available at the state park.

From early June throughout the summer, a large pool facility — complete with children’s wading pool and a covered pavilion — is manned by certified lifeguards. Nearby are two lighted tennis courts.

Available by reservation is the park’s dining hall and group picnic area, located on the banks of the Pedernales River, as well as a separate baseball diamond facility.

Fishing is allowed without a license from the banks of state park lands. However, those who go into the waterways, for example, on a boat, must have a fishing license.

More information on specially planned park events, as well as rental of the park facilities, is available by contacting the park headquarters at 830-644-2252 or visiting the park’s website:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-

johnson/park_events.

All of the current park information is also posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LBJSTATEPark and on the park’s Instagram at www.instagram.com/lbjstatepark.