Living History Found at LBJ State Park

Historic buildings seen next to a vintage windmill at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall is the destination where years of the past come to life in the Texas Hill Country.

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

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

Honoring a President

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 250 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 dog trot 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 19151918.

East of the Visitor Center and off the nature trail, the farm is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from June through August and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m September through May.

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

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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.

Since May of 2014, the park has become home to part of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd.

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 before looping back.

Every trail in the park is linked with directional signs and strategically-placed markers giving a brief description of highlights along the path.

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. There is also a baseball field that can be reserved for use at no cost.

Available by reservation is the park’s dining hall and group picnic area, located on the banks of the Pedernales River. There is also a facility that can be reserved for overnight use for youth groups.

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.

Special Events

LBJ State Park hosted the annual Seed Stomp on Sunday, Sept. 19.

Participants learned about native wildflowers, Mrs. Johnson’s legacy of beautifying America and were given wildflower seeds to help reseed the grounds and plant flowers for future generations.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, visitors are invited to the Deck the Halls event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Families can decorate cookies and participate in early 1900s Christmas traditions such as candle making, popcorn stringing and wreath making.

The 52nd Annual LBJ Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.

The tradition was started years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Families are invited to enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and the lighting of the tree.

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A statue of Lyndon B. Johnson points out at its visitors at LBJ State Park.