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STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK
from Sealy, Texas
Get Outside
Stephen F. Austin State Park offers visitors a view at the Cradle of Texas Liberty
PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY HENDERSON
Settling Texas
The park is on the Brazos River, near an old ferry crossing. It is part of the Commercio Plaza de San Felipe; our front entrance is a mile from the center of the historic town of San Felipe. San Felipe was the seat of government of the Anglo-American colonies in Texas.
Colonization
From 1824 to 1836, San Felipe de Austin was the capital of the American colonies in Texas. It was also the social, economic and political center.
Nature
Stephen F. Austin State Park protects 473 acres of wetland and hardwood forest. Cedar elm, hickory, Osage orange, green ash, cottonwood, sycamore and hackberry are the main trees growing in the park.
Forest canopies shelter a dense undergrowth of coralberry, dwarf palmetto, American beautyberry, possumhaw, yaupon, grapevine and Alabama supplejack. Turk’s cap with its beautiful red blooms grows throughout the park. Look for bluebonnets around park headquarters in early spring.
Plentiful wildlife
Birders may search for nesting pileated woodpeckers, as well as many other species such as barred owls, warblers, yellowbilled cuckoos, white-eyed vireos, Mississippi kites and northern parulas. Ask at headquarters for a bird list.
You are likely to see whitetailed deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, rabbits and squirrels when you visit. Other creatures tend to be more elusive, such as the bobcat.
Fireflies put on a show in May and June, just as it is getting dark. Take a short walk on one of the trails to see them flitting among the trees or watch for them from your campsite.
Things to Do
Explore the trails, bring a picnic, look for a geocache or wildlife, or set up camp. Learn about Texas’ early colonists nearby at a state historic site. Plan your next reunion at the dining hall or group camp.
Park Road 38 San Felipe, TX 77473 (979) 885-3613 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ stephen-f-austin
Hours: Open daily.
Office hours: Saturday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
