Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The officially named, “University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center” was founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hays. The Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes and contains…

284-acre site featuring nearly 900 species of Texas native plants 9 acres of cultivated gardens 16-acre Texas Arboretum displaying more than 70 species of native Texas trees Animal diversity includes more than 1,800 insect species, 148 bird species and 15 mammal species 76 acres of plots dedicated to long-term research on prescribed fire and land management

There are several different Texas native biomes set up with clean walking paths throughout. Outside the main central courtyard, there are picnic tables (bring your own picnic!) and longer trails. The trails are either fully paved with railing or wide dirt paths. They’re all very accessible and easily walkable (or wheel-able, if you’re on the paved ones!). And don’t forget the observation tower! We almost walked right by it. It’s located next to the cafe.

Speaking of the cafe, it’s a wonderful spot to grab lunch or a snack! The Wildflower Cafe sells healthy sandwiches, salads, snacks, desserts, and beverages (including beer and wine). Check out the menu here. Also, the outdoor seating around the cafe is beautiful! Picturesque.

The Wildflower Center also has an incredible Texas Oak Collection. Staff hand-collected acorns from culturally and historically significant Texas trees, propagated them in their nursery, and planted them in a ring called the “Hall of Texas Heroes.” It is such an awesome idea and I can’t wait to come back and see how these trees grow over the decades.

Right now, admission is reservation only. If you want to visit, make sure you reserve a visiting time. With the weather finally cooling off, it’s the perfect time to visit. Walk a few trails, bring your own picnic, let the kiddos run around in the large, open grass space, and just enjoy nature!

While the Wildflower Center is not dog friendly, there are occasional special events that allow for them.

Admission is: $12 Adults $10 Seniors (65+) $10 Military retirees/veterans (with ID) $6 Youth (Ages 5 – 17) FREE Children 4 years and under, UT Austin faculty, staff and students (with ID), and Active-duty military (with ID) and up to five family members (from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day)

If you become a member, you can get access to The Center an hour before the pubic (crucial for these Texas summer days) and a bunch of other perks. (In addition to supporting The Center conserve native plants and create ecologically rich landscapes, of course.)

SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!

Article by Kelly Phillips

Kelly Phillips is the writer and photographer at discoveringatx.com

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