Enjoy the Texas Hill Country

There is good access to the water and the parking is OK at this crossing of the Llano River located southwest of Mason. This could be a fun play area when the water is up or you could come here for some wade fishing. You also might be able to use this as a put [...]

This 13,000-acre ranch is located south of Telegraph and has five miles of river frontage. In addition to wildlife viewing, the ranch offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. Did we mention the five miles of river frontage? The springs really are a sight to behold when they are gushing. Best to call first to make arrangements [...]

Come on, like we were not going to include at least one snake farm. Located a short distance south of New Braunfels, take exit 182 from IH 35. They have many animals on display and you probably will have more than a few good photo ops while you are here. Sundays at 3:00 is alligator [...]

Previously the home of Ralph the Swimming Pig and co-ed mermaids, this site is now owned by Texas State University and is an environmental learning center. The Center is located at the San Marcos Springs, one of the largest springs in Texas and the water supply source for the splendiferous San Marcos River. The Center [...]

The grounds of the 1890 Methodist church sometimes are full of bluebonnets when local conditions are favorable. Art is located on State Highway 29 between Mason and Llano.

The primary purpose of this refuge is to protect habitat for Golden-Cheeked Warblers and Black-Capped Vireos and other bird species. Lots of winged creatures and various types of mammals inhabit this refuge so there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities up here. The preserve contains about five miles of hiking trails and has an observation [...]

This is a 5,500 acre privately owned restoration project that houses a man made bat cave, hiking/nature trails, dinosaur tracks and areas for swimming and fishing. Truly an amazing commitment to restoring what had been over-grazed rangeland. Black-Capped Vireo and Golden-Cheeked Warbler nest here as well. The preserve also hosts an annual Wildflower Field Day [...]

Located in Austin, this fabulous spring-fed pool provides endangered species habitat and year round swimming opportunities for those who do not mind the chilly waters that remains at 68 degrees throughout the year (or there abouts). Your first jump into the pool will take your breath away and it will continue to do so for [...]

This 125 acre preserve offers nine different trails through different habitats – dry dessert like, hilly typical Texas Hill Country with over 300 Madrone trees and 37 native grasses and a canyon with pond – built by the Pipe Creek -, with big Spanish oaks and Escarpment cherries and 200 year old junipers. You first [...]

This is an 81 acre natural area located mostly west of the Blanco River, just below the bridge at IH35 in San Marcos. Blanco Shoals is unique in that it is an undeveloped riparian area, which is projected to remain that way except for a few trails to be built. This area contains high bank [...]