Points of Interest – Austin, Texas

 

Austin Children's Museum

 

 

 

Austin Children's Museum exhibits and programs range from a unique "Austin Kiddie Limits" music set to interactive art experiences. Call for hours. For more information, Call (512) 472-2499

 

Austin History Center

 

 

 

Research library documents Austin and Travis County through newspaper archives, photographs and other historical materials from 1839. For more information, Call (512) 974-7480

 

Austin Museum of Art

 

 

 

Displays from the permanent collection of works, along with traveling exhibitions by international, national and local artists. Call for hours. For more information, Call (512) 495-9224

 

Austin Museum of Art Laguna Gloria

 

 

 

Recently renovated facility features beautifully landscaped grounds and a historic villa on Lake Austin. Grounds Mon.-Sat. 9a.m. - 5p.m.; Sun. 12-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 458-8191

 

Austin's Park & Pizza

 

 

 

22 acres of fun-filled attractions, special event areas, game pavilion and pizza buffet. For more information, Call (512) 670-9600

 

Blanton Museum of Art

 

 

 

Recognized among the country's top university fine arts collections, the spectacular museum reopens in April 2006. Call for hours. For more information, Call (512) 471-7324

 

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (The)

 

 

 

Features three floors of dynamic exhibits, a special effects Texas Spirit Theater, museum store and café. Austin's only IMAX theatre. Mon.-Sat. 9a.m. - 6p.m.; Sun. 12-6p.m. For more information, Call (866) 369-7108

 

Boggy Creek Farm

 

 

 

See the historic farmhouse and view the organic gardens. Year-round, on Wed. and Sat. From 9am-2pm, fresh produce is sold at a farm stand market. For more information, Call (512) 926-4650

 

Capitol Visitors Center

 

 

 

Housed in the historic General Land Office Building, the center details Texas history through exhibits and videos. Mon.-Sat. 9a.m. - 5p.m.; Sun. 12-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 305-8400

 

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

 

 

 

Shelters the largest urban bat colony in North America. More than 1.5 million bats fly out at dusk, April to October. For more information, Call (512) 416-5700

 

Daniel H. Caswell House

 

 

 

Built in 1899, this Victorian home houses the Austin Junior Forum. Call for hours. For more information, Call (512) 472-0779

 

 

Elisabet Ney Museum

 

 

 

Originally the home and studio of German born sculptress Elisabet Ney, the museum displays many of her works, as well as furnishings and sculpting tools. Wed.-Sat. 10a.m. - 5p.m.; Sun. 12-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 458-2255

 

French Legation Museum

 

 

 

The oldest standing frame structure in Austin served as the diplomatic outpost of France during the days of the Republic of Texas. Tues.-Sun. 1-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 472-8180

 

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center

 

 

 

The recently renovated and expanded Carver Museum features four new galleries, a theater, dance studio, museum store and expanded library. Call for days and hours of operation. For more information, Call (512) 974-4926

 

Harry Ransom Center

 

 

 

One of the world's finest cultural archives houses a rare Gutenberg Bible, 30 million literary manuscripts, 1 million rare books, and 5 million photographs--including the world's first photograph. For more information, Call (512) 471-8944

 

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

 

 

 

The nation's most visited presidential library chronicles the life and times of Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson. Mon.-Sun. 9a.m. - 5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 721-0200

 

Lyndon Baines Johnson National Historical Park

 

 

 

Tours tell the story of the 36th US president and trace the influences of his family and beloved Texas Hill Country on his career. Open daily For more information, Call (830) 868-7128

 

Madison Log Cabin

 

 

 

Built in 1863 by pioneer homesteader Henry G. Madison, this preserved log cabin was relocated to Rosewood Park and now serves as a museum for historic relics and documents of Austin's Black heritage. For more information, Call (512) 472-6838

 

Mexic-Arte Museum

 

 

 

Museum presents traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art and culture. Mon.-Thurs. 10a.m.-6p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 480-9373

 

Neill-Cochran House

 

 

 

Abner Cook, the architect responsible for the Governor's Mansion, designed this beautiful 1855 Greek Revival house. Tours Wed.-Sun. 2-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 478-2335

 

O. Henry Museum

 

 

 

William Sidney Porter, better known as short story writer O. Henry, once made his home in this 1891 Victorian cottage. Wed.-Sun. noon-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 472-1903

 

Old Bakery & Emporium

 

 

 

Historic building houses sandwich shop and handmade crafts by senior citizens. Mon.-Fri. 9a.m. - 4p.m. For more information, Call (512) 477-5961

 

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort

 

 

 

Rated by the Travel Channel as "America's No. 1 Waterpark," this fun family resort spreads over 65 acres with thrills, spills and floats. For more information, Call (830) 625-2351

 

St. Mary's Cathedral

 

 

 

The architectural features of St. Mary's Cathedral include a Gothic arched doorway and Rose Windows. Call for hours. For more information, Call (512) 476-6182

 

Texas Governor's Mansion

 

 

 

Texas' premier historic home has been the official residence of Texas governors since 1856. Free tours available; reservations required. For more information, Call (512) 463-5516

 

Texas Memorial Museum

 

 

 

Includes dinosaur and fossil displays, Texas wildlife, gems and minerals, meteorites and natural science. Mon.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. 1-5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 471-1604

 

Texas State Capitol

 

 

 

The granite Texas statehouse stands as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State. Free, guided tours. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30p.m.; Sat. 9:30-3:30p.m.; Sun. 12-3:30 p.m. For more information, Call (512) 463-0063

 

Texas State Cemetery

 

 

 

The final resting place of Texas' most notable sons and daughters, including Stephen F. Austin, John Connally and Barbara Jordan. Mon.-Sun. 8a.m. - 5p.m. For more information, Call (512) 463-0605

 

Texas State Library and Archives

 

 

 

The Lorenzo de Zavala building houses the Texas State Archives, genealogy collection and reference documents collection. For more information, Call (512) 463-5514

 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

 

 

 

More than 130 sculptures by the late Charles Umlauf are displayed both indoors and in a unique outdoor setting. Wed.-Fri. 10a.m.-4:30p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 1-4:30p.m. For more information, Call (512) 445-5582

 

Volente Beach      

Beach club on Lake Travis features Water Park with slides, sandy beach, pirate boat and wading area for the kids. Craft rentals available. Open seasonal. For more information, Call (512) 258-5109