Major recreation area located on river-like reservoir on the Colorado River directly south of downtown Austin, bounded by the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, offering recreational watercraft services along the lakefront and site of the SXSW Festival
General Information
Head north on Congress Ave toward E 6th St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 6th St. Turn left onto Guadalupe St. Use the left 3 lanes to turn slightly left onto S 1st St. Turn right onto W Riverside Dr. Turn right.
Overview
Lady Bird Lake — still often called Town Lake — is the river-like reservoir that runs through the heart of downtown Austin, formed on the Colorado River in 1960 and named in honor of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. It's the easternmost link in the Texas Highland Lakes chain, and today it's the centerpiece of Austin's outdoor life: ringed by hike-and-bike trails and bordered by Zilker Park, it draws paddlers, runners, and music lovers to its banks year-round. Motorized boats aren't allowed, keeping the water calm for kayaks, canoes, and rowing shells.
History
The lake was created in 1960 when the City of Austin built Longhorn Dam to form a cooling pond for the Holly Street Power Plant. Its shoreline sat neglected until the early 1970s, when Mayor Roy Butler launched a beautification effort and named Lady Bird Johnson honorary chair of the project. Her involvement helped fund the planting of hundreds of trees and shrubs and the construction of the hike-and-bike trail system that still rings the lake today.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
A 10-mile, mostly flat loop of crushed granite and boardwalk circles the entire lake, making it one of Austin's most popular spots for walking, running, and biking.
- Complete 10.1-mile loop around the lake.
- Includes a boardwalk section and a pedestrian bridge over Barton Creek.
- Connects directly to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool.
Paddling and Boating
With motorized watercraft banned, Lady Bird Lake's calm water is ideal for paddling and rowing.
- Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals along the trail.
- Popular with dragon boat and rowing crews thanks to the lake's calm, straight course.
Live Music and Festivals
Parkland along the lake's banks hosts many of Austin's biggest outdoor events.
- Austin City Limits Music Festival – Major fall music festival at Auditorium Shores.
- Austin Reggae Festival – Spring festival on the south bank.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Statue – Tribute to the Austin blues legend at Auditorium Shores.
Red Bud Isle
Below Tom Miller Dam, this small island offers a dog park and easy canoe and fishing access.
Fishing
Lady Bird Lake is stocked for recreational fishing, with a license required.
- Largemouth bass, catfish, carp, and sunfish are the most common catches.
- Daily bag and length limits apply for most species.
Visitor Highlights
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hike-and-Bike Trail | Walk, run, or bike the 10-mile loop around the lake. |
| Paddling | Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the calm, motor-free water. |
| Live Music | Catch a festival or concert at Auditorium Shores or Fiesta Gardens. |
| Fishing | Cast for bass, catfish, and sunfish with a valid license. |
| Red Bud Isle | Visit the dog-friendly island below Tom Miller Dam. |
Best Time to Visit
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler temperatures and quieter trails, popular with runners and rowers. |
| Evening | Sunset paddling and a lively trail scene. |
| Fall | Austin City Limits Music Festival draws big crowds to Auditorium Shores. |
Why Visit Lady Bird Lake?
- Paddle calm water in the heart of downtown Austin.
- Walk or bike the iconic hike-and-bike trail loop.
- Catch live music at festivals and concerts along the shore.
- Relax at Red Bud Isle with your dog or a fishing rod.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lady Bird Lake", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
