Hub for many recreational activities and the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake and includes general-purpose lawns, sports fields, picnic areas, numerous public attractions and host the Austin City Limits Festival
General Information
Head north on Congress Ave toward E 6th St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 6th St. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Lamar Blvd. Turn right onto Barton Springs Rd.
Overview
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a 350-plus-acre green space in south Austin at the meeting point of Barton Creek and the Colorado River, and one of the city's most-used outdoor spaces. It's named for benefactor Andrew Jackson Zilker, who sold the city the land beginning in 1917 and donated the proceeds to Austin's public schools. Today it anchors the hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake and hosts the city's biggest outdoor events, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
History
The land around Barton Springs was a cattle ranch in the 1830s before Andrew Jackson Zilker bought the property in the early 1900s and used the spring water in his ice-making business. After selling the land to the city, Austin developed it into a public park during the 1930s with help from the Civil Works Administration, adding a concrete dam and swimming area to Barton Springs Pool. The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed swimming pool on the park's east side, Barton Springs Pool stays a cool, constant temperature year-round and is one of Austin's signature outdoor experiences. The nearby Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center explains the natural history of the Edwards Aquifer that feeds the springs.
Gardens and Sculpture
- Zilker Botanical Garden – A collection of themed gardens near the center of the park.
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden – Sculptural works by artist Charles Umlauf, on the park's southeast edge.
- Austin Nature & Science Center – Ecological exhibits and nature trails geared toward families.
- Zilker Zephyr – A miniature train that loops through the park, popular with kids.
Zilker Hillside Theater
An outdoor amphitheater hosting performances by local theatre companies, including free "Shakespeare in the Park" every May and an annual summer musical.
Trails
- Roy and Ann Butler Trail – Circles Lady Bird Lake along the park's edge.
- Violet Crown Trail – Runs south from Barton Springs Pool to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Annual Events
- Austin City Limits Music Festival – Fills the park for two weekends each fall.
- Trail of Lights – A winter lights display centered on the 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree.
- Zilker Park Kite Festival – The park's open lawns make it a natural venue for kite flying.
Visitor Highlights
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Cool off in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool. |
| Gardens | Wander the Zilker Botanical Garden and Umlauf Sculpture Garden. |
| Trails | Walk or bike the Lady Bird Lake and Violet Crown trails. |
| Live Performances | Catch free Shakespeare in the Park or a summer musical at the Hillside Theater. |
| Festivals | Time a visit around ACL Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, or the Kite Festival. |
Best Time to Visit
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, mild weather, and the Kite Festival. |
| Summer | Peak season for Barton Springs Pool and outdoor swimming. |
| Fall | Austin City Limits Music Festival and comfortable trail weather. |
| Winter | Quieter park with the Trail of Lights display at the Holiday Tree. |
Why Visit Zilker Park?
- Swim year-round in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool.
- Explore gardens and sculpture without leaving the park.
- Hike or bike along Lady Bird Lake and the Violet Crown Trail.
- Catch a festival, from ACL to the Trail of Lights.
- Enjoy open green space in the heart of Austin.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Zilker Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
