National park preserving the full life story of America's 36th president, spanning two Texas Hill Country districts from his boyhood home to his final resting place at the family ranch.
General Information
How to Get There
From Fredericksburg (14 mi): Take US Highway 290 East toward Stonewall for approximately 14 miles; the LBJ State Park Visitor Center (where you pick up your free ranch driving permit) will be on your right at 199 Park Road 52 — continue 2 miles east on US 290 for the NPS ranch entrance.
Overview
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park preserves the full life story of America's 36th president across two districts in the Texas Hill Country, about 50 miles west of Austin. The Johnson City District holds the park's main Visitor Center, the restored LBJ Boyhood Home where Johnson grew up, and the historic Johnson Settlement — a cluster of frontier-era buildings tied to LBJ's paternal ancestors. The LBJ Ranch District near Stonewall covers the president's 1908 birthplace, the one-room Junction School he attended as a child, the Johnson Family Cemetery, and the Texas White House, the working ranch where Johnson spent roughly a fifth of his presidency.
A visit here offers a deeply personal window into a president who shaped landmark legislation including the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. The park is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, so clear Hill Country night skies are part of the draw. Spring brings spectacular wildflowers along the US 290 drive between the two districts, while fall offers cooler temperatures and lighter crowds.
Things to Do
Drive Through the LBJ Ranch
Take a self-guided driving tour through the ranch where Lyndon B. Johnson was born, lived, worked, and is buried. Stops include historic structures and important locations connected to the president's life.
Visit the LBJ Visitor Center
Explore exhibits highlighting the life, presidency, and legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Watch orientation films and learn about their impact on American history.
Tour the LBJ Boyhood Home
See the restored home in Johnson City where Lyndon Johnson spent much of his childhood and learn about the experiences that shaped his future career.
See the LBJ Birthplace
Visit the reconstructed birthplace where President Johnson was born in 1908 and learn about his family's roots in the Texas Hill Country.
Visit the Johnson Family Cemetery
Pay respects at the final resting place of President Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, and other members of the Johnson family.
Explore the Junction School
Visit the one-room schoolhouse where Johnson received part of his early education and gain insight into rural Texas life in the early 20th century.
Discover the Johnson Settlement
Learn about the early Johnson family pioneers who settled the area and helped shape the region's history.
View the Texas White House Grounds
While the Texas White House is currently closed for rehabilitation, visitors can still view the surrounding grounds and learn about the ranch's importance during Johnson's presidency.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
