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Austin Area Attractions

There is plenty to see and do while visiting the Capitol City. Of course, the Capitol itself is a top draw, but Austin also boasts world class museums and other attractions.

Austin, Texas Attractions - Attractions in Austin, Texas

There is plenty to see and do while visiting the Capitol City. Of course, the Texas State Capitol itself is a top draw, but Austin also boasts world class museums and other attractions.

Austin Area Museums

Austin is not only home to the University of Texas and the Texas State Capitol, the city also boasts an impressive number of museums. From state history to natural sciences, an unbelievable amount of information is showcased in an entertaining and informative manner at Austin's top museums.

Texas State Capitol - Visiting the Texas State Capitol

Visitors to Central Texas shouldn't pass up a chance to visit the Texas State Capitol and soak up some of the legend, lore and history that is Texas.

Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum

Many visitors to Austin, the Texas state capital city, are intrigued by the history of the Lone Star State. Luckily for them, the city is also home to the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum, which encapsulates the state's history and showcases it via a variety of interactive exhibits.

Longhorn Caverns State Park

Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.

Texas Music Museum

The Texas Music Museum in Austin is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the musical history of Texas, as well as the contributions of Texas musicians to the national and world music scene.

Texas State Capitol Tourist Information

Information on the history of the Texas Capitol, as well as current event listings, tour schedules, maps and more.

Texas Governor's Mansion

See where the top political office-holder in Texas lives. Tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion are offered every 20 minutes, Monday through Thursday.

Barton Springs Swimming Hole

Located in Austin's famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.

Austin Zoo

Formed in 1994, the Austin Zoo has grown every year since its formation and now draws over 200,000 visitors annually. Keeping with its primary goal of introducing kids to animals, the Austin Zoo is family friendly and has a number of exhibits and attractions specifically designed for the little ones.

Texas State Cemetery

The Texas State Cemetery was established in 1851 and is the final resting ground for such Texas icons as Stephen F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Governor Allan Shivers, Governor John Connally, and Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock.

LBJ Library and Museum

Dedicated to former President Lyndon B. Johnson, the LBJ Library and Museum houses a variety of permanent exhibits - including a White House exhibit - as well as several temporary showcases, making it one of Austin's best tourist stops.

Austin Children's Museum

The Austin's Children's Museum is THE place to take the kids while visiting Austin - the perfect place to learn and have fun.

Inner Space Cavern

Located just north of Austin, Inner Space Cavern reveals relics from the Ice Age - bones of Saber Toothed Tigers, Mammoths and other Ice Age animals have been found in the cavern.

Austin Nature and Science Center

The Austin Nature and Science Center provides nature exhibits and educational information for groups and individuals visiting Austin.

Wonder World Park

Incorporating a natural cave formed by an earthquake along the Balcones Fault Line, Wonder World Park offers cave tours, educational earthquake programs, a wildlife park, train rides and many more activities for the whole family.

Austin Steam Train

Utilizing a 1916 Southern Pacific steam locomotive, the Austin Steam Train organization offers a variety of steam engine tours throughout the scenic Hill Country region.

Austin Museum of Art

Located in downtown Austin, the Austin Museum of Art provides over 5,000 square feet of ever-changing visual art exhibits.

Elisabet Ney Museum

The Austin area home and studio of famed sculptor Elisabet Ney has been preserved as a museum, displaying her works, furnishings and tools.

Sixth Street

Sixth Street - Austin's famous entertainment district - boasts a variety of unique shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, live music venues and hotels.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Named after the former First Lady, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to native plants and flowers and incorporates trails, gardens, natural habitat areas, butterfly gardens and educational programs to help promote the preservation and restoration of Texas wildflowers.

Enchanted Rock Natural Area

Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Parks System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Art City Austin

Art City Austin displays original artwork in a variety of mediums and genre. The festival also includes live music, food, kids' entertainment, art activities and artist demonstrations.

Mexic-Arte Museum

Austin's Mexic-Arte Museum was founded in 1983 to preserve and promote traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art.

Capitol Visitors Center

Located on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol Complex, the Capitol Visitors Center is housed in the 1856-57 General Land Office building. Today, this historic building houses a number of displays showcasing the history of Texas and tells the story of the Capitol building itself.

Texas Natural Science Center

The Texas Natural Science Center is home to a variety of displays and exhibits showcasing Texas wildlife from pre-historic to modern times. The museum is housed on the University of Texas campus and often hosts well-known speakers and presenters.
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