Texas Nature Centers and State and Federal Parks
Texas is a huge state, with lots of natural areas, many of which are now State or Federal Parks.
Texas Natural Attractions
Although Texas has some of the largest cities in the United States, it is also home to some of the country's most impressive natural attractions. Mountains, canyons, rock formations, caves, forests and esquisite beaches are just some of the natural attractions found in the Lone Star State.
Although Texas has some of the largest cities in the United States, it is also home to some of the country's most impressive natural attractions. Mountains, canyons, rock formations, caves, forests and esquisite beaches are just some of the natural attractions found in the Lone Star State.
Texas Nature Trails - Viewing Texas Wildlife
Texas has an amazing amount of plant, animal and bird life. Additionally, visitors to the Lone Star State have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing an area to view this vast variety of wildlife.
Texas has an amazing amount of plant, animal and bird life. Additionally, visitors to the Lone Star State have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing an area to view this vast variety of wildlife.
Texas Aquariums - Visiting Texas Aquariums
For a state the size of Texas, which features hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of lakes, rivers and reservoirs, it is only natural to play host to some of the nation's best aquariums. Currently, Texas houses a handful of world-class aquariums, plus dozens of smaller ones. Visiting one of these Top Texas Aquariums is a perfect way to complete your Texas vacation.
For a state the size of Texas, which features hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of lakes, rivers and reservoirs, it is only natural to play host to some of the nation's best aquariums. Currently, Texas houses a handful of world-class aquariums, plus dozens of smaller ones. Visiting one of these Top Texas Aquariums is a perfect way to complete your Texas vacation.
Texas State Parks
Texas is a large state with a wide variety of geographical features, ecosystems and wildlife. Texas is also home to one of the nation's best state park systems, which offers wonderful public access to these natural resources.
Texas is a large state with a wide variety of geographical features, ecosystems and wildlife. Texas is also home to one of the nation's best state park systems, which offers wonderful public access to these natural resources.
National Wildlife Refuges in Texas
Texas is a state of diverse natural resources. Luckily, Texas is also a state with a strong state park system and numerous federal lands as well. In fact, whether they prefer mountains, woods or sandy beaches, visitors to Texas have their choice of National Wildlife Refuges and Preserves on which to view nature.
Texas is a state of diverse natural resources. Luckily, Texas is also a state with a strong state park system and numerous federal lands as well. In fact, whether they prefer mountains, woods or sandy beaches, visitors to Texas have their choice of National Wildlife Refuges and Preserves on which to view nature.
Texas State Aquarium
The "official" aquarium of Texas, the Texas State Aquarium houses hundreds of marine animals and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The "official" aquarium of Texas, the Texas State Aquarium houses hundreds of marine animals and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Most people relate fall foliage and the “changing of the leaves” to the eastern portion of the United States. However, portions of Texas actually see dramatic changes in foliage coloration as fall draws near. Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state.
Most people relate fall foliage and the “changing of the leaves” to the eastern portion of the United States. However, portions of Texas actually see dramatic changes in foliage coloration as fall draws near. Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state.
Visiting Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is located in deep South Texas and offers visitors an opportunity to view a variety of bird and animal life which can be found elsewhere in the United States. Its location along the border and unique climate are enticing to both wildlife and wildlife lovers.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is located in deep South Texas and offers visitors an opportunity to view a variety of bird and animal life which can be found elsewhere in the United States. Its location along the border and unique climate are enticing to both wildlife and wildlife lovers.
Visiting Blanco State Park
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Blanco State Park is one of the smaller state parks in Texas. However, what Blanco SP lacks in acreage, it makes up for in charm and user-friendly ammenities.
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Blanco State Park is one of the smaller state parks in Texas. However, what Blanco SP lacks in acreage, it makes up for in charm and user-friendly ammenities.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Located right in the center of Laredo, one of Texas’ most impressive border cities, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park offers a wide array of outdoor activities for visitors and residents alike. The park offers a variety of both land-based and watersport activities, with the central attraction being the 1,650-acre Lake Casa Blanca.
Located right in the center of Laredo, one of Texas’ most impressive border cities, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park offers a wide array of outdoor activities for visitors and residents alike. The park offers a variety of both land-based and watersport activities, with the central attraction being the 1,650-acre Lake Casa Blanca.
Visiting Falcon State Park, Texas
Located along the Texas/Mexico border, Falcon State Park sits on the shores of Falcon Lake and offers fishermen, nature lovers, and campers a unique outdoor experience.
Located along the Texas/Mexico border, Falcon State Park sits on the shores of Falcon Lake and offers fishermen, nature lovers, and campers a unique outdoor experience.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
South Padre Island's Sea Turtle, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, particularly the endangered Kemp's Ridley. Sea Turtle, Inc. also offers education tours, giving visitors an up-close look at these magnificent creatures.
South Padre Island's Sea Turtle, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, particularly the endangered Kemp's Ridley. Sea Turtle, Inc. also offers education tours, giving visitors an up-close look at these magnificent creatures.
SPI Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center
Located in Port Isabel, at the base of the bridge heading to South Padre Island, the Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center offers visitors an up close look at numerous locally indigenous sea creatures, as well as daily educational programs. Dolphin and bird watching boat tours are also available nearby.
Located in Port Isabel, at the base of the bridge heading to South Padre Island, the Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center offers visitors an up close look at numerous locally indigenous sea creatures, as well as daily educational programs. Dolphin and bird watching boat tours are also available nearby.
Enchanted Rock State 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sea Center Texas
Located in Lake Jackson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Seacenter Texas serves as a marine hatchery, museum and aquarium all in one.
Located in Lake Jackson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Seacenter Texas serves as a marine hatchery, museum and aquarium all in one.
Big Bend National Park
Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, camping - you name it, if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Big Bend.
Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, camping - you name it, if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Big Bend.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Covering nearly 100,000 acres, Big Thicket National Preserve was the first such preserve in the United States. The Big Thicket NP is home to a diverse group of plants and animals and plays host to thousands of nature enthusiasts annually.
Covering nearly 100,000 acres, Big Thicket National Preserve was the first such preserve in the United States. The Big Thicket NP is home to a diverse group of plants and animals and plays host to thousands of nature enthusiasts annually.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore stretches from Corpus Christi south some 75 miles to the Port Mansfield Cut - offering some of the most remote seashore to be found anywhere.
Padre Island National Seashore stretches from Corpus Christi south some 75 miles to the Port Mansfield Cut - offering some of the most remote seashore to be found anywhere.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park includes five miles of beachfront and offers visitors fishing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, birding, and other outdoor recreation options.
Mustang Island State Park includes five miles of beachfront and offers visitors fishing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, birding, and other outdoor recreation options.
Sheldon Lake State Park
Located in northeast Houston, Sheldon Lake State Park is a 2,800-acre outdoor recreation facility. The centerpiece of this park is the 1,200-acre Sheldon Lake itself.
Located in northeast Houston, Sheldon Lake State Park is a 2,800-acre outdoor recreation facility. The centerpiece of this park is the 1,200-acre Sheldon Lake itself.
Isla Blanca Park
Located on the extreme southern end of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park features biking and hiking trails, picnic areas and, of course, plenty of pristine beachfront. It is also home to the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
Located on the extreme southern end of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park features biking and hiking trails, picnic areas and, of course, plenty of pristine beachfront. It is also home to the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
Natural Bridge Caverns
An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.
An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.
Seacenter Texas
Located in Lake Jackson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Seacenter Texas serves as a marine hatchery, museum and aquarium all in one.
Located in Lake Jackson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Seacenter Texas serves as a marine hatchery, museum and aquarium all in one.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Developed over several decades of volunteer effort, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens strives to educate the public on botanical life through "experience, education, and research."
Developed over several decades of volunteer effort, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens strives to educate the public on botanical life through "experience, education, and research."
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located in Glen Rose, the park features models of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more.
Located in Glen Rose, the park features models of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
This 1,700-acre wildlife center, located in Glen Rose, is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and threatened species. Visitors can view over 1,000 animals from their own car or on guided tours.
This 1,700-acre wildlife center, located in Glen Rose, is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and threatened species. Visitors can view over 1,000 animals from their own car or on guided tours.
Colorado Bend State Park
Located on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan, Colorado Bend State Park offers visitors some of the best river swimming in the state, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, birding and mountain biking.
Located on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan, Colorado Bend State Park offers visitors some of the best river swimming in the state, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, birding and mountain biking.
Cascade Caverns
Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat - plus it features a 100 foot underground waterfall!
Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat - plus it features a 100 foot underground waterfall!
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.
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.
Lake Buchanan Adventures
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Lake Buchanan Adventures offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, hiking, camping and more, which are geared to excite outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Lake Buchanan Adventures offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, hiking, camping and more, which are geared to excite outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Dallas Arboretum
Located on White Rock Lake, just outside of downtown Dallas, the Arboretum features colorful gardens all year long. Tours are available daily. The Arboretum is also available for weddings and other private functions.
Located on White Rock Lake, just outside of downtown Dallas, the Arboretum features colorful gardens all year long. Tours are available daily. The Arboretum is also available for weddings and other private functions.
Austin Nature and Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center provides nature exhibits and educational information for groups and individuals visiting Austin.
The Austin Nature and Science Center provides nature exhibits and educational information for groups and individuals visiting Austin.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre drive-through safari located in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of San Antonio.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre drive-through safari located in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of San Antonio.
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.
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.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park includes five miles of beachfront and offers visitors fishing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, birding, and other outdoor recreation options.
Mustang Island State Park includes five miles of beachfront and offers visitors fishing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, birding, and other outdoor recreation options.
State Parks and Historic Sites
Texas is filled with state parks maintained by Texas Parks and Wildlife. These state parks vary in location and amenities offered, but each has a unique charm and is worth the visit for outdoor lovers.
Texas is filled with state parks maintained by Texas Parks and Wildlife. These state parks vary in location and amenities offered, but each has a unique charm and is worth the visit for outdoor lovers.
Lost Maples Natural Area
New Englanders aren't the only that get to enjoy watching the fall foliage change, Lost Maples Natural Area in Central Texas offers Texans and visitors to Texas a breathtaking palette of colors every fall.
New Englanders aren't the only that get to enjoy watching the fall foliage change, Lost Maples Natural Area in Central Texas offers Texans and visitors to Texas a breathtaking palette of colors every fall.
Texas Lakes
Looking for a place to fish or ski? Check out this complete listing of public lakes in Texas.
Looking for a place to fish or ski? Check out this complete listing of public lakes in Texas.
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.
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.
Galveston Island State Park
The 2,000 acre Galveston Island State Park features beach and bay access, nature and hiking trails, a boat ramp, campsites with water and electricity and more.
The 2,000 acre Galveston Island State Park features beach and bay access, nature and hiking trails, a boat ramp, campsites with water and electricity and more.
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Hueco Tanks offers a variety of outdoor activies, most notably camping and rock climbing. However, one of the biggest draws to this historic site are the prehistoric pictographs that dot the cave walls there.
Hueco Tanks offers a variety of outdoor activies, most notably camping and rock climbing. However, one of the biggest draws to this historic site are the prehistoric pictographs that dot the cave walls there.
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Located in Humble, a short drive from Houston, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 250 acre collection of native and cultivated plant life. Additionally, the center has an outdoor classroom, picnic area and miles of walking trails.
Located in Humble, a short drive from Houston, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 250 acre collection of native and cultivated plant life. Additionally, the center has an outdoor classroom, picnic area and miles of walking trails.
Garner State Park
Located on the Frio River in Concan, Garner State Park is one of Texas' most popular summer getaways. Whether it's swimming, fishing, paddling, or tubing, most visitors to Garner find a way to get on or in the water. However, there are also "dry" activities such as miniature golf, birding, nature trails, hiking and more.
Located on the Frio River in Concan, Garner State Park is one of Texas' most popular summer getaways. Whether it's swimming, fishing, paddling, or tubing, most visitors to Garner find a way to get on or in the water. However, there are also "dry" activities such as miniature golf, birding, nature trails, hiking and more.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Located a short drive from South Padre Island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge boasts half a dozen trails on which visitors can view an amazing variety of bird and animal life, including the reclusive Ocelot.
Located a short drive from South Padre Island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge boasts half a dozen trails on which visitors can view an amazing variety of bird and animal life, including the reclusive Ocelot.
Lake Whitney State Park
Located in north/central Texas, Lake Whitney is a deep, clear impoundment on the Brazos River. Within Lake Whitney State Park there is a buoyed swimming area. Diving and snorkeling are also popular ways to enjoy Whitney's clear waters.
Located in north/central Texas, Lake Whitney is a deep, clear impoundment on the Brazos River. Within Lake Whitney State Park there is a buoyed swimming area. Diving and snorkeling are also popular ways to enjoy Whitney's clear waters.
Pedernales Falls
Located outside of Johnson City in Central Texas, Pedernales Falls offers unique swimming opportunity for Texas water enthusiasts. Shallow rapids, deeper holes and, of course, falls, comprise this section of the Pedernales River.
Located outside of Johnson City in Central Texas, Pedernales Falls offers unique swimming opportunity for Texas water enthusiasts. Shallow rapids, deeper holes and, of course, falls, comprise this section of the Pedernales River.
Guadalupe River State Park
Located in Comal County in the Texas Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park encompasses a nine-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, offering park visitors plenty of swimming and tubing opportunities.
Located in Comal County in the Texas Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park encompasses a nine-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, offering park visitors plenty of swimming and tubing opportunities.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and 800 feet deep. Palo Duro is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the country. Horseback riding, mountain climbing, camping and hiking are also popular activities.
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide and 800 feet deep. Palo Duro is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the country. Horseback riding, mountain climbing, camping and hiking are also popular activities.