Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in south Austin, Texas at the juncture of Barton Creek and the Colorado River that comprises over 350 acres (142 ha) of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor, Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917. The land was developed into a park during the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Today the park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, both of which run next to the park. The large size of the park makes it a capable venue for large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. The Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Amenities
Zilker’s Great Lawn is the home to the infamous Austin City Limits Music Festival. Austinites flock to Barton Springs Pool to cool off on hot summer days. The Austin Nature and Science Center’s dino pits are a big hit with families.
The Zilker Botanical Garden features several independently maintained gardens located near the center of the park and hosts the Zilker Gardens Festival every spring. The Austin Nature & Science Center offers ecological exhibits, nature hike trails, and children’s educational programming. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden adjoins the southeast end of the park, displaying sculptural works by artist Charles Umlauf and others. Bed Bug Exterminator Austin
The Zilker Hillside Theater hosts regular performances by local theatre companies, including free “Shakespeare in the Park” every May and an annual summer musical. Barton Springs Pool adjoins the park on the east, offering public swimming; other water activities are available in Barton Creek. The Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center by Barton Springs Pool offers exhibits about the natural history of the Edwards Aquifer that feeds Barton Springs. Every winter the 155-foot (47 m) Zilker Holiday Tree is illuminated, along with a Trail of Lights display.
The Zilker Zephyr 12 in (305 mm) gauge miniature railway carries passengers on a tour around the park. The park’s amenities and wide-open spaces allow it to host a variety of large events each year. Most notably, the Austin City Limits Music Festival fills the park for two weekends each fall with numerous live musical performances by prominent artists.
Trails
- Roy and Ann Butler Trail encircling Lady Bird Lake
- Violet Crown Trail runs south from Barton Springs Pool to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
Check out other attractions like Barton Springs School
