Immerse yourself in nature at this 284-acre expanse of wildlife and beauty.

Gather your would-be botanists for a day exploring the roaming gardens and natural landscapes of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin. Known as the Botanic Garden of Texas, the Wildflower Center spotlights over 900 species of plants native to the state on its 284 acres. And, with numerous trails to explore and garden plots to admire – including pollinator habitats, theme gardens, and woodland spots, it’s a great place to get outside, appreciate nature, and learn about sustainability too! Visitors will be amused by, and should note, the “Beware of Snakes” signs throughout the property! The site is also home to the Texas Arboretum, which takes up 16 acres of the center’s grounds and showcases more than 70 species of native Texas trees. For admirers interested in learning and exploring sustainable design, the Luci and Ian Family Garden offer visitors educational material and a fun spot for the kids to play. 

The Wildflower Center is great for children of all ages, but if you have little ones, we suggest making a game out of your visit! Consider putting together a scavenger hunt beforehand so the kids can get the most out of exploring the site’s many offerings. (Check out the website’s facts page for ideas.) There is an entry fee – $12 for adults and $6 for kids between five and 17, but it’s worth the price. 

As you may have guessed, the Center was indeed founded by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. She, along with actress Helen Hayes, started the project in 1982 to protect, spotlight, and research Texas’ native wildflowers. Over the years, and especially upon joining with UT-Austin in 2006, the Center has become a “major botanic garden and research unit” of UT. According to the website, they focus on plant conservation, landscape restoration, and sustainable landscape design. As with any thriving garden, the Wildflower Center is also home to a plethora of animals. According to the website, 1,800 insect species, 148 bird species, and 15 species of mammals can be found roaming, nesting, and buzzing about. You can make reservations online for your visit. The Center also features a gift shop and Wildflower Café to grab a bite pre or post-exploring. 

Though it can get toasty out on the meadow, one of our favorite spots to roam is the quarter-mile trail surrounding the Savanna Meadow, which you enter through a limestone archway known as Cecille’s Arch. If you happen to visit shortly after a rain, the meadow is also home to a shallow, ephemeral creek lined with grasses. 

The Hill Country Trails are also great for exploring. Winding through 70 acres, there are two trail loops through a plot where researchers study prescribed fire and land response. The John Barr Trail (.25 miles) intersects with the longer Simmons Research Trail (.6 miles) to meet your hiking needs. Roadrunners are commonly seen running the trails too!

On the way back into Austin, grab some food at South Congress Cafe and follow it up with a cone from Amy's Ice Cream right there. These two spots are about twenty minutes from the Wildflower Center.