Fritz Hughes Park

Where It's At & What You'll Find

Nestled below Mansfield Dam along the shores of Lake Austin, Fritz Hughes Park is a cozy neighborhood location spanning about 5 acres in Austin, Texas. The park features a 400-foot stretch of shoreline that gently rises to a tree-dotted grassy plateau. There's even a small beach area where you can dip your toes in the water and cool off on those sweltering Texas days.

A Bit of History

This little touch of nature has been around for quite some time - it was donated to Travis County back in 1939, making it one of the county's earliest parks. Despite the changes around Austin over the decades, Fritz Hughes has managed to preserve much of the original character of the Colorado River bottoms, thanks to the narrow width of Lake Austin in this section.

What You Can Do Here

The park offers a peaceful spot to unwind. The park is excellent for picnicking, fishing, or simply sitting back and soaking in the scenic hill country views.

Water enthusiasts, take note: this is a popular launching spot for paddle boarding and kayaking - and it won't cost you a dime to put in. You can paddle upstream toward the dam or make your way to nearby Jessica Hollis Park for a bit of exploration.

When hunger strikes, settle in at one of the two picnic tables or fire up the barbecue pit for a waterside meal. Got kids in tow? They'll appreciate the playground where they can burn off some energy.

Getting There & Getting Around

Parking is free but limited - if you're planning a weekend visit, you might want to arrive early to snag a spot. Just a heads-up: reaching the water requires navigating down an uneven, somewhat steep path, which can be a bit challenging when you're hauling coolers or paddle boards.

One thing to remember - there are no restroom facilities here, so plan accordingly. The silver lining? Fritz Hughes tends to fly under the radar compared to other Austin parks, offering a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.

When to Visit

The park welcomes visitors Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 6:30AM to 9:30PM, Thursday from 7AM to 10PM, and Saturday from 6AM to 9PM.