Zilker Metropolitan Park

Rich History

When you step into Zilker Metropolitan Park, you're walking through a glimpse of Austin history that dates back to 1917. As the city's oldest metropolitan park, this 351-acre green space is known as the "crown jewel" of Austin's park system.

The story begins with Andrew Jackson Zilker, a local businessman with a vision, who gifted the land to Austin through a series of donations between 1917 and 1934. Over the decades, what started as a simple public space has developed into a popular recreational area that attracts both locals and visitors year-round.

Zilker Botanical Garden is located inside the park

Photo: F. D. Richards (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Features

Nestled at the meeting point of Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake, Zilker offers a refreshing mix of landscapes - from shady woodlands to open meadows and serene waterside areas.

If you're looking to beat the notorious Texas heat, Barton Springs Pool is your go-to spot. This natural spring-fed swimming hole maintains a constant, refreshing 68 degrees Fahrenheit all year long - a literal oasis in the heart of the city.

The park offers more than scenic views - it's also an ecological habitat. With more than 600 species of plants and animals, the park contributes to Austin's green spaces.

The formation seen here is called Rock Island

Photo: Jesse James (CC BY 2.0)

Attractions and Facilities

Plant lovers won't want to miss the Zilker Botanical Garden, where 26 acres of themed gardens showcase everything from native Texas plants to exotic specimens. The Japanese garden, complete with tranquil koi ponds, offers a particularly peaceful retreat from urban life.

If you're visiting with curious minds, the Austin Nature and Science Center provides hands-on exhibits about the natural world. Kids especially love digging for fossils in the center's sand pit area. Just adjacent to the park, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden displays impressive works by Charles Umlauf and other talented artists.

For a leisurely tour of the grounds, hop aboard the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that circles the park - a hit with families and anyone who appreciates seeing the park without the footwork.

This area is right next to the parking lot underneath MoPac Expy

Photo: Jesse James (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation and Activities

Zilker's wide-open spaces practically beg for activity. On any given day, you'll come across people playing volleyball, soccer, frisbee, and spikeball across the great lawn.

Disc golf enthusiasts can test their skills on the park's disc golf course, while the spacious open areas make perfect launching grounds for kites, especially during the annual Austin Kite Festival when the sky becomes a canvas of colors.

Want to get on the water? Boat and canoe rentals make it easy to explore Lady Bird Lake at your own pace. And if you're a dog parent, you'll appreciate the off-leash areas where your four-legged friend can run free and make some new canine buddies.

View of downtown Austin from Stratford Dr

Photo: F. D. Richards (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Events and Activities

The Zilker Hillside Theater brings culture to the outdoors with free performances, including summer musicals and the beloved "Shakespeare in the Park" series.

Year-round, Zilker transforms into Austin's premier event space, hosting the massive Austin City Limits Music Festival, laid-back Blues on the Green concerts, and the magical Trail of Lights during the holiday season, when thousands of twinkling lights turn the park into a winter wonderland.

A picturesque pond in the botanical garden

Photo: F. D. Richards (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitor Information

You can enjoy Zilker Park daily from 5AM to 10PM. While entry to the park itself won't cost you a dime, some attractions like Barton Springs Pool do have admission fees.

Note that while restrooms are available throughout the park, they can be limited in number, so planning ahead is wise. If you're driving, try to visit on weekdays when parking is typically more abundant - during special events and busy weekends, finding a spot can be a bit of an adventure in itself.