Explore Austin Parks and Interact with History

For breathtaking views of downtown, Lake Austin, and the western hills of Austin, climb the limestone steps to Covert Park at Mt. Bonnell. This 784-foot-high promontory along the lake is among the most significant natural and historical landmarks in Austin serving as a popular attraction since the mid-1800s.

Lush with native plants and historic landscaping, Mayfield Park & Preserve is a must-see for nature-lovers. The Mayfield-Gutsch Estate reflects styles prevalent during the early 20th century incorporating native stonework features. The peaceful site features a family of peacocks and several family friendly trails for a relaxing stroll.

The Elisabet Ney Museum is the former home and studio of Elisabet Ney, a wildly radical German sculptor who moved to Austin in 1882. The home she named Formosa is a museum today that enthusiastically celebrates Ney’s art, history, and legacy through exhibitions and events for the whole family.

The Hezikiah Haskell House is one of the oldest homes located in Clarksville, a historic Freedom Colony of formerly enslaved people established in 1871 by Charles Clark. The historic site features the stories of the community who could live freely after hundreds of years of bondage.

Established in 1926, Evergreen Cemetery was Austin’s first public cemetery exclusively for African Americans. Today, the cemetery has more than 12,000 burials, including many prominent Black civic leaders, and receives more than 100 new burials annually. Evergreen Cemetery remains an important cultural landmark in Austin’s history.

As one of the oldest swimming pools in Texas, Deep Eddy Pool was established in 1915. The name derives from an eddy formed by a large boulder in a popular swimming area. Cold springs rise from the riverbanks, and the water from these springs continues to fill the pool today.

Oakwood Cemetery was established in 1839 as Austin’s first municipal cemetery. The tranquil space in the heart of the bustling city reflects Austin’s diverse history, with burials representing African Americans, Mexican Americans, Jewish congregations, and many pioneers who built and shaped Austin.

Downs Field, located in East Austin, has been synonymous with sports in Austin for 100 years. The site hosted Negro League baseball teams like the Austin Black Senators and greats like Willie Wells and Satchel Paige. Today, the Huston-Tillotson Rams are creating their own legacy on these revered grounds.

The Old Bakery Building has been an Austin icon on Congress Avenue since 1876, when Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg opened one of the city’s largest and most successful bakeries there. Today you can stop in and catch an art exhibit or get a hand-crafted souvenir from your trip to Austin.

Wooldridge Square, with sloping hills and a historic bandstand, is one of Austin’s original squares. Important figures, including President Lyndon Johnson, Booker T. Washington, Minnie and Fisher Cunningham, led political gatherings and women’s rights rallies at the square. Today, the park is a favorite spot for picnics and poetry readings.

The Zilker Botanical Garden, originally conceived as a collection of independent gardens managed by regional garden clubs, offers a peaceful respite in the middle of Austin. From the Hartman Prehistoric Garden to the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, visitors see a myriad of garden spaces, ponds, streams, and waterfalls.

Republic Square, one of Austin’s original four town squares, remains a bustling urban green space grounded in rich history that traces back to the birth of Austin. The freshly renovated square has daily programming, modern amenities, and a full-service café. Check the events calendar and find out what’s happening in the Square today.

In the original 1839 layout of Austin, four blocks were designated as public squares. Brush Square is nestled in the heart of downtown next to the Austin Convention Center and is home to the Susanna Dickinson and O. Henry Museums, as well as the historic Austin Central Fire Station #1.

Rosewood Park was established in 1929 as a segregated park for African Americans. Sports leagues, concerts, and pageants were popular at the park, and the park has hosted Austin’s annual Juneteenth celebration since 1930. The park features a complex of historic buildings, including a log cabin, auditorium, and recreation center.

Parque Zaragoza was named for Mexican war hero General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. The park was established in 1931 during a time of segregated public facilities and was originally called “Mexican Park.” Austin’s Latinx community continues to celebrate major holidays in the park including Cinco de Mayo and Cesar Chavez Day.