Welcome to the heart of the Lone Star State—the Hill Country
region. Here, you’re not only in the middle of Texas, but you’re also at the
center of everything Texas has to offer. You’ll find beauty all around you. The
Hill Country is home to rolling hills that dominate the region, a breathtaking
display of wildflowers found along roadsides in springtime, year-round lush
green landscapes and plenty of splendid lakes and rivers beckoning you to take
a dip or cast your line.
This region begins in west Texas in Crockett County, and stretches east to Austin,
the state’s capital in Travis County. Mills County is the region’s northern
point, and Kinney, Medina and Uvalde
counties make up the southern border.
Austin,
the jewel of the region, is host to many outstanding attractions and points of
interest. History buffs can sate their desire for knowledge at places like the
granite dome of the State
Capitol building, which is taller than our nation’s capitol, the Lyndon
B. Johnson Library and Museum or the Bob
Bullock Texas State History Museum. While you’re here, don’t miss the University
of Texas at Austin campus (one of the largest in the country) and Zilker
Park with its famous spring-fed Barton Springs pool. Do a little browsing
at the eclectic shops found along South
Congress Avenue.
There is, of course, no shortage of shopping opportunities
everywhere you turn. Starting in San
Marcos, you’ll find Prime Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center, which is the
largest factory outlet complex in the state. Just north of San Marcos in the
town of Buda,
you’ll find Cabela’s,
the eye-popping outdoor recreation mega-store that’s so large there’s a
two-story mountain and gigantic fresh-water aquarium inside its two-story
layout. There are also great antique stores found in cities like Burnet,
Wimberley,
Dripping
Springs and more.
If water sports are more to your liking, you’ll find plenty
of opportunities here. There are almost two dozen magnificent state parks here,
most of which are located along lakes or rivers. So, if you like to fish, swim,
waterski, pitch a tent and camp near a lake or river bank, you’re definitely in
the right region.
But there’s so much more, beginning with the exciting Schlitterbahn
water park in New
Braunfels. Located alongside the spring-fed Comal River, Schlitterbahn
features all kinds of water rides and activities for the whole family. It has
been recognized as the top water park in the country for seven consecutive
years. There’s also the Lyndon
B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall,
which features the reconstructed childhood home and final resting place of the
President. Down the road in Fredericksburg,
you’ll find the National
Museum of the Pacific War, which tells the story of Admiral Chester Nimitz
and features displays and exhibits detailing the American and Japanese battles
in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.
The region is also filled with heritage and historical
museums, amazing underground caverns, historic structures providing a glimpse
into the lives of early Texas settlers, wineries offering tours of their
vineyards and wine-making facilities, wildflower and nature attractions, dude
ranches that allow guests to relax or have a true cowboy experience, and plenty
of venues to enjoy some quintessential Hill Country cuisine and music.
Be sure to read thoroughly through each city’s listing
within the Hill Country region to learn about the wide array of destinations
that await you. Enjoy the heart of Texas and have a great time in the Hill
Country!