Great Things for Nature Lovers to Do in Austin

Are you a nature lover?  If so, you will be thrilled by the numerous opportunities to explore nature that are available in the Austin area.  Whether you want to take a hike, go biking, of simply sit on a bench and get close to nature, you will certainly find great opportunities to commune with nature in the Austin area.  Here is a look at just a few of the great things for nature lovers to do in Austin.

• Watch the urban Mexican Freetail bat colony fly from beneath the Congress Avenue bridge at sunset – it is the largest colony of these bats in all of North America!
• Spend time at Zilker Park – which offers 351 acres of recreational opportunities.  Visit the Nature Center to learn more about Austin’s wildlife or take a walk through the Umlauf Sculpture Garden or the Zilker Botanical Gardens

• Visit the Austin Area Botanical Garden Center and see hundreds of beautiful native flowers and then follow the butterfly and visit the quaint one-room schoolhouse
• Visit with the peacocks at Mayfield Park and otherwise commune with nature at this 22 acre park.  Although the park is relatively small in size, it features a beautiful pond with koi pools and gardens.  It also features several trails that are great for exploring.
• Take a hike at the Hamilton Pool Preserve, which features a natural pool that was crated when an underground river collapsed in response to erosion.  Go hiking, go swimming, or study nature at this beautiful preserve, which is home to many fish and turtles.
• Go fishing at Highland Lakes
• Go horseback riding one of the many horses available through local riding stables
• Explore wild plants, birds and more at the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve.  The Preserve can be explored by foot, bike, or both!
• Enjoy beautiful views of the Austin area from the Pennybacker Bridge, which is located on Loop 360 and spans over Lake Austin.
• Explore the Wildflower Research Center, which was erected by Lady Bird Johnson and was her lifelong dream to give as a gift to America
• Visit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and take in the beautiful natural sites that abound on the 227 acre plot of land
• Enjoy bird watching in the Austin/Hill Country area, which is the migration path for numerous species of birds.  Many brides, including endangered species, can also be found nesting in the area.
• Visit the Westcave Preserve and explore ecology, geology and more.