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 along roadsides in springtime and year-round lush green
landscapes. Plenty of splendid lakes and rivers also beckon you to take a dip or
cast your line.
This region begins in West Texas in Crockett County, and it 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
such as the granite dome of the State Capitol building
(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 no shortage of shopping. From outlet malls in San Marcos to antique shops in cities
such as Burnet, Wimberley and Dripping Springs, the options
are endless.
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
along lakes or rivers. So, if you like to fish, swim, waterski, pitch a tent and
camp near a lake or river, you’re definitely in the right region.
But, there’s much more, beginning with the exciting Schlitterbahn water park in
New Braunfels. Alongside the
spring-fed Comal River, Schlitterbahn features
water rides galore and activities for the whole family. It is frequently named
the top water park in the world. There also is 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 also is 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 thoroughly read 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!