Videos

Texas State Parks and Historic Sites

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Palmetto State Park, Texas


About an hour from San Antonio and Austin, Palmetto State Park is an unusual slice of the tropics in central Texas. With its lush forest floor and swampy marshes, the park supports an astounding diversity of plant and animal life, including abundant bird and butterfly species. Take advantage of the park's boat rentals for a unique journey through the marshes. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Pedernales Falls State Park, Texas


Clear green water cascading over limestone falls is what makes this park, 35 miles west of Austin, so unique. Pedernales Falls State Park features scenic hill country terrain perfect for swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. The park's covered bird and wildlife viewing station is another popular feature. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org. #texasstateparks

Franklin Mountains State Park, Texas


Visitors to Franklin Mountains State Park may feel they've left civilization far behind, when in fact they're within the city limits of El Paso. This Chihuahuan desert park offers excellent rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and camping, along with panoramic vistas and stunning sunsets. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Falcon State Park, Texas


Falcon State Park, near the border of Texas and Mexico, sits along the 98,000-acre International Falcon Reservoir. The setting provides excellent fishing, birding and sunsets. The park is a popular spot with winter Texans who have established a friendly community of folks who enjoy the warmth and the wildlife of south Texas. For more information, visit www.TexasStateParks.gov Busca subtítulos en español en la configuración del video.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas


Dinosaur Valley State Park contains some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. Two model dinosaurs help visitors envision what the site was like back when dinosaurs roamed the land. About an hour southwest of Fort Worth in Glen Rose, the park offers a limestone creek for swimming and fishing, as well as hiking and biking trails through the rocky hills. For more information, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley #texasstateparks

Daingerfield State Park, Texas


Daingerfield State Park, southwest of Texarkana, is a park for all seasons. Autumn brings brilliant fall foliage, an unusual sight in much of Texas. In spring, the dogwoods and wildflowers bloom. During summer, the lake is popular with swimmers, anglers and boaters. (Boat rentals available.) Year round, the heavily wooded park is rich with wildlife. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Davis Mountains State Park & Indian Lodge, Texas


Davis Mountains State Park provides panoramic views of west Texas. At a mile above sea level, the park enjoys moderate temperatures with little humidity. The park's recently remodeled Indian Lodge is a pueblo style hotel built in 1937 that still retains its old world charm. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping under the big Texas sky. For more information, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains

Caddo Lake State Park, Texas


You'll feel you're back in prehistoric times among the cypress bayous of Caddo Lake State Park. Located near the Louisiana border on Texas' only natural lake, the park is rich in history and scenic beauty. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park, Texas


Lake Corpus Christi State Park is the perfect spot to cool off during the summer and stay warm in the winter. The park attracts over 300 species of birds along with rabbits, javelina and other wildlife. Popular with winter Texans, Lake Corpus Christi offers a scenic setting for enjoying the outdoors year round. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Cooper Lake State Park, Texas


Cooper Lake, about 1.5 hours northeast of Dallas, is a 19,300 acre lake surrounded by thousands of acres devoted to parks and wildlife management. A haven for fish and wildlife, Cooper Lake State Park offers abundant opportunities for land and water recreation. Enjoy fishing, horseback riding, nature tours or relaxing in one of the park's lakeside cabins. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Abilene State Park, Texas


The big oak and pecan trees at Abilene State Park offer plenty of shade for visitors seeking a peaceful getaway. The park's historic swimming pool, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, has entertained generations of kids. And for a completely different experience, spend the night in one of the park's yurts. These round, tent-like structures are based on nomadic Mongolian dwellings dating back thousands of years -- only the park's yurts come with electricity. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Fun Ways to Cool Off This Summer


Don't let the hot Texas summers keep you trapped indoors. Here are ways you can have fun outside and stay cool at the same time. It'll cost a lot less than running your air conditioner full blast! For more information on outdoor fun, visit http://lifesbetteroutside.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Government Canyon State Natural Area, Texas


Just 16 miles from downtown San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area sits on 8500 acres of pristine wilderness that were once slated for urban development. The area is part of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. See www.LifesBetterOutside for visiting hours.

Opening Resaca de la Palma State Park, Texas


DEC. 2008 - Texas' newest state park has opened its doors to the public. Resaca de la Palma is the eighth link in the World Birding Center chain that stretches across world-class birding territory in the Rio Grande valley. Located near Brownsville, the park offers birding and nature tours, over 8 miles of trails, and tram rides that wind through the park. For more information, visit http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/

Blanco State Park, Texas


Blanco State Park sits along the Blanco river about an hour from San Antonio and Austin. The clear hill country river makes a great spot for swimming, paddling, fishing and even a baptism, as seen in this video. The park offers boat and tube rentals, hiking, camping, picnicking and interpretive nature events. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Buescher State Park, Texas


Buescher State Park is about 40 minutes southeast of Austin in the "lost pines" area of Bastrop county. The family-friendly 30 acre lake is a great spot for fishing and wildlife viewing. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals. Cyclists enjoy the 12 mile scenic bike ride (paved) that winds through the pines to nearby Bastrop State Park. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Eisenhower State Park, Texas


Eisenhower State Park sits along the shores of Lake Texoma, about an hour and a half north of Dallas. The shoreline bluffs make for scenic swimming spots. The full-service marina is convenient for boating, fishing and other water recreation. Hike and bike trails meander through native tall-grass prairie and wooded landscape, culminating in scenic overlooks. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Village Creek State Park, Texas


Village Creek State Park, located by the Big Thicket National Preserve near Beaumont, is home to rich animal and plant life. Visitors can paddle the meandering creek, hike through the woods or enjoy camping or picnicking under the canopy of trees. See www.LifesBetterOutside.org for more information.

Spider Frenzy, Lake Tawakoni State Park, Texas


In October 2007 Lake Tawakoni State Park, near Dallas, was ground zero for a "spider spectacle" that made news around the world. Thousands of spiders spun a massive web that blanketed a 200-foot section of trees.

Lake Whitney State Park, Texas


About 1.5 hours south of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, Lake Whitney State Park is a beautiful setting for enjoying the outdoors. Recreational activities include swimming, fishing, boating, scuba diving, hiking, biking, nature watching and camping. The park also includes a small airstrip used by miniature aviation enthusiasts.

Lake Texana State Park, Texas


Halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi, Lake Texana State Park is a great spot for swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing - including deer and alligators. The park features a Nature Center and offers interpretive programs throughout the year. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Goose Island State Park, Texas


Goose Island State Park sits on the shores of Aransas Bay north of Rockport, Texas. Known for its excellent fishing, the park also features a 1000-year-old oak tree and endangered whooping cranes from nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Texas


Located just an hour north of the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, Ray Roberts Lake State Park sits along the shores of a 30,000 acre reservoir. A relaxing retreat from city life, the park offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding and boat rentals. Visitors can camp out in the woods or enjoy fine dining and accommodations in the Lantana lodge. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Lake Casa Blanca State Park, Texas


Lake Casa Blanca State Park is located near the Texas border town of Laredo. The park's 1650 acre lake is a great spot for fishing, boating and birdwatching. The park is a popular gathering spot for locals seeking a getaway from urban life and for winter Texans (or "snowbirds") who enjoy the area's mild winter climate. The park offers facilities for picnicking, camping, and group gatherings. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Purtis Creek State Park, Texas


Purtis Creek State Park, about an hour southeast of Dallas, is known as "the best little bass lake in Texas." In addition to fishing, the park offers swimming, boat rentals and guided paddling tours (check out the beaver dam in this video). The wooded landscape makes a great spot for picnics and campouts. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org. (The narrator says the park is southwest of Dallas. The park is actually southwest of Dallas. Error by the producer.)