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Texas State Parks and Historic Sites

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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

Balmorhea State Park, Texas


The crystal clear springs of Balmorhea State Park are an oasis in the west Texas desert. Located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, Balmorhea offers visitors the unique opportunity to swim and snorkle in a natural spring-fed pool. The 1930s-era Spanish-style motel and bathhouse lend the park an old fashioned charm. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org #texasstateparks

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas


[cc] Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just south of Amarillo, is the "Grand Canyon of Texas." Enjoy 20,000 acres of beautiful wide-open country perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature viewing. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org. #texasstateparks

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

Garner State Park, Texas


Built by the CCC in the 1930s, Garner has long been one of the most popular parks in Texas, and with good reason. From the spring-fed Frio River to the vast hiking trails to the summer dances, the park has a lot to offer. That's why generations of Texans have been making this Hill Country gem the place to be year round. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/garner/ #texasstateparks #betteroutside #outdoors

McKinney Falls State Park, Texas


McKinney Falls State Park is a peaceful getaway within Austin city limits. The park is famous for its limestone falls carved over thousands of years. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, camping and the convenience of having a park located near a city with so much to offer. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Colorado Bend State Park, Texas


About 2 hrs. north of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is known for the spectacular Gorman Falls and the white bass run each spring. It's also a great place for hiking, biking, swimming, paddling and camping. More info. at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/colorado_bend/

Guadalupe River State Park, Texas


Guadalupe River State Park, just 30 minutes north of San Antonio, has scenic Hill Country views of rugged limestone cliffs and clear flowing waters. As you enjoy tubing down the river or exploring the park's nature trails, the stress of city life will fade away. For more information, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river

Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas


Located in the Texas hill country, Lost Maples State Natural Area is famous for its brilliant fall foliage. Rare species of birds can be seen year-round. The rugged limestone canyons and clear streams offer a scenic area for hiking, swimming, picnicking, camping and enjoying nature. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Mustang Island State Park, Texas


At Mustang Island State Park in Port Aransas, you can camp right on the beach. Fishing, birding, and ocean fun are just a few steps from your tent. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mustang_island/

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.

Possum Kingdom State Park, Texas


About an hour west of Dallas/Fort Worth, Possum Kingdom State Park sits along the rocky shores of a crystal blue 20,000 acre lake. A fishing pier and on-site marina and store make it convenient for boaters and anglers. Swimmers enjoy the cool, clear waters. The park offers plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, too. 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

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas


Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest state park in Texas, encompasses over 300,000 acres of remote desert wilderness. Visitors have plenty of space for hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and paddling the Rio Grande. More at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, Texas


Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is located southeast of Amarillo, where the high plains end in the dramatic red bluffs and canyons of the Caprock escarpment. The park is home to the official Texas bison herd, direct descendants of the last free range southern plains bison. The 64-mile converted railway offers an excellent trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.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.

Dinosaur Valley Tracks: 112 Million Years in the Making


Dinosaur Valley State Park has some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. Follow a group of scientists as they investigate the hidden lives of Texas dinosaurs, using cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned scientific method by studying the park's prehistoric tracks. To see the tracks, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/dinosaur-valley

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.

Tyler State Park, Texas


Some say it resembles Germany's black forest, but Tyler State Park is nestled in the east Texas piney woods. The wooded park offers excellent hiking and biking trails and is a favorite of the East Texas Trekkers walking club. The lake is good for fishing, swimming or paddling on one of the park's boat rentals. For more information, visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org.

Devils River State Natural Area, Texas


North of Del Rio and miles from anywhere, Devils River State Natural Area sits along some of the cleanest water in Texas. The site offers hiking and mountain biking, primitive camping, canyon tours and a put-in point for paddlers (reservations required). NOTE: Camping and facility stays are by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance. See http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/devils_river/ #texasstateparks #betteroutside #outdoors

Buffalo Soldiers: The Unknown Army


[cc] The Buffalo Soldiers helped settle the west but for many years the contributions of these African-American soldiers were largely overlooked. Meet one man who is determined to teach this often forgotten chapter of history to today's eager students. For more info. on Texas Buffalo Soldiers, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/community_outreach_programs/buffalo_soldiers/calendar.phtml

Galveston Island State Park, Texas


Galveston Island State Park, near Houston, spans from the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico to Galveston Bay. The natural coastal setting is a great spot for swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Visit www.LifesBetterOutside.org for more information.

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.

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area, Texas


Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area Head out to the eastern edge of the Hill Country and visit one of the state's deepest caverns. Measuring over 350 feet deep Devil's Sinkhole is also home to one of the states largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats. It's a must see spectacle that will drive you batty! For more information visit our web site: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/devils_sinkhole/

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.