Lady Bird Lake

Overview

Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the heart of downtown Austin, named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. The 416-acre lake is the city's premier outdoor recreation corridor.

Highlights

• Hike-and-Bike Trail: The Ann and Roy Butler Trail encircles the lake with over 16 km of paved paths.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Numerous rental shops line the shore for water activities.
• Boardwalk: The 1.3 km trail boardwalk offers stunning skyline views from the water's edge.

History

Created by the Longhorn Dam in 1960, the reservoir was originally called Town Lake. It was renamed in 2007 to honor Lady Bird Johnson's environmental legacy and her role in beautifying Austin's waterways.

Visitor Tips

• Sunset runs along the south shore offer iconic Austin skyline views.
• No motorized boats are allowed, keeping the lake peaceful.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.