A Little Country in Downtown Austin

Whether you are a newcomer to Austin or a longwith shaded, wide paths, washroom facilities,
time resident, you owe it to yourself to spendbenches and plenty of water fountains. There are
some time at the Town Lake Metropolitan Park.three pedestrian bridges that can be used to
This hidden gem is located just outside ofcross the lake on foot as well.
downtown Austin, where it hugs the banks of theEntertainment & Events
Colorado River from Tom Miller Dam on the westThe south side of Town Lake is known as
to Colorado River Park on the east. It provides aAuditorium Shores, home to many concerts and
wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of thelarge events. Many of the trails around the lake
city life; sort of an oasis in a busy world that'slead to lively restaurants with great food, outdoor
only minutes away from the downtown core.patios and music. Also on this side are the
No matter what your recreational interests are,UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens, named after famed
Town Lake has something for everyone.artist Charles Umlauf; the Botanical Gardens and
Organized Sports & Recreationthe Zilker Hillside Theater. The oldest professional
Town Lake Park has 17 ball fields for baseball,theatre in Central Texas, the Zachary Scott
football, soccer, rugby and volleyball. If you likeTheatre, provides a wide range of productions
water sports, the Rowing Dock provides rentalsfrom Dream girls to Stephen King's, Misery.
for various types of water crafts as well asEast of 1H 35 you'll find areas such as Fiesta
promoting the rowing club. The north side of theGardens and Festival Beach, perfect spots for
park features the Austin tennis courts. Also onlarge events.
this side of the park is the Deep Eddy Pool atOther Features
Eilers Park.The area around Deep Eddy Pool includes rental
Within Zilker Park, the favorite swimming hole iscottages, concession stands and a ferris wheel.
Barton Creek Swimming Pool; a spring fed poolTown Lake is also a great place for wildlife
over 1,000 feet long.viewing. There are resident swans, ducks and
Trailsturtles. Make certain the kids go for a ride on the
This park contains 10.1 miles of hiking and bikingminiature train.
trails that either wind around the lake, or branchWhether you're biking, jogging, rowing, or just
off to other Austin trails. One of the favorites issitting back and soaking up the scenery, Town
the 8.5 mile Tow Lake Hike & Bike Trail, completeLake Park is a must see.