List of Park Roads in Texas facts for kids
   
Park Road markers
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Quick facts for kids System information |
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| Formed: | June 22, 1937 |
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| Interstates: | Interstate X (I-X) Interstate Highway X (IH-X) |
| US Routes: | U.S. Highway X (US X) |
| Loops: | Loop X |
| Spurs: | Spur X |
| Recreational: | Recreational Road X (RE X) |
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| Highways in Texas Interstate • U.S. • TX (Loops – Spurs – Rec – FM) |
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Park Roads are special roads in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) takes care of them. These roads help people get to and around Texas state parks.
The idea for Park Roads started in 1937. The state parks board asked for help to maintain eight roads inside parks. Since then, more Park Roads have been added. This happened as more parks opened under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. You can spot Park Roads by their special signs. These signs look different from other highway signs.
History of Park Roads
In 1936, the state's highway group looked into taking care of some park roads. The parks board had asked them to do this. On June 22, 1937, they agreed! Eight parks got the first official Park Roads.
These first Park Roads were in:
- Bastrop State Park
- Caddo Lake State Park
- Davis Mountains State Park
- Longhorn Caverns State Park
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Big Bend State Park (now a national park)
- Meridian State Park
- Big Spring State Park
Over the years, some Park Roads have changed. For example, Park Road 6 was first in Big Bend. Later, it was moved to Goliad State Park and Historic Site. Park Road 1836 was once Park Road 9. Its new number, 1836, celebrates the year Texas won its freedom from Mexico.
What are Park Roads like?
Park Roads are usually shorter roads. They connect main highways to state parks. Some Park Roads also go through the parks themselves. They help visitors reach different areas like campsites, lakes, or historic sites. Many of these roads are very scenic. They offer beautiful views as you drive through nature.
List of Park Roads
Texas has many Park Roads. Each one helps people enjoy the state's natural beauty and history. Here are some examples of these special roads:
- Park Road 1A is almost 4 miles long. It loops around near Bastrop State Park.
- Park Road 3 is in Davis Mountains State Park. It leads to Indian Lodge, a historic hotel.
- Park Road 4 is a longer road, about 15.5 miles. It connects SH 29 to US 281. This road is near Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Caverns State Park. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Park Road 5 goes through Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This park is famous for its colorful canyon.
- Park Road 22 is a long one, over 15 miles. It connects Padre Island National Seashore to SH 358.
- Park Road 33 is almost 17.3 miles long. It leads to Possum Kingdom State Park.
- Park Road 100 is about 13 miles long. It connects SH 100 to Padre Island National Seashore.
- Park Road 1836 is 7.2 miles long. It goes to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. This site is where Texas won its independence.
Many other Park Roads exist across Texas. They all serve the important purpose of helping people explore and enjoy the state's wonderful parks.
See also
- List of Texas state parks
- Texas Department of Transportation
