Lockhart State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lockhart State Park
The Lockhart State Park Combination Building. The building was designed by Olin Smith and constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps Company 3803 circa 1936.
Lockhart State Park Location in Texas
Location	Caldwell County, Texas
Nearest city	Lockhart
Area	263.7 acres (107 ha)
Established	1948
Governing body	Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Lockhart State Park is a cool state park located on the edge of Lockhart, Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages this park. It was built by a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1935 and 1938. The park first opened its doors to visitors in 1948.

Park History: How Lockhart State Park Was Built

Lockhart State Park covers about 264 acres of land. The State of Texas bought this land in 1934. Soon after, in 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) started working on the park.

The Civilian Conservation Corps' Work

The CCC was a program during the Great Depression. It helped young men find jobs. Company 3803 of the CCC built many important things in Lockhart State Park. They constructed buildings like the park residence and the combination building. They also built Park Road 10, which is a main road in the park.

The CCC also created many other useful features. They built a stone arch bridge, a swimming pool, and a large concrete water tank. They also made dams, steps for trails, and small bridges. For visitors, they added picnic tables and outdoor fireplaces. They even built a nine-hole golf course!

Opening the Park

Before it became a public state park, the land was used by a local country club. This lasted until 1948. After that, Lockhart State Park officially opened for everyone to enjoy.

What Can You Do at Lockhart State Park?

Lockhart State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. Clear Fork Creek flows right through the park. This creek is a great spot for fishing.

Fun Activities to Try

The dams built by the CCC on Clear Fork Creek create good fishing areas. You can try to catch different kinds of fish there. The park also has special hiking trails. These trails are perfect for exploring nature.

Other popular things to do include picnicking with your family or friends. You can also go camping and spend a night under the stars. And, of course, you can play a round of golf on the historic course.

Plants You Can See

The park is home to many different types of trees and plants. You will often see large southern live oak trees. Black walnut trees are also very common here.

Animals Living Here

Lockhart State Park is full of wildlife! You might spot White-tailed deer roaming around. Other animals include coyotes, bobcats, and foxes. You could also see raccoons, opossums, and armadillos. Look out for nutria, rabbits, and fox squirrels too.

Many different kinds of birds live in the park, including Wild turkey. In Clear Fork Creek, you can find bass, catfish, and sunfish. When you are hiking, it's good to be aware of snakes like rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Always stay on marked trails and give wildlife space.

Gallery

• 

  The water tower was designed by architect George T. Patrick and built by the CCC.

• 

  The CCC built several dams in the park.

• 

  The CCC built many culverts and bridges while constructing Park Road 10.

• 

  The outline of the CCC built swimming pool that was filled in.