Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site |
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Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
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 Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Location in Texas
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Gillespie County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Stonewall |
| Area | 732.75 acres (297 ha) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is a special state park in Texas. It sits along the Pedernales River in Gillespie County, Texas, near Johnson City and Fredericksburg. This park was created to honor Lyndon B. Johnson, who was the 36th U.S. President. It opened to the public in 1970. The park helps visitors learn about President Johnson's life and the history of Texas.
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Park History and Creation
The land for this park was bought by friends of Lyndon B. Johnson. They wanted to create a place to honor him. In 1965, they gave the land to the State of Texas. This land is right across the Pedernales River from Johnson's own ranch. The park officially opened in August 1970. The Johnson family and many important people attended the opening ceremony. When it first opened, the park was about 269 acres (109 ha). Over time, it grew to its current size of about 732.75 acres (297 ha).
Things to Do and See
The park has a large visitor center. Inside, you can find an interpretive center. This center teaches you all about President Johnson's life and his time as president. You can also take tours of the nearby LBJ Ranch. These tours start from the state park's visitor center. You can drive your own car on these tours.
Fun Activities for Visitors
The park offers many fun things to do. You can go swimming or play tennis and baseball. Fishing is also allowed in the Pedernales River. There is a nature trail perfect for hiking.
Amazing Animals at the Park
The park is home to several animal herds. You can see small groups of Texas Longhorn cattle. There are also American Bison and White-tailed Deer. It's a great chance to see these animals up close.
Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead: A Trip Back in Time
The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead is a special part of the park. It's a "living history farm." This means it shows what rural Texas life was like around the year 1918. Park employees dress in old-fashioned clothes. They do daily chores using tools and methods from that time. The farm was first settled by the John Sauer family. Later, Herman Beckmann and his sons lived there. It's like stepping into a time machine!
