Zilker Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zilker Park |
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| Zilker Metropolitan Park | |
Austin skyline from Zilker Park
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| Area | 350 acres |
| Operated by | Austin Parks and Recreation Department |
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Zilker Park Historic District
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Built | 1917 |
| Architect | Charles H. Page, Fred A. Dale |
| Architectural style | Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000479 |
| Added to NRHP | May 23, 1997 |
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a huge park in south Austin, Texas. It sits where Barton Creek meets the Colorado River. This park covers more than 350 acres of land that belongs to the public.
The park is named after Andrew Jackson Zilker. He was a kind person who gave the land to the city in 1917. The park was built during the 1930s, a time called the Great Depression. Today, Zilker Park is a busy place for many fun activities. It's also near the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake.
Because it's so big, Zilker Park can host huge events. These include the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. In 1997, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
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Discovering Zilker Park's Past
The land around Barton Springs was first claimed in the 1830s. A man named William Barton used it for his cattle ranch. Later, in the 1860s, the Rabb family took over. They ran mills on Barton Creek.
In the early 1900s, Andrew Jackson Zilker bought 350 acres of this land. It included the Springs, located between the Colorado River and Barton Creek. He used the spring water for his ice-making business. Mr. Zilker sold his land to the City of Austin in parts, from 1917 to 1931. He gave all the money from these sales to a special fund. This fund was used to help pay for Austin's public schools.
In the 1930s, the city turned the ranch into a public park. They built many park features and buildings. The Civil Works Administration helped with this work. Barton Springs Pool got a concrete dam and a bigger swimming area. In 1934, the park was officially named Zilker Metropolitan Park. This honored Andrew Jackson Zilker, who made it all possible.
Fun Things to Do at Zilker Park
Zilker Park has lots of open grassy areas, sports fields, and picnic spots. It also has many special attractions for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Gardens and Nature
The Zilker Botanical Garden is a beautiful place within the park. It has several different gardens to explore. Every spring, the garden hosts the Zilker Gardens Festival. The Austin Nature & Science Center is another great spot. Here you can see exhibits about nature and walk on trails. They also have fun learning programs for kids.
Art and Performances
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is next to the park. It shows amazing sculptures by artist Charles Umlauf and others. The Zilker Hillside Theater puts on regular shows. Local theater groups perform free "Shakespeare in the Park" every May. They also have a summer musical each year.
Water Fun and Winter Lights
Barton Springs Pool is right next to the park. It's a popular place for public swimming. You can also enjoy other water activities in Barton Creek. Near Barton Springs Pool, the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center teaches about the Edwards Aquifer. This is the underground water source that feeds Barton Springs.
Every winter, the park lights up for the holidays. The 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree glows brightly. There's also a wonderful Trail of Lights display.
Ride the Zilker Zephyr
The Zilker Zephyr is a small miniature train. It takes passengers on a fun tour all around the park.
Big Events and Festivals
Zilker Park's large size makes it perfect for hosting big events. The most famous is the Austin City Limits Music Festival. This festival fills the park for two weekends each fall. Many famous musicians perform live concerts there.
Trails for Adventure
Zilker Park is a great starting point for exploring trails.
- Roy and Ann Butler Trail: This trail goes all the way around Lady Bird Lake.
- Violet Crown Trail: This trail starts at Barton Springs Pool and goes south. It leads to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Images for kids
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East entrance
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Pool entrance
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Zilker Zephyr
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Doug Blachly Butterfly Trail and Garden
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Austin Nature Center
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Winter canoeing on Barton Creek
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Disc golf course
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Old Mill Spring
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Clubhouse
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Ashford McGill House
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Barton Creek bridge
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Moontower
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Austin City Limits festival
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Trail of Lights
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