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Lady Bird Lake, formerly known as Town Lake, is a scenic reservoir located in the heart of Austin, Texas. It was renamed to honor former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson for her efforts in beautifying the city. The lake runs about six miles through downtown Austin and spans approximately 416 to 468 acres. It lies in Travis County and is part of the Colorado River system, bordered by Riverside Drive and First Street.

As a centerpiece of Austin—a city with nearly 990,000 residents and over 2.3 million in the metro area—Lady Bird Lake is a hub for outdoor activity and relaxation. One of its biggest draws is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop that wraps around the lake and offers stunning skyline views. The trail is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists and features water fountains, shaded areas, and even a scenic boardwalk section over the water.

The lake prohibits motorized boats, which helps maintain a peaceful environment perfect for paddling sports. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and even rowing. There are several rental spots and rowing clubs along the lake, including The Rowing Dock, EpicSUP, and the Texas Rowing Center, all providing easy access to the water through designated launch points.

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Lady Bird Lake is also a cultural hotspot. The Congress Avenue Bridge, which spans the lake, is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From spring through early fall, crowds gather each evening to watch more than 1.5 million bats take flight. On the lake’s west end, Zilker Park hosts events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival, while Auditorium Shores on the east side offers live performances and open green spaces, rounding out the lake’s appeal as both a natural and cultural destination.

Planning on bringing your boat to the Highland Lakes?

Clean, Drain and Dry your boat to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.

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