Uniquely Austin - Six Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

Austin is a world-class city, filled with things to seeKoi-filled reflecting pools. Children will love the
and do whether you're a long-time native or aHartman Prehistoric Garden, which replicates as
first-time visitor. Known for its vibrant musicclosely as possible the Cretaceous habitat and
scene, Austin combines a rich western tradition,even includes a full sized sculpture of an
southern hospitality, and a quirky flair all its own.Ornithomimus, a dinosaur that once lived in the
With its countless museums and historical exhibits,Austin area.
offbeat shops and dining establishments, seeing allAustin Nature and Science Center
that Austin has to offer might take a lifetime.Just down the road from the Zilker Botanical
Here are some Austin attractions that are not toGarden, the Austin Nature and Science Center
be missed.offers more dinosaurs at their Dino Pit, allowing
Texas State Capitol in Austinvisitors to search for dinosaur fossils in a replica
History buffs will love touring the Capitol buildingof an actual paleontological dig site. Other exhibits
and browsing through the historical exhibits,include a collection of native Texas wildlife and a
including a collection of artifacts from the Battle ofNaturalist Workshop that helps visitors explore the
Saratoga in the House Chamber. Much of thenative botanical life of Austin.
original architecture is still on display, giving visitorsLady Bird Lake
a sense of Austin's place in Texas history. NearbyTourists and Austin natives both pause at nightfall,
attractions include the Texas Governor's Mansionwatching the flight of the Mexican Free-tailed bats
and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum,from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Austin is
so visitors can plan a whole day of historicalhome to over 1.5 million of these bats, so the
sightseeing around a free walking tour of thedisplay is impressive. The lake serves kayakers
Capitol and its grounds.and canoeists, and music lovers won't want to
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museummiss a trip to the Stevie Ray Vaughan memorial
Combining modern sculpture with historic Texaslocated on the lakeshore. Open-air concerts and
art, the Umlauf Museum offers art lovers a lookmusic festivals are frequently held here or in
back at Texas history. Every style of Texas artnearby venues the year round.
from classic portraits to depression-era paintings isAustin Steam Trains
on display, and the sculpture garden displays theNo discussion of Austin attractions would be
work of Texas's own Charles Umlauf as well ascomplete without mentioning the Austin Steam
many pieces by Umlauf's students. Lectures andTrain Association and its weekend tours of the
workshops are also available; reservations areTexas Hill Country just outside Austin. Vintage
usually required.passenger rail cars provide a unique view of the
Zilker Botanical Gardencountryside and a glimpse back into history,
A quiet refuge from the bustling city outside, theincluding a tour of the 1912 Bertram Train Depot.
Zilker Botanical Garden offers a traditional roseReservations are recommended.
garden, herb garden, and cactus garden as well asMany other museums, attractions and a
some unusual gardens that make it a uniqueworld-class zoo are also available. Whatever your
Austin attraction. One of the most popularinterests, Austin's eclectic community offers
gardens in the complex is the Isamu Taniguchisomething to suit your specific tastes, all with a
Japanese Garden featuring a Japanese teahouse,uniquely Austin flavor.
a traditional bridge, rock retaining walls, and