Things to Do

Endless Outdoor Fun in Burnet, Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

About an hour northwest of Austin, you’ll discover a grand secret of the Lone Star State: Burnet, Texas. Burnet’s land mass is almost 1/3 water!  It’s the perfect place for all manner of outdoor fun. This small gem is located in the Texas Highland Lakes Area. What can you do on or near all this water? Well, the possibilities are endless, but let’s start on land with bluebonnets.

A field of bluebonnets

Photo: Pixabay.com

1. The Bluebonnet Festival

For the past 35 years, Burnet has put on an awesome festival every year, held the second weekend in April. Many activities are planned for this year, and as always, live music is at the core of the festival. A few of the fun events include family night, pancakes, a bird watching and wildflower show, and arts and crafts vendors.

ducks

Photo: Pixabay.com

2. Relax in the natural beauty

Not far from the downtown square, you’ll find Hamilton Creek, another outdoor treasure. The kiddos will love feeding the ducks there. Take a meandering stroll while you appreciate the beauty of the landscaping and celebrate nature.Enjoy a picnic under a shade tree. Don’t forget to bring the binoculars for bird watching, and be sure to carry sandwiches for yourself and bread for the ducks.

Kayak

Photo: Pixabay.com

The area lakes provide ample opportunity for fishing and water sports. Lake Buchanan stretches some 30 miles long. You’ll see a variety of boats on the lake, as well as jet skis. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available. There’s nothing more fun than a kayak race!

If you prefer a smaller lake, try Inks Lake. Not far from the Buchanan Dam, it’s known for catfish, crappie, and bass. If Lake Buchanan is too large and Inks Lake is too small, then head to Lake LBJ. It’s about 21 miles long and some 30 minutes from Burnet. There are plenty of campsites and cabins to be had, and hiking trails exist along each lake.

Hiking

Photo: tpwd.texas.gov

For the short or long of it, you’ll find plenty of trails around Burnet. Along the enormous bodies of water, you’ll experience some stunning vistas. At Inks State Park, you can choose from nine hiking trails.  Pecan Flats has miles of terrain suitable for the whole family. The Geology Tour is a fun learning experience. Trail maps are on hand. On most hikes, interconnecting loops allow you to choose distance and difficulty of terrain.

Longhorn Cavern

Photo: tpwd.texas.gov

Do you like to explore caves? Longhorn Cavern State Park, about 20 minutes from Burnet, is waiting for you. Guided tours are at the ready and so is a nifty gift shop. No matter the season, the cave remains 68 degrees. The walking tour is 1.5 miles, and you’ll see the Hall of Marble and an underground ballroom! Need more excitement? Crawl your way through the Wild Cave Tour. If crawling and squeezing around in the cave isn’t for you, try taking pictures. You’ll love the three-hour photography tour.

Yes, indeed. Burnet is the place to be for an outdoor day trip or a week’s vacation.