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Experience Nature in Fredericksburg at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and Cross Mountain Park
Fredericksburg is a nature lover’s dream, offering easy access to stunning parks where you can explore scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and relax in peaceful surroundings. Two of the area’s top outdoor destinations—Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and Cross Mountain Park—invite visitors to unplug and reconnect with the Texas Hill Country, all just minutes from town.
Spanning over 330 acres, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is Fredericksburg’s largest and most popular park. Set alongside Live Oak Creek and framed by rolling hills, it’s the perfect spot for everything from quiet nature walks to lively family picnics.
The park features miles of shaded walking trails ideal for jogging or birdwatching, plus large picnic areas with BBQ grills and five spacious pavilions available to rent for family gatherings or community events. Kids will love the playgrounds, and sports enthusiasts have plenty to choose from—baseball and softball fields, sand volleyball, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts.
During summer months, cool off in the park’s swimming pool or try your hand at fishing in the creek. With two indoor event facilities, the Tatsch House and Pioneer Pavilion, the park is versatile for any occasion. Best of all, most everything is free, however the swimming pool asks for a small entry fee.
Located within Lady Bird Johnson Park, the Fredericksburg Nature Center is a hidden gem. Covering 10 acres, it boasts 11 distinct habitats—including wetlands, native prairies, old-growth live oak woods, and springs. Visitors can explore over 6,600 feet of well-maintained hiking trails, including a wheelchair-accessible loop. With plenty of benches and informative signs, the Nature Center is a haven for plant lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone curious about the region’s rich biodiversity. The abundance of native plants, insects, amphibians, and birds makes this a unique spot to connect with the natural world.
Cross Mountain Park is where history meets scenic views.
Just north of town, Cross Mountain Park offers a quick but rewarding hike to a historic summit standing at 1,951 feet elevation. The hill earned its name from a timber cross found by early settlers in 1847, and today a lighted cross remains a prominent feature.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and a butterfly garden while taking in sweeping views of Fredericksburg and the surrounding Hill Country. The park is open from dawn to dusk with free entry.
After a day spent wandering trails, spotting birds, or soaking up those Cross Mountain views, Walnut Canyon Cabins is the perfect place to kick off your boots and relax. These hilltop cabins not far from town feature comfortable furnishings, spacious decks, and peaceful surroundings where wildlife, including friendly deer, often visit. Feed the deer from your porch, sip a cold drink, and watch the sun set behind the hills. It’s the perfect way to unwind and prepare for another day of adventure in the Hill Country.
