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Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th President beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives the visitor a unique perspective into one of America's most noteworthy citizens by providing the most complete picture of an American president.



 The Basics


Hours:

The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The Visitor Center is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Various guided tours of the LBJ Boyhood Home in Johnson City are offered seven days a week.

Self-guided tours of the Johnson Settlement, also in Johnson City, are available from 9:00 a.m. until sunset seven days a week. Costumed or ranger-guided interpretive tours of the Johnson Settlement are offered as staffing permits.

Bus tours of the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall are conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week. After hours self-guided tours of a portion of the Ranch are available seven days a week from 5:00 p.m. until dusk.

Address: PO Box 329
Johnson City, TX 78636
Phone: 830-868-7128
Phone: 830-868-7128


 Map

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park , Texas Map


Click here for a full-sized map of Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

 Directions

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The park has two visitor areas separated by about 14 miles: the Johnson Settlement/Visitor Center/Boyhood Home/Park Headquarters in Johnson City and the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall. The Park Visitor Center in Johnson City is 50 miles west of Austin and 60 miles north of San Antonio. The State of Texas manages the Park Visitor Center near Stonewall where the visitor can board the bus to the LBJ Ranch, which is managed by the National Park Service.


To Park Headquarters and the Visitor Center in Johnson City
From Austin, take Highway 290 westbound. At the signal light in Johnson City, turn left (still on 290), towards Fredericksburg. Go three blocks and turn left on Avenue F. Go two blocks and turn right onto Ladybird Lane. The parking lot and visitor center are on the left.

From San Antonio, take Highway 281 northbound until it joins Highway 290 at the signal light in Johnson City. Turn left towards Fredericksburg. Go three blocks and turn left on Avenue F. Go two blocks and turn right onto Ladybird Lane. The parking lot and visitor center are on the left.

From Fredericksburg, take Highway 290 eastbound to Johnson City. After passing the traffic light at Nugent Street in Johnson City, go two blocks and turn right onto Avenue F. Go two blocks and turn right onto Ladybird Lane. The parking lot and visitor center are on the left. Note: You will pass the LBJ Ranch District on your way to Johnson City -- see next direction.

To the LBJ Ranch
From Park Headquarters, take Highway 290 fourteen miles westbound to the LBJ State Historical Park.

From Fredericksburg, take Highway 290 sixteen miles westbound to the LBJ State Historical Park.


 Climate
 

Overall, the park enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year. The rainy month is usually April. Winter temperatures are usually in the 50s; snow and ice are rare. Summer temperatures can exceed 100° in July and August, with high humidity.

Link to our Austin Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Hill Country Weather coverage for more information.

 Fees
 

No Fees
Bus Tour: $3.00 - $6.00


 Reservations
 

Reservations accepted for large groups.


 Things To Do
 

Whether you have 30 minutes or a full day, there are many opportunities in the park to learn about President Johnson. Here are a few ideas on how to spend your time. Keep in mind that 14 miles separate the two visitor areas of the park: Johnson City and the LBJ Ranch/LBJ State Park and Historic Site. Allow 20 minutes to travel from one area to the other.

30 Minutes

  • Take a ranger-guided tour of President Johnson's Boyhood Home.
  • Watch a movie. The National Park Visitor has two 30-minute videos to choose from: Ladybird Johnson and LBJ the President. There is a third movie shown at the LBJ State Park visitor center titled The Hill Country, LBJ's Texas.
  • View exhibits. The National Park Visitor Center has a timeline exhibit of the President's life and a description of the Great Society legislation including audio stations where you can hear history from the people who experienced it. There is a second exhibit area at the LBJ State Park visitor center.
  • Read more about the President, Texas History, or Hill Country plants and animals. Western National Parks Association operates a bookstore in both the National Park and LBJ State Park Visitor Centers. Something of interest might catch your eye as you browse through.

1 Hour

  • Take a walk. Take the trail to the Johnson Settlement. The circular trail is slightly less than a mile round-trip. Along the way you will find an exhibit center which will introduce you to the days of the cattle drives and the log home of President Johnson's grandparents.

2 Hours

  • Take a ranger-guided bus tour of the LBJ Ranch. These 1½ hour tours depart from the visitor center managed by the LBJ State Park and Historic Site.

More than 2 hours

Visitors with more time to spend will get the most complete picture of President Johnson's heritage, life, and legacy. Start your trip in either park area and combine 2 or more of the activities listed above to find out why President Johnson felt such a close connection to the Texas Hill Country.


 Nearby Attractions
 

The closest Texas State Parks are Pedernales Falls State Park and LBJ State Park and Historic Site. Both provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, and picnicking. LBJ State Park has nature trails and a German farm (c.1915) where costumed interpretation is performed. The town of Fredericksburg has numerous visitor services and attractions, one of which is the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Link to our Austin Attractions coverage for more information.

Link to our Hill Country Attractions coverage for more information.

 Places To Go
 

In this presidential park, it is possible to trace the ancestry and heritage of our 36th President as well as his birth, childhood, political career, retirement, and death.

Time spent at the visitor center and each of the historic areas will offer you a different perspective of President Lyndon Johnson's life.



Copyright 1998 - 2008