lady bird lake austin texas

Lady Bird Lake

Ladybird lake, once known as Town lake adapted its name after Ladybird Johnson beautified the area and trail with colorful plants, artsy gazebos, and also a wonderful 10 mile hike bike and trail. Although there's tons of kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming near the springs, and even fishing, you won't see any river tubing in the downtown ladybird lake area. The closest river tubing spot is in San Marcos Texas. 

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lady bird lake is actually a river

Ladybird lake is actually the Colorado river that has been damned up in several places to create 'lakes' along the river. This isn't the same river that you'll find in Colorado and Utah, but for some reason named the same. Once controlled by the comanches and than discovered and named by the Spaniards, this rich river has been important to many generations. The Colorado river is the 11th longest river in Texas and is about 862 miles long. It starts in north Texas and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. Today this amazing resource is used for farming irrigation, hydro electricity and recreation for many cities in Texas.

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Lady bird lake hike and bike trail

Also known as the Ann and Roy Hike and Bike Trail is the health of the city. Here you'll find many locals and travelers going for a walk, run, and bike rides. This trail is an important part of Austin's health culture and really, probably has a lot to do with our relaxed minded city vibe. We are connected to nature though this trail and we love it. If you finish the loop, you'll have completed the 10 mile trail. On the loop you'll see Zilker Park, Auditorium shores and Stevie Ray Vaughn, the boardwalk, and secret island.  If you're wanting some outdoor activity in Austin Texas, this is an excellent choice. We highly recommended it. Check out our virtual and DIY bike tour of the Austin if you're plannning on renting a bicycle.

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no tubing in ladybird lake

Although there's tons of kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming near the springs, and even fishing, you won't see any river tubing in the downtown ladybird lake area. Technically you can float the lake, but wont see it here. lady bird lake is quit still and really doesn't flow. It also has some run off from city pollution and really it's illegal to swim in the lake. There are several kayaking and paddle boarding rental shop on the lake and and most people will take a quick dip during their paddle. But try not to swim too far from you water craft. If you do rent a kayak or paddle board, we recommend paddling towards barton springs pool area and taking a dip in our fresh water spring water. This is one of our favorite spots in Austin Texas.

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Ladybird Lake & Congress bridge Bat Colony

Congress avenue bridge is located downtown Austin and is home to 1.5 million Mexican free tailed bats. During the day you can walk the path, bike the trail, or even kayak/SUP underneath it. Although you won't see any bats during the day, since they are sleeping, you can hear them squeaking and chirping. And you'll definitely smell the bat guano. If you want to see the evening bat show, click here for more info.