Why Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX?
The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center is a central Texas jewel. Established by former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, the center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants, and landscapes.
Visitors can explore beautiful gardens showcasing the best plants and practices for much of Texas.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Texas Wildflowers & Native Plants
- Conservation
- Botany
- Eco Regions
Quick Info:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Austin, TX 78739
Hours: Seasonal
Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $10
Military (with ID): $13
Children (5-17): $8
Children (0-4): $0
Need more info? Contact them here.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publishing of this article in July 2024. Contact Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for any changes, or to confirm.
What Can You Expect to See and Do at the Wildflower Center?
- Courtyard Complex
- Demonstration Gardens
- Family Gardens
- Trails
Courtyard Complex
Just after the admissions kiosk, you’ll walk through an entrance corridor with gardens and a wetland pond and enter the central courtyard. The courtyard features an observation tower you’ll want to climb as well as education and events spaces. At the center is a spring, representing the famous Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, Texas.
The courtyard area also has a café and gift shop for garden-goers to enjoy. The Wildflower Café offers counter-service sandwiches, salads, drinks, and desserts for indoor or outdoor dining. The gift shop and gallery feature a curated collection of items for gifts or souvenirs.
Demonstration Gardens
These sustainable gardens show off hundreds of species of native plants found throughout Texas. The plants and garden designs serve various purposes, from providing nectar to pollinators, water catchment for aquatic plants and animals, or creating colorful displays. Find inspiration as you stroll through the habitats.
Family Gardens
The family gardens feature interactive and educational attractions made with natural materials, such as a native shrub maze, tree stump climbing structures, giant birds’ nests, a grotto with caves and a waterfall, and a flowing creek with dinosaur footprints.
Trails
Savannah Meadow:
Take a short 1/4-mile hike through the Savanna Meadow to learn about karst landscapes and the Edwards Aquifer.
Hill Country Trails:
Walk the John Barr Trail and Simmons Research Trail to see where fire and land management research and experiments are done. You may also get to glimpse wildlife such as roadrunners, birds, and coyotes.
Texas Arboretum:
Take the 1-mile looping path through the Texas Arboretum and view Texas oak trees. See the Hall of Texas Heroes, a collection of live oaks descended from famous Texas trees, and the Cathedral of Oaks, where you can choose a swing and relax in the shade.
Tips for Visitors:
- Parking is free.
- Picnicking is permitted in designated areas.
- Check their website here to find out what is currently in season.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Video Preview
Fun Resources to Enhance the Field Trip:
Free & Online
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Texas Top 20 (Wildflowers)
- TXDOT: Texas Wildflowers (PDF Brochure)
Books
- Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers by Kathi Appelt
- Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide by Nora and Rick Bowers and Stan Tekiela
Educational Toys & Activities
- Photograph Wildflowers
- Make Wildflower Seed Paper or Seed Balls
- Press Wildflowers for Art or Bookmarks
