Why Visit Old Zoo Nature Trails?
October is a great month for hiking in Texas, and the best month for visiting anywhere creepy and mysterious for a bit of spooky ambiance. The history of the old zoo adds to the intrigue. If this hike wasn’t interesting enough, they’ve also included a scavenger hunt element. This kid friendly trail is only 0.9 miles.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Nature Studies
- Just for Fun
Quick Info:
What Can You Expect to See & Do at the Old Zoo Nature Trails?
The Old Zoo Exhibits
The trails are adjacent to Lake Cisco and have some great views and natural features, but the main attraction that really sets it apart from other hiking trails is being able to explore the ruins of the old zoo. The zoo was opened in 1923 and ran for almost 2 decades. Then, it closed with mysteries left unsolved. News articles were published about the death and possible poisoning of the bear, followed by the deer.
During its heyday people would come from miles away to see exciting and exotic animals. Many of the exhibits and enclosures are intact enough that you can imagine being there at the height of the Roaring Twenties.
The Cottages
There were also cottages on site for zoo visitors to stay in during their trip. Today, these cottage ruins may be even spookier than the abandoned zoo structures.
The "Pool"
This tourist attraction also once boasted the largest concrete swimming pool in the world! The pool managed to stay open until the 70s. It is now more of a pond, but you can clearly see the structure and diving platform.
Scavenger Hunt
Another great way to keep the adventure going is to find the 10 animal medallions hidden along the trails. Good Luck!
Tips for Visitors
- There are shaded areas with picnic tables if you’d like to bring a lunch.
