Lady Bird Lake—known to longtime Austinites as Town Lake—is the calm, dammed stretch of the Colorado River that threads right through downtown. Created in 1960, it started life as a working reservoir and evolved into Austin’s favorite urban playground: a place to walk or bike with skyline views, watch millions of bats take flight, or paddle beneath iconic bridges at sunset.
This guide builds on the lake’s history and adds everything a visitor (or new local) needs: what to do, how to plan, key rules, and when to go.
A Short History (and Why the Name Changed)
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When the City completed Longhorn Dam in 1960, it formed what was then called Town Lake to serve as a cooling pond for the Holly Street Power Plant and to help with flood control.
The shoreline was scruffy in the early years—more weeds and dumping grounds than parkland—until a coalition of locals led by Roberta Crenshaw, Mayor Roy Butler, and Lady Bird Johnson pushed a beautification vision: trees, trails, and public open space.
Their persistence paid off. A continuous hike-and-bike path began to take shape, and in July 2007 the City officially renamed the reservoir Lady Bird Lake to honor Johnson’s decades-long advocacy.
A final milestone came in 2014 with the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake, a series of over-the-water path segments and lookout points that closed the last gap and completed the loop.
The Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Today, the Butler Trail makes a roughly 10-mile circuit around the lake. Much of it is shaded by cottonwoods and oaks, with soft-surface stretches that are easy on knees and strollers.
The Boardwalk on the south shore is the showstopper—cantilevered decks, downtown vistas, and a public-art installation featuring snippets of Texas song lyrics (“Belting It Out”). Early morning is quiet and cool; golden hour brings photographers and paddlecraft gliding beneath you.
Trail etiquette is simple: keep right, pass on the left, and give a friendly call or bell as you overtake. Restrooms, water fountains, and trailheads dot the loop—scan posted maps at major entrances before you set out.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
From roughly March through September, just after sunset, 1–1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats spiral out from the Congress Avenue Bridge in a ribbon that twists down the lake.
Bring a blanket to the lawn at the Statesman Bat Observation Center, watch from the bridge rail (arrive early for a spot), or time a bat cruise or sunset paddle to see the flight from the water. Peak emergences shift with daylight and weather, so build in a little patience and enjoy the colors as downtown lights flicker on.
Paddling: Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs
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Lady Bird Lake is famously calm and motor-restricted, which makes it ideal for first-time paddlers and families. You’ll find multiple rental docks along both shores offering kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour.
On breezier days, hug the banks for calmer water. Pack a dry bag for your phone, and wear a life jacket—even strong swimmers can get surprised by boat wakes or wind.
Parks, Picnics & Events
On the west end, the lake bumps up against Zilker Metropolitan Park, home to open fields, Barton Springs Pool, and the Zilker Zephyr’s spiritual successor in kid energy: kites and frisbees for days.
Along the south shore, Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores hosts concerts and festivals (including Austin Reggae Fest) and offers plenty of room to spread out a picnic. Across the water, the Long Center and Seaholm District cafés make easy add-ons to a lake day without ever getting back in the car.
Fishing (Know the Rules Before You Cast)
The lake is regularly fished for largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. You’ll need a Texas fishing license to keep legal, and it’s smart to check the latest consumption advisories before eating your catch; guidance can change over time based on sampling. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to keep the urban fishery healthy and accessible.
Safety, Rules & Seasonal Advisories
Swimming has been prohibited since 1964, and gas-powered motorboats are not allowed on Lady Bird Lake (you may see permitted public-safety, utility, or event vessels, and small electric motors are allowed under city rules).
In hot months, check the City’s toxic algae updates—especially if you’re bringing a dog—and avoid letting pets drink from or swim in the lake during advisories. Helmets aren’t required for trail riding but are always a good idea; lights are essential if you’ll be out near dusk.
Planning Your Visit
Weekends are popular. If you’re driving, arrive early for easier parking near Zilker, Vic Mathias Shores, the Boardwalk trailheads, or public garages around the Seaholm and 2nd Street districts.
Once you’re parked, you can do everything else on foot or by bike. Bring sunscreen and water, wear grippy shoes for the Boardwalk, and give yourself time to linger—sunset over the water has a way of rewriting your schedule.
Quick FAQs
How long is the loop? About 10 miles around the lake.
Can you swim here? No—swimming is illegal in Lady Bird Lake.
Are motorboats allowed? No gas engines; small electric motors are permitted under city rules.
When can I see the bats? Most evenings March–September, just after sunset, from the Congress Avenue Bridge area.
Where should I start? Good first-time choices are Zilker Park, Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores, or the Boardwalk entrances on the south shore.
