Zilker Park
Visitor's Information
Hours: 5 AM - 10 PM daily
Fees: Park greenspace and Nature & Science Center -- Free
Umlauf Sculpture Garden -- Children (0- 12) Free; Adults $5; Seniors (60+) $3
Zilker Botanical Gardens -- Children under 2 Free; Children (3-12) and 62+ $1; Adult residents $2; Non-resident Adults $3
Barton Springs Pool -- Entry fees range from $2 (child resident) to $9 (adult non-resident)
Parking: $5 per car
Rules: Except in designated off-leash areas, dogs must be kept on leash no longer than 6 feet. Scoop the Poop. Disruptive or criminal behavior may lead to ejection from park. No weapons or firearms unless use is expressly allowed. PARD may impound parked vehicles that create unsafe conditions.
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FORMER ZILKER PARK RESIDENTS
The land at the confluence of Barton Creek and the Colorado River has been the site of human activity for thousands of years. Indigenous groups viewed the many springs and the accompanying abundance of animals and plants an oasis and essential to survival. During the 1800s, Anglo settlers used the same waters to power mills and the land for agriculture. Stone, gravel, and sand were extracted to meet the needs of a growing city. Local entrepreneur, Andrew Zilker, acquired this land in the early 1900s to grow grains to feed the horses his ice factory used for deliveries. After his wife died, Zilker gave up his plans to build an estate here. Instead, he donated 350 acres to the school district to sell to the City, creating Austin's premier public open space. It was officially designated Zilker Park in 1937.
Volunteer Info
Save Barton Creek Association
City of Austin Wildland Conservation Division
Austin Parks Foundation
Keep Austin Beautiful
TreeFolks
City of Austin Watershed Protection Department
Educational Resources
Field Trip/Education Program Info
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