351 acres of springs, trails, and Austin history
Where the Edwards Aquifer surfaces, the Colorado River bends, and generations of Austinites come to swim, paddle, gather, and play.
Austin's backyard, two miles from downtown
Known as the crown jewel of Austin's park system, Zilker is an urban oasis for Austinites from all parts of the city. It sits on 351 acres of public land over the Edwards Aquifer and within the Colorado River corridor, where Eanes Creek, Barton Creek, and Barton Springs flow through the park and into Lady Bird Lake.
It is one of the most visited and most loved public spaces in Texas — equal parts swimming hole, greenbelt, garden, stage, and gathering place.
From sacred springs to a city's gift
Zilker Park was named for Andrew Zilker, who began donating parkland in 1917. His gifts culminated in the 1934 donation of the site where the Girl Scout Cabin now stands, at which time the park was officially named. Zilker was a newcomer compared to the Native Americans who gathered at the cold springs here for thousands of years.
- 1917
Andrew Zilker begins donating the land
Businessman Andrew Zilker gives the land surrounding Barton Springs to the City of Austin for the public's use.
- 1934
Officially named Zilker Park
The park is formally established and named in honor of its benefactor.
- 1997
Listed as a National Register Historic District
Added to the National Register of Historic Places as the “Zilker Park Historic District.”
An urban oasis
A living landscape in the middle of the city
Zilker's ecosystem supports a mix of woodlands, meadows, and riparian lands that are home to over 600 plants and animals, fed by the Edwards Aquifer and threaded by the Colorado River corridor — a rare pocket of wild so close to downtown. It is up to each of us to help steward its ecological treasures.
Woodlands
Shaded canopy and native trees
Meadows
Open grassland and wildflowers
Riparian
Creekside habitat along Barton Creek
Aquifer
Edwards Aquifer keeps the springs flowing
A park for every kind of day
Hike, kayak, paddleboard, swim in Barton Springs, wander a garden, catch a show, or just hang out on the Great Lawn — Zilker has something for everyone.
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed pool flowing year-round at 68–70°F, fed by the Edwards Aquifer.
The Great Lawn
Wide-open grass for picnics, dogs, kites, and golden-hour gatherings.
Paddling & the lake
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding along the Lady Bird Lake shoreline.
Camps & community
Summer camps, naturalist programs, and family days that shape Austin childhoods.
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed pool flowing year-round at 68–70°F, fed by the Edwards Aquifer.
The Great Lawn
Wide-open grass for picnics, dogs, kites, and golden-hour gatherings.
Paddling & the lake
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding along the Lady Bird Lake shoreline.
Camps & community
Summer camps, naturalist programs, and family days that shape Austin childhoods.
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed pool flowing year-round at 68–70°F, fed by the Edwards Aquifer.
The Great Lawn
Wide-open grass for picnics, dogs, kites, and golden-hour gatherings.
Paddling & the lake
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding along the Lady Bird Lake shoreline.
Camps & community
Summer camps, naturalist programs, and family days that shape Austin childhoods.
A place that belongs to everyone
Zilker Park is Austin's oldest metropolitan park, and if you spend a day exploring it you'll uncover many of its stories. Yet the park also carries a history of discrimination against non-white and lower-income Austinites.
Zilker 351 supports a welcoming park culture that ensures access, equity, and inclusion for everyone who visits. Zilker Park belongs to all Austinites.
Zilker, from every angle
Spring-fed water, greenbelt meadows, sculpture, and the people who fill them.
Come spend a day at Zilker
The park sits along Lady Bird Lake about two miles from downtown Austin. Plan what to do and how to get there before you go.
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
from downtown Austin
acres to explore
About Zilker Park, answered
The quick facts visitors ask most before heading to the park.
Zilker Metropolitan Park sits along Lady Bird Lake about two miles from downtown Austin, Texas. Its visitor address is 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
Help keep Zilker thriving for everyone
The park is cared for by the City of Austin — and by Austinites like you. Support stewardship of its water, canopy, and welcoming spaces through Zilker 351.