The deep, cool waters of the Llano River at Badu Park are a guaranteed reprieve from the summer heat. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Llano River winds into the Highland Lakes from the far-west outskirts of the Texas Hill Country, pouring through its namesake town before spilling into Lake LBJ. The city of Llano has three parks that offer excellent and easy access to the cool waters and swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
Downtown Llano is never far away, tempting visitors with delicious food, cold drinks, and impromptu shopping sprees.
Jump in the Llano River from these parks:
Grenwelge Park
199 E. Haynie St.
This massive rock stack is one of many natural sculptures left behind by Llano Earth Art Festival revelers in March at Grenwelge Park. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Grenwelge Park is the exact site where a community of ranchers got together in 1856 and decided that Llano should be the seat of a freshly formed Llano County. Today, it is one of the best spots to access the Llano River. Downtown Llano is a short walk from Grenwelge, which hosts the world-famous Llano Earth Art Festival each year. Large rock stacks, woven wood sculptures, and massive figures molded from mud are scattered across the green space, which gradually descends to the riverbank.
You can explore the pools and rivulets of the river and climb the massive granite boulders. The park has a public restroom, picnic tables, and plenty of shade for lunch and lounging.
Badu Park
300 Legion Drive
The deep, cool waters of the Llano River at Badu Park are a guaranteed reprieve from the summer heat. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The main body of Badu Park rests on the high side of the Llano Dam. The water is deep and cool for most of the year, as long as the Llano River is flowing. This is a favorite swimming hole for locals and a put-in for kayakers and paddleboarders. Badu Park also provides access to the lower side of the dam, which probably has the best fishing in town.
The park is perfect for a relaxing family day by the water. Restrooms, basketball courts, picnic sites, a playground, and a splash pad are near the main swimming spot. If you feel like exploring downtown Llano, you can rock-hop across the river to Grenwelge Park and then walk there.
Robinson Park
123 Robinson Park Drive
The dam at Robinson Park creates two different but equally awesome river access points just outside of Llano. The upper side makes for great fishing and kayaking. The lower side is full of wildlife and has another good kayak launch. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Robinson Park is a quick drive outside of Llano’s downtown, about 2 miles from the historic Llano County Courthouse. It stretches along the banks of the river; its small dam creating a high side and a low side that offer different but excellent river access.
On the high side, drop a line to snag bass and catfish or put in a kayak and explore the undammed Llano River farther west. On the low side is a wilder section of the river, dotted with high vegetation and stubby sycamores. From the low side, kayakers can actually paddle to Badu Park and hop ashore for city conveniences.
Robinson Park has high-end playground equipment, plenty of shade, campsites, a city pool, and a large event space, which hosts the Llano Crawfish Open each spring. This is the perfect spot for a large family gathering or nature excursion.
dakota@thepicayune.com
