The Lower Colorado River Authority’s Black Rock Park on Lake Buchanan has canoe and kayak rentals, a miniature golf course, swimming, fishing, and camping. A full Highland Lakes vacation in one spot. 101HighlandLakes.com photo
Spring Break in the Highland Lakes means adventure. With five lakes, seven state parks, and countless other attractions and outdoor destinations, you won’t have time to relax, unless a real break is on the itinerary.
ON THE LAKE
You don’t need your own boat to hit the any of the Highland Lakes. You can rent everything from pontoons to paddleboards at a plethora of places.
If fishing is in your Spring Break plans, but not boating, drop a line from the bank at a long list of local and state parks across the area. Just make sure you have the proper license.
Before you head out on the water, see what fish take the bait in Inks Lake, Lake Buchanan, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, and Lake Travis.
PARK IT
The Great Outdoors beckon to Highland Lakes visitors with hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and other activities. This slice of the Texas Hill Country is home to seven state parks: Blanco State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Inks Lake State Park, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Longhorn Cavern State Park, and Pedernales Falls State Park.
Most get busy in the warmer months, especially during Spring Break, so book overnight and day passes ahead of time on the Texas State Parks website.
An excellent alternative to state parks are the Lower Colorado River Authority parks. You’ll find the same beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities at all of them. A few of our favorite recreation areas are Muleshoe Bend (check out the bluebonnets in March!), Shaffer Bend, and Grelle.
Another outdoor jewel is Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Marble Falls. Hike for free among native flora and fauna on the refuge’s two main trail systems: Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista.
The trails are also free and scenic at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery on Park Road 4 in Burnet County.
And don’t overlook our city and county parks, especially the natural areas in Marble Falls, Llano, and Horseshoe Bay.
ATTRACTIONS
Family outing opportunities are plentiful in the Highland Lakes. You’ll never hear “I’m bored!” during your trip when attractions like Putters & Gutters in Marble Falls are minutes away. The fun center features a bowling alley, skating rink, go-kart track, arcade, and mini-golf course as well as a restaurant and live music stage.
Go on a safari to Exotic Resort Zoo and Reptilandia in Johnson City. While in town, get a hands-on lesson in fun at the Science Mill.
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls opens sometime in the spring for strawberry and tulip picking. Check the farm’s Fresh News page for dates.
SPORTS & ADVENTURES
Break a sweat on Spring Break while on the trail, course, or court.
Trade the roads for rocks on an all-terrain trek at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Go mountain biking in the hills, including at the chairlift-served Spider Mountain Bike Park. Or, jump in the saddle with Thunder Horse Outfitters at Reveille Peak Ranch.
Grab some rock with a climbing group or some air at a city skate park.
You can also take a course in the three varieties of golf: traditional, mini, and disc. Or, find out why pickleball is such a big deal.
After all of the above activities, you’ll definitely need a break from your Spring Break in the Highland Lakes!
