Reptilandia is designed to educate the public about often-misunderstood reptiles. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Highland Lakes area of the Texas Hill Country isn’t just a destination for relaxation and adventure; it’s also an educational experience. With summer setting and school on the horizon, brush up on some classroom subjects at the following attractions.
SCIENCE & MATH
Science Mill
101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City
This STEM-based museum opens eyes and minds to the joys of science, technology, engineering, and math careers with unique, hands-on exhibits. Learn about chemistry, paleontology, forensics, robotics, and much more in a fun-focused environment.
Purchase admission in advance at sciencemill.org.
ZOOLOGY
Exotic Resort Zoo
235 Zoo Trail in Johnson City
Reptilandia
1859 U.S. 281 North in Johnson City
Stick around in Johnson City to explore the Exotic Resort Zoo and Reptilandia, where you’ll see creatures of all species and sizes.
Take a wild ride on a guided tour of the Exotic Resort Zoo, a 137-acre safari park with over 800 animals and 45 distinct species from around the world. Guests can purchase feed for the tour and expect an up-close experience with several hungry critters, including zebras, camels, ostriches, and bison.
Reptilandia is home to a crawling, slithering menagerie of reptiles such as anacondas, cobras, chameleons, and crocodiles. Owner Quetzal Dwyer has dedicated his life to studying these animals and educating the public about them, so expect a real lesson on lizards and more.
MARINE BIOLOGY
Inks Lake State Park
3480 Park Road 4 West in Burnet
Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
345 Clay Young Road in Burnet
See what lives beneath surface of Inks Lake at the state park or in the pools and ponds of the hatchery.
Inks Lake State Park sometimes holds underwater discovery programs on what swims and grows in the water and always has canoes and kayaks available to rent for independent studies. It’s also one of the best spots in the Highland Lakes to fish—for free! The park is filled with life above ground, too, and is considered a haven for rare and local birds.
While you can hike and birdwatch for free at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery, its main function is the study of freshwater creatures such as mussels, crawfish, and minnows. It keeps its ponds stocked with channel catfish and occasionally holds free fishing days.
GEOLOGY
Longhorn Cavern State Park
6211 Park Road 4 South in Burnet
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 RR 965 North on the Llano-Gillespie county line
On the same scenic road as the two previous attractions sits Longhorn Cavern State Park—both above and below ground. The park’s main feature is the glittering, mineral-filled cavern itself, which descends 135 feet and stays a cool 68 degrees year-round.
Take a mild or wild tour of the cavern, which has served as a subterranean speakeasy during Prohibition, a meeting spot for Comanche tribes, and a hideout for Texas outlaw Sam Bass, among other uses. You can also get a history lesson about the Civilian Conservation Corps and its “parkitecture” on a free hike above ground.
Enchanted Rock is a geological wonder rooted in myth. The ancient, pink granite dome rises 425 feet, making it one of the country’s largest batholiths. Native Americans believed it was inhabited by spirits due to its creaks and groans, which scientists attribute to the rock expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.
Hike to the top for a stunning view—and photos—of the surrounding Hill Country.
ASTRONOMY
Eagle Eye Observatory
Canyon of the Eagles, 16942 RR 2341 in Burnet
Study the night sky with an on-site astronomer at Eagle Eye Observatory, located at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park and Resort. Jim Sheets and Phil Ostroff can help you point one of the observatory’s high-powered telescopes in the right direction for a dazzling lesson on the galaxies, planets, and stars. Find stargazing session times at the link.
Elsewhere in the Highland Lakes, Dark Sky state parks like Inks Lake and Pedernales Falls host periodic star parties under the expert guidance of the Austin Astronomical Society.
THE HUMANITIES
Across the Highland Lakes
Strengthen your understanding of the human experience through art, history, and literature at Highland Lakes galleries, museums, libraries, and bookstores.
The natural beauty and unique people of the Texas Hill Country are on display in art galleries, studios, and outdoor exhibits spread across the area. Find a full list at the link.
Our museums are home to Highland Lakes history, with a special focus on pioneer times. Three of them feature fierce machines built for the sky and the road. Visit the past at these attractions.
Lovers of literature will love wandering the shelves at local libraries and bookshops.
Most of the area’s public libraries hold free, weekly events for all ages. Check out the library systems of Burnet and Llano counties for calendars.
The Bookstore of Marble Falls, 1712 RR 1431 West, is piled high with used books from all genres, as well as CDs, DVDs, and records. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask the owner, who always has a cheerful greeting for shoppers.
Title Euphoria in Burnet is the place to go for new and used books, literature-themed events, and a comfy space to read. It opened in February 2025 on the courthouse square at 107 E. Jackson St.
P.E.
Putters & Gutters
4100 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls
Round out your educational adventure with some physical activity at Putters & Gutters Fun Center, where you’ll find a bowling alley, mini-golf course, go-kart track, roller skating rink, arcade, restaurant and bar, and live music.
Visit puttersandgutters.com for pricing and an events calendar.
LUNCH
Across the Highland Lakes
You’ll definitely need a lunch break in between all of the above “lessons.” Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it in the 101 Eat & Drink Guide. Refuel, then get back to work!
