LBJ State Park and Historic Site Johnson City Texas
Explore the birthplace and boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson, with a living history farm and native Texas wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
LBJ State Park and Historic Site Johnson City Texas
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the birthplace and boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson, with a living history farm and native Texas wildlife.
"A free, educational, and scenic stop offering a glimpse into Texas history and nature."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. Donations are welcome.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, but not inside buildings. Great for pet owners!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Texas White House
LBJ Ranch
Explore the former residence of President Lyndon B. Johnson, preserved with original furnishings. A glimpse into presidential life.
LBJ Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse
LBJ Ranch
See where LBJ grew up and attended school, offering a personal connection to his early life.
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park
Experience life on an early 1900s German-Texan farm with historic buildings, animals, and equipment.
Texas Longhorns & Bison
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & LBJ Ranch
Encounter iconic Texas wildlife, including majestic bison and Texas longhorns, roaming the park grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Rich History
Wildlife and Walking Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. Donations are welcome. +1
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, but not inside buildings. Great for pet owners!
🚗 Self-Guided Ranch Tour
Explore the LBJ Ranch at your own pace. Consider an AM radio broadcast for narration.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, especially around the historic farm and trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. Donations are welcome. +1
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, but not inside buildings. Great for pet owners!
🚗 Self-Guided Ranch Tour
Explore the LBJ Ranch at your own pace. Consider an AM radio broadcast for narration.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, especially around the historic farm and trails.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera for historic buildings, wildlife, and scenic Hill Country views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's free admission and the educational value of its historical sites, particularly the Sauer-Beckmann farm and the LBJ Ranch. The opportunity to see Texas longhorns and bison is a frequent highlight. Some visitors express disappointment if the Texas White House is closed for renovations, but generally find the rangers helpful and the grounds well-maintained.
"This is a FREE learning experience! The house was closed for renovations. However, we saw various other historical buildings. This is also the site where LBJ and family are buried beneath majestic oak trees. We visited in May, so there were plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. The park rangers were super nice. I bought a tshirt and a magnet."
Heather Austin
"Very nice state park with “live farm”. Demonstration farm is from early 1800’s. Has all the buildings, animals, and equipment to help you understand how the farmers lived back then. Also have long horn cows, and bison to see. About 2 miles of walking trails connect all the areas of the park. Dogs allowed on leash but not allowed inside any buildings."
Bob Evans
"Well first of disappointed in they are working on the Texas White House. But you can still drive the ranch and see a lot. If I could make a suggestion to the site. Why couldn't use a short distance AM radio station broad cast be available to listen to and tell about the seens circumstance. In could play and explain as you moved thru the park. The National Park ranger we met at the school, was a delight to talk to."
Russell Fogg (Teach)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is located near Stonewall, Texas, which is a short drive from Johnson City. Take US-290 West for approximately 10-15 minutes. The park is well-signed from the highway.
Yes, ample parking is available at both the State Park and the National Historical Park sections. Parking is free of charge.
Absolutely! The LBJ State Park and the LBJ National Historical Park (which includes the ranch) are adjacent and can be visited together. They are separated by the Pedernales River.
The State Park and the National Historical Park are close by. You can drive between them, or in some areas, walking trails connect them.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural Texas Hill Country area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Lyndon B. Johnson State Park is completely free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for exploring Texas history and nature. +1
Tours of the LBJ Ranch, including the Texas White House, are typically self-guided and do not require advance booking. However, it's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for any updates or special tour requirements.
The park grounds are generally open daily from dawn to dusk. Specific building hours may vary, so it's recommended to check the official park website for the most current information.
The Texas White House may occasionally be closed for renovations or special events. Visitors are advised to check the park's official website or call ahead to confirm its availability. +1
Since admission is free, there are no passes or discounts needed for entry. However, you can purchase souvenirs or make donations to support the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, see Texas longhorns and bison, walk nature trails, and visit historical buildings. The LBJ Ranch offers tours of the Texas White House and LBJ's boyhood home. +1
Yes, you can tour the LBJ Ranch and see the Texas White House, which is preserved with its original furnishings. It offers a unique look into President Johnson's life.
While many areas are self-guided, park rangers are often available to answer questions and provide insights, especially at historical buildings like the schoolhouse.
Visitors can often spot American bison, Texas longhorns, and various bird species. The park is home to a registered Hereford cattle herd as well. +2
Yes, there are approximately 2 miles of walking trails that connect different areas of the park, offering opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the historic farm buildings, the longhorns and bison, scenic views along the Pedernales River, and the exteriors of the historic homes. +1
Photography policies can vary for interior spaces. It's best to check signage at each building or ask a park ranger. Flash photography may be restricted.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National and State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Please check the official park regulations before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details of the historic farm.
Many visitors enjoy photographing the longhorns against the Texas landscape and capturing the rustic charm of the Sauer-Beckmann farm. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider participating in the Junior Ranger program if available, which can make the historical and natural aspects of the park even more exciting for younger visitors. The walking trails provide space for kids to explore, and the open spaces are great for a picnic.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. The self-guided nature of most tours means you control your spending entirely. It’s an excellent way to experience significant Texas history and culture affordably.
🚗 Road Trippers
It offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and wildlife viewing, providing a refreshing break from driving. You can easily spend a few hours here, stretching your legs and learning something new before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the LBJ Ranch
Beyond the White House, explore landmarks like the one-room schoolhouse LBJ attended as a child and the Johnson family cemetery, where he and Lady Bird Johnson are laid to rest. You can also see Air Force One Half, a JetStar used by the President for travel. The ranch aims to maintain the registered Hereford cattle herd as it was in the 1960s, allowing visitors to see these animals as LBJ would have.
Many visitors recommend a self-guided tour, with some suggesting the use of an AM radio station broadcast to provide narration as you drive through the ranch, enhancing the historical context of the sites you encounter.
Life on the Sauer-Beckmann Farm
The farm is populated with heritage breeds of livestock, including chickens, pigs, and cattle, giving visitors a realistic glimpse into early 20th-century agricultural practices. Demonstrations may occur seasonally, offering a more interactive experience. It’s a fantastic way to understand the hard work and resilience of the people who shaped this region.
This living history exhibit is a significant part of the park's appeal, offering a contrast to the presidential history of the ranch and providing a broader context of life in the Texas Hill Country. It’s a hit with families and history enthusiasts alike.
Wildlife Encounters
The park also maintains a herd of registered Hereford cattle, a breed that was significant to President Johnson's agricultural interests. Seeing these animals against the backdrop of the Texas Hill Country is a quintessential experience.
Beyond the larger mammals, the park's natural setting supports diverse birdlife and other smaller creatures, making it a pleasant environment for nature observation. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit