Region: Johnson City
Johnson City
Johnson City is the seat of Blanco County.
Johnson City
History:
Tradition:
Johnson Settlement (100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, Texas) was owned by the President’s grandfather and great-uncle from 1867-72. It was a gathering point of a seven-county southern area for cattle drives. The rustic 1856 dog-trot cabin, 1880 stone farm buildings, exhibit center, and pastures with grazing Texas Longhorn cattle reflect its frontier heritage. The Johnson Settlement is operated by the National Park Service. It is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Phone 830-868-7128 or visit https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/thejohnsonsettlement.htm for additional information.
In the middle of Johnson City, you will find the beautifully reconstructed Johnson home. Nearly 100 years old, President Johnson lived here while attending public school. Furnishings include Johnson family household items and period furniture restored to the 1920 era. Tours of the home are given on the half hour. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/reconstructedbirthplace.htm for more information.
Recreation and Relaxation:
The Captain Perry Texas Ranger Museum (located west of Johnson City on Hwy. 290 at 404 W. Main St.): This museum is the former home of Captain Cicero Rufus Perry, an early Texas Ranger who, at age 13, served as a courier for General Sam Houston in the Texas Army. Perry is said to have survived an Indian attack while he was a Texas Ranger. For more information, contact the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce at (830)868-7684.
The Science Mill ( Hwy 290 and Lady Bird Lane): This amazing location is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for visitors of all ages. Housed in Johnson City’s historic 1880s mill, the nonprofit museum features 40+ hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits to ignite curiosity and foster a love of science. The Science Mill is open Wed. through Sunday as well as special holidays. Call (844) 263-6405 or visit https://www.sciencemill.org/ for more information
LBJ State Park (on U.S. 290 just east of Stonewall.): Looking to interact with history? LBJ State Park is a 710-acre park (day use only). It is the boarding point for NPS tours. The visitor center presents interpretive exhibits of the storied Texas Hill Country. It features picnic facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a nature trail. Wildlife displays include Texas Longhorns, white-tailed deer, and buffalo. Historic buildings include two restored dog-run cabins of area pioneers furnished in frontier style. The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead where rural life of the early 1900s is interpreted by living history demonstrations. It is open daily.Please visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson for more information.
LBJ Ranch (Access is from U.S. 290 or Ranch Road One): The LBJ Ranch rests along the banks of the Pedernales River where Hereford cattle, white-tailed deer, and turkey abound. In the spring and summer, wildflowers, so beloved by the former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, accent the picturesque hill country views. Access to the ranch is by bus tours, operated daily. The tour begins at the LBJ State Park Visitor Center and includes views the reconstructed Johnson birthplace, the family cemetery and final resting place of the President, ranch show barn areas, the one-room Junction schoolhouse, the Texas White House, and a drive across the 600-acre ranch. Park Road 49, which leads to those sites, is open to all vehicles only from 5 p.m. until dark. It is operated by the National Park Service as part of the National Historic Park that includes the Johnson Boyhood Home. For information, call (830) 868-7128, ext. 231 or 244.
Nature:
Latest Events
Fun Stuff
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the spectacular Texas Hill Country on wide-open roads lined with breath-taking flowers and trees. Relish views only available in the Hill Country. You’ll feel like you’re light years away from a crowded freeway…because you are.
And, you won’t have to pick up and move. No packing and unpacking. You can make yourself at home and still experience a multitude of adventures that are fun for the whole family.
Here are just a few of the possibilities:
