About
Founded in 1982 by former First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center showcases native Texas wildflowers.
What started as a passion project to conserve the rich floral heritage of Texas blossomed into a research institution and public botanical garden.
Over the years, the center has grown into an extensive 284-acre campus that celebrates the beauty of Texas wildflowers while focusing on sustainability and conservation.
Such dedication has made the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a botanical research leader, an environmental advocate, and a must-visit Austin destination.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers an immersive experience through various thematic gardens, walking trails, and the Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum. For these reasons, add it to your Austin itinerary for an experience you'll treasure forever.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
Two of the many features that make the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center stand out are particularly noteworthy.
First is the center's innovative Luci and Ian Family Garden, designed to be a sustainability and environmental education model. It allows children to explore and learn about nature in a way that teaches them the importance of conserving natural resources.
Another remarkable feature is the center's role in research and conservation. It leads the way in ecological design and native plant restoration, contributing significantly to the restoration of landscapes across Texas and beyond. For instance, the center's work in developing "Project Milkweed" has played a crucial role in conserving monarch butterfly habitats.
With its beautiful setting and contemporary indoor facility, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is idyllic for weddings, corporate, non-profit, and other special events.
Visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a unique blend of education, inspiration, and natural beauty. It's a beacon of conservation and sustainable design, making it a place of interest for nature lovers and anyone looking to connect with the environment on a deeper level.
Whether you're a local or planning things to do on an Austin vacation, the Wildflower Center promises an enriching and enlightening experience in the heart of Texas.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Austin to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:
- Start on Congress Avenue, heading south towards S 1st Street.
- Merge onto TX-1 Loop S via the ramp to Loop 1/Capital of TX Hwy.
- Continue on TX-1 Loop S for approximately 8 miles.
- Take the exit toward La Crosse Ave from TX-45 Toll W/TX-1 Loop S.
- Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Cost
Here are the current costs of visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors (65+): $10
- Youth (5-17 years): $6
- Children under 5: Free
- University of Texas Students (with ID): Free
Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Visit during spring or fall when flowers are at their most spectacular bloom.
- Check the center's calendar for occasional free admission days.
- Visit weekdays for a more serene visit.
- Check the website for events held throughout the year.
- Texas heat can be intense. Bring a water bottle to refill at the various stations around the center.