Central Texans have an amazing water recreation opportunity. The Highland Lakes were built primarily for flood control of the Colorado River but provide seven lakes with all kinds of water sports. The lakes are a continuous chain from Lake Buchanan 60 miles North of Austin to Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in downtown Austin.

 

    Mansfield Dam which created Lake Travis was completed in 1941 and is the largest and longest of the lake series. It is also the primary flood control and water storage lake with a capacity of 260 billion gallons. It is also a top destination for boating including sailing and water skiing.

 

    Buchanan Dam and Lake Buchanan is the second biggest and widest lake in the series and is primarily a water storage reservoir. Less developed than Lake Travis, it features numerous hunting, fishing and nature adventures. Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park located on the northshore of Lake Buchanan provides Bald Eagle viewing in season.

 

    Inks Lake just downstream from Lake Buchanan is the smallest lake in the series but packs a high level of recreation opportunity. Inks Lake State Park on the southshore provides some of the best swimming and camping in Central Texas. Located in the State Park is the Highland Lakes Golf Course which features a nine-hole course with beautiful lake views.

 

Next lake downstream is Lake LBJ which was created in 1950 with the construction of Wirtz Dam. The Colorado and Llano rivers meet at the northern end of the lake. A constant level is ideal for many water sports including waterskiing, jetskis and boating. Fishing opportunities include Crappie, Bass (both Largemouth and White) and Catfish.

 

 

Lake Marble Falls is home to Lakefest Drag Boat races in August and many fishing opportunities. The marble falls that named both the adjacent city were a series of waterfalls on the Colorado River now submerged by water. Fishing includes Bass, Sunfish, Catfish and Crappie. 

 

 

Lake Austin features a winding narrow canyon as the Colorado River passes through the Balcones Escarpment. An Austin Icon is the impressive arched steel Pennybacker Bridge providing an important traffic link jutting out of a high northside cliff. Lake Austin is a favorite place for an afternoon outing in your motorboat or jet ski. Austin's Emma Long Metropolitan Park provides a tree shaded family picnic area and swimming beach. Lakeside casual dining is one of the features at Oyster Landing near Tom Miller Dam.

 

 

 

 

Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake - named after former first lady Lady Bird Johnson) placid waters provides a relaxed view for Austinites in our busy city. Canoe rentals are available at Zilker Park and are a favorite Austin pastime. The Hike & Bike trail around most of the lake is the place for anyone that is a serious runner. The famous Austin Mexican Free-tailed Bats nest under Congress Avenue bridge and provide a evening spectacle during the summer months. A large public area, Auditorium Shores, hosts frequent concerts and events. Barton Creek flows into Lady Bird Lake just downstream from one of the best swimming spots in Texas - Barton Springs. Zilker Park which includes the Barton Springs pool and also borders the lake is a large urban park with kite flying, nature center, botanical garden, large picnic areas, playgrounds, soccer fields and a miniature train ride.

 

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Links for more information on The Highland Lakes:

 

This is the official site of the state agency that operates the lakes.

 

Canyon of the Eagles Park Lodge & Nature Park - http://www.canyonoftheeagles.com

 

Highland Lakes Golf Club - http://www.highlandlakesgolfclub.com/

 

Austin Parks & Recreation, Lady Bird Lake Map -