Zilker Metropolitan Park

Explore Zilker: virtual tour of Zilker

Park Features Overview

Park Amenities Google Map

• 3 picnic sites and 1 shelter (reservation sites)       (location map & photos)
• Zilker Playscape
• Disc Golf Course
• 5 volleyball courts   (reservable)            (location map & photos)
• Zilker Club House  (reservation site)  (open ONLY for rentals)
• Austin Nature and Science Center offers a wide variety of programs for children and adults.
• Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.
• McBeth Recreation Center
• Zilker Botanical Gardens includes the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center.
• Zilker Caretaker's Cottage - home of the Park Rangers
• Zilker Hillside Theatre hosts concerts ranging from jazz to country.  Additionally, the theatre is the home of the Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park.  

History

Becoming Austin's First Metropolitan Park

Zilker Park is known as the crown jewel of the Austin parks system. Zilker Metropolitan Park, located 2100 Barton Springs Road, is Austin’s oldest metropolitan park and is named after Andrew Jackson Zilker who donated parcels of land to the city starting in 1917. Mr. Zilker came to Austin in 1876 to become a business man and a banker. He operated one of Austin’s first ice factories and was elected an Alderman (system of city governance prior to City Council). He also ranched a 40-acre spread with good water southwest of town. In three separate gifts in 1918, 1923, and 1931, Mr. Zilker gave his ranch, which included what is now known as Barton Springs, to the city in a way that benefitted the community and the schools. Zilker made a final gift to the city in 1934, the site of what is now the Girl Scout Clubhouse. That same year the park was officially named Zilker Park.

The park is sited at the juncture of Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake and comprises more than 350 acres of publicly owned land. A major era of park development took place in the 1930s through New Deal programs such as the Civil Works Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1997, Zilker Metropolitan Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the park includes many resources of historical, architectural, and archeological significance.

Today's Zilker Park

Today, the park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and includes major facilities and amenities including, but not limited to, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Clubhouse, Girl Scout Lodge, Sunshine Camp, Zilker Hillside Theater, Zilker Caretaker Lodge, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, and McBeth Recreation Center, the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Creek Trail. The park is home to large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, and Zilker Park Kite Festival.

Permits

The most common types of park permits are listed below. See the special events page for detailed information about permits, events, rentals and similar.

• Fitness groups/trainers:  The Department has a permit process, fees, and requirements for regularly scheduled activities that enhance the park experience at select sites.  Permits are required for all trainers/activities whether or not per fee classes are charged or not to a consumer.
• Public Events, Alcohol and Amplified Sound Require Permits:  More information can be found on our special events page.
• Filming/photo permits for any film/photography production.
• Photo Sessions/Portrait Sessions:  See the photo session section on the special events page.

Parking and Transportation Options Map

• Plan your trip to the park!  The park system first and foremost suggests public transit and biking options.  All parking is first-come first-served. 
• Use Cap Metro's Trip Planner feature!
• During special events, traffic patterns typically change, or pre-credentialing may be required.  Check each event website for details.

Contracted and Permitted Services/Amenities at the Park

• Austin Sunshine Camp owned and operated by the Young Men's Business League of Austin.
• The Rowing Dock
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is on the south end of the park and is the home of a collection of works by sculptor Charles Umlauf.
• Zilker Cabin - Girl Scouts of Central Texas  (open ONLY for rentals)
• Zilker Zephyr - currently closed.
• Zilker Park Boat Rentals

Signature Park Events

• ABC Kite Festival is held the first Sunday in March each year.
• Zilker Summer Musical
• Blues on the Green
• Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights.
• Trail of Lights

Resources and Information

Click on the image to enlarge it or download the map (PDF)

Reporting Issues

In general, all parks are open for public use each day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted. At times, access is limited or affected by events or maintenance issues. To report any park non-emergency issue, call 3-1-1. Visit the 3-1-1 website to submit a maintenance concern online. Call 9-1-1 for all park emergencies.