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Bastrop, Texas Travel Guide
Region: Prairies & Lakes
 Bastrop, located southeast of Austin and near the city's international
airport, is best known for its unique vegetation. Unlike the juniper-dotted
hills to the west or the rolling farmland to the east, the Bastrop area
is surrounded by a pine forest called Lost Pines, the westernmost stand
of loblolly pines in America. It is believed that these trees were once
part of the forests of East Texas, but were separated by climactic changes
over the last 10,000 years.
The community also holds the honor as one
of the oldest settlements in the state, built in 1829 along the Camino
Real (or "King's Highway"), a road also known as the Old San
Antonio Road. This was the western edge of the "Little Colony"
established by Stephen F. Austin. Settlers came by the wagonload from
around the country to claim a share of this fertile land and to establish
a home in this dangerous territory.
Today the verdant community is favored by
outdoor lovers because of its two state parks and also the Colorado River,
which winds through the heart of downtown. Canoe rentals and guided trips
along the river are available. Shoppers enjoy the quiet country atmosphere
still found in the downtown area.
Bastrop Area Travel News
Prairies & Lakes regional travel news
Attractions
Bastrop County Historical Society Museum.
702 Main St. This 1850 frame cabin contains Indian relics and pioneer
exhibits. Open afternoons on weekdays, and Saturday from 10-2.
Bastrop Opera House. 711 Spring Street.
Built in 1889, this opera house first served as a set for touring theater
companies before later becoming a movie theater. In 1979 local citizens
saved the condemned building and restored it to its former glory. Today
the Opera House presents many productions, as well as children's theater
and special events. For a schedule of events, visit
www.bastropoperahouse.com/.
Bastrop
State Park A great getaway for a day trip or camping weekend,
the park is the best place to see the Lost Pines of Bastrop.
Buescher State Park. From Bastrop,
12 miles southeast via Rte. 71, then northeast on FM 153, to Park Rd.
1. Just a short distance from Bastrop State Park, this park is accessible
either through Bastrop or nearby Smithville. Buesher (pronounced bisher)
offers camping, screened shelters, fishing, a playground, and a 7.7-mile
hiking trail.
McKinney Roughs LCRA Preserve. Eight
miles west of Bastrop at 1884 Hwy. 71 or 13 miles east of the Austin airport.
This fairly new park is a favorite with hikers, canoeists, and equestrians
alike. The 1100-acre park preserves several ecosystems: the Post Oak Savannah,
Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and Central Texas Plateau.
The park also offers several types of guided river trips along its two
miles of river; look for trips from March through October. For more, visit
the
McKinney Roughs section of the LCRA website.
Hotels
Booking Bastrop hotels
In-Depth Travel Articles
Bastrop and
the Lost Pines
Map
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