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

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In-Depth Travel Articles

Bastrop and the Lost Pines

Map

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For More Information:

• Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, 927 Main St.