Best History Museum in Lake Austin

"The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is one of the most visited museums in Austin, TX. Located in the heart of downtown, this educational outlet features three floors full of interactive exhibits detailing the state's history through objects, media programs and recreated environments. Founded as a non-collecting institution, the museum's permanent collection and seasonal displays truly bring the "Story of Texas" to life. The facility also houses the only IMAX theatre in Austin."

"The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a history museum dedicated to telling the unfolding “Story of Texas. It was named after the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas Bob Bullock who campaigned for the preservation and exhibition of Texas history. You’ll find permanent exhibits about the Alamo, Nasa, Famous Native Texans, an IMax playing historical and current movies, and the first-floor host temporary exhibits."

"DowntownHours: Free on the first Sunday of each month, noon to 5pmThe good news: Texas-themed artifacts, revolving exhibits, and garage parking are all free on the first Sunday of each month. The bad news: IMAX movies will still cost you $13."

"One of the most visited attractions in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum boasts more than 45 million pages of historical documents and papers from President LBJ's lengthy career. The museum, dedicated in 1971 and refurbished in 2013, contains exhibits relating to the president's time in office, as well as important issues of the day, including the rise of the civil rights movement. Also of interest is an impressive scale replica of the Oval Office as it would have been during Johnson's presidency, and many temporary exhibits related to American history are hosted throughout the year."

"Kick off today with a trip to the most visited presidential library in the United States, the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. You’re sure to be moved by the exhibit about the president’s life, and may well up with tears when you walk into the JFK assassination exhibit, or feel a sense of pride at seeing the pen LBJ used in signing the Civil Rights Act. Follow up the LBJ experience with lunch at Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ for some smoky beef brisket. If it’s not over 100 degrees, make your way to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is close by."

"This facility – housed in a contemporary, ten-story, travertine-clad structure – is a virtual treasure trove of papers and memorabilia from the often flamboyant and much beloved former president's life. Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office from LBJ's era, along with gifts of state received by him, displays from his boyhood, and a tribute to Mrs. Johnson's humanitarian and environmental works. Read more about LBJ Presidential Library →"

"Completed in 1888, the State Capitol and its 22 acres of grounds and monuments are home to the office of the State Governor and the Chambers of the Texas Legislature. Protected as a National Historic Landmark, the building impresses with its dimensions; at 308 feet tall, it ranks as the sixth tallest state capitol, taller even than the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Visitors can stroll the park via the tree-lined path called the Great Walk and admire the numerous monuments."

"DowntownHours: Always free Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm; and Sundays, noon to 5pmWhere Texas laws are made and broken and where Rick Perry’s villainous/heroic (subtract as you see fit) origin story began."

"Who needs a boring history museum when you could experience a living history museum?. At Pioneer Farms, the volunteers wear high-buttoned dresses and top hats as they take you through guided tours of farms and villages from the 1800s. You can pet animals, listen to stories and ride in horse-drawn buggies as you learn all about Texas history."

"Pioneer Farms is a living history museum offering workshops and programs for both students and adults. Step back in time and experience Texas history while you explore six themed historic areas. Some of the workshops available are blacksmithing, woodworking, knitting/quilting, candlemaking, soapmaking, and cheese making."

"The Austin History Center features interesting historical and photographic archives of Austin that chronicle its history from founding days to present time. Look out for the special themed exhibits on several topics exclusive to Austin that take place during the year. As part of the local history division of Austin Public Library, the museum shares information on local government, other institutions and establishments, and figures."

"DowntownHours: Always free Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; and Sundays, noon to 6pmA treasure trove of historical and photographic Austin archives, the Austin History Center also features special programs and themed exhibits in its stately Reading Room."

"Who needs a boring history museum when you could experience a living history museum?. At Pioneer Farms, the volunteers wear high-buttoned dresses and top hats as they take you through guided tours of farms and villages from the 1800s. You can pet animals, listen to stories and ride in horse-drawn buggies as you learn all about Texas history."

"Pioneer Farms is a living history museum offering workshops and programs for both students and adults. Step back in time and experience Texas history while you explore six themed historic areas. Some of the workshops available are blacksmithing, woodworking, knitting/quilting, candlemaking, soapmaking, and cheese making."

"One of the most visited attractions in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum boasts more than 45 million pages of historical documents and papers from President LBJ's lengthy career. The museum, dedicated in 1971 and refurbished in 2013, contains exhibits relating to the president's time in office, as well as important issues of the day, including the rise of the civil rights movement. Also of interest is an impressive scale replica of the Oval Office as it would have been during Johnson's presidency, and many temporary exhibits related to American history are hosted throughout the year."

"Kick off today with a trip to the most visited presidential library in the United States, the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. You’re sure to be moved by the exhibit about the president’s life, and may well up with tears when you walk into the JFK assassination exhibit, or feel a sense of pride at seeing the pen LBJ used in signing the Civil Rights Act. Follow up the LBJ experience with lunch at Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ for some smoky beef brisket. If it’s not over 100 degrees, make your way to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is close by."

"This facility – housed in a contemporary, ten-story, travertine-clad structure – is a virtual treasure trove of papers and memorabilia from the often flamboyant and much beloved former president's life. Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office from LBJ's era, along with gifts of state received by him, displays from his boyhood, and a tribute to Mrs. Johnson's humanitarian and environmental works. Read more about LBJ Presidential Library →"

"This fantastic museum is geared towards helping children of all ages grow through hand-on play. Different areas throughout the building encourage different types of play like the water room gets children involved with water and how it flows, building dams and waterfalls or how it sounds as it hits different types of materials. There is also lightroom that shows children how shadows are made or the peg wall where yo7u can create your stained glass window picture with different colored plastic pegs; there is also a STEM room and outdoor play/climb area, toddler area, a store/farm area and much more."

"The Thinkery Children’s Museum is a wonderful place to spend some time with your children, watching as they learn about the world around them and how it works. Here even the youngest children will learn about creative thinking and problem solving as they make their way through science, technology, arts, math and engineering exhibits. A wide variety of fun interactive exhibits await children of all ages who can enjoy water play (bring a change of clothes), inventing and making things in the Innovators Workshop and exploring physics and motion in the Ready, Set, Roll exhibit."

"Formally known as the Austin’s Childrens Museum, the Thinkery in our opinion, is one of the best children’s museums in Texas. With tons of hands-on activities, like making your own airplane and flying it or creating music out of water, there is never a dull visit to this museum. On Austin Museum Day, Thinkery will have all of its regular displays available as well as special activities all day in Innovators’ Workshop, Spark Shop, & Kitchen Lab."

"Look for Bubble Tea delivery places with one “$” as you browse, like Bubble House in The Drag, if you’re wanting a less expensive option."

"Sadly Rainey Street isn’t as cool as it use to be before all the housing construction but there are still cool bars like Icenhauer’s, Bungalow, Javelina, Half Step, and Container Bar. Container Bar is made entirely out of shipping containers. 90 Rainey St, austincontainerbar.com"

"909 W Mary St. | Thai Fresh is another Austin staple that focuses on delicious traditional Thai offerings based on local, sustainable ingredients in the heart of South Austin. Guests will find popular offerings and dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Photo by Hayden Walker"