Lyndon B. Johnson National Park

Texas is one of the greatest states to visit National Parks. I live centrally located to some of the most beautiful parks. My home is an hour away from Garner National Park, Lost Maples, and Lyndon B. Johnson State Park, where we decided to take a day trip.

Tip #1- Save money and pack a picnic for the park. Whether it’s a National Park or a local park, kids love picnics. I usually grab whatever is in the fridge, make a few sandwiches and pack everything in a cooler. If you really want to score some points with your kids, the night before, make some home-made cookies and pack them up for dessert after the picnic. A family picnic does not have to be anything fancy. If you’re out of bread, make a lovely charcuterie plate with fruit, cheese and deli meat.

Located in Stonewall, Tx, Lyndon B. Johnson National Park and Historic Site is in the heart of the hill country. There is no entrance fee, and you can pick up a map at the visitor’s center close to the entrance.

We spent the morning exploring the park’s Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. On the farm, we met park rangers that are dressed up in pioneer clothing tending to the farm animals and garden. My son got to pick eggs from the chicken coop. Everyone that works there are friendly, and they will sit and answer all of your kids’ questions.

After the farm, we stopped in the picnic table area for lunch. The park has plenty of space and parking spots for picnics. While we enjoyed our lunch we looked over at the fields and saw longhorn, and cattle. The restrooms in the area are very clean.

After lunch we drove through The LBJ Ranch. This is a self-guided tour that is easily mapped out on the free map we picked up at the visitor’s center. Visit LBJ’s birthplace, the one-room school that Lyndon attended as a child in 1912, and the Johnsson family cemetery where he is buried.

Look up National parks or historic sites in your state. Some of them might have no entrance fees. It’s a great way to spend a day. We only spent money on gas to go to the LBJ Ranch and Historic Site. Not bad for a full day of fun and memories that last a lifetime. What National Parks have you visited in the past? Comment below.