18 Best Things to do in Burnet, Texas

Published By Ketki

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Located in Texas Hill Country in Central Texas, Burnet is a charming small town that is very popular with visitors.

Burnet is located in the scenic Highland Lakes region and is a very popular tourist destination.

It is just 55 miles away from Austin and makes a perfect day trip from the city

Fun fact: Did you know, Burnet is named after David Burnet, the first president of the Republic of Texas. 

Burnet is known as the bluebonnet capital of Texas and is the perfect destination to enjoy the bluebonnet scenery in the Texas Hill Country.

Deer at Inks Lake State Park near Burnet Texas
Deer at Inks Lake State Park near Burnet Texas

Best Things to do in Burnet, Tx

There’s plenty to do in Burnet, Texas!

For outdoor enthusiasts, the city is home to a number of hiking trails.

The nearby state parks are also a great place for swimming, picnicking, and bird watching.

There are also a number of museums in Burnet, including the Fort Croghan Museum. 

And no trip to Burnet would be complete without sampling the local food and drink.

The city is home to several great restaurants, breweries, and wineries.

Downtown Burnet

Downtown Burnet is a charming Texas small town in the Hill Country.

The historic main street is lined with cute shops and restaurants, and the courthouse square is a beautiful green space in the center of town.

The Burnet County Courthouse, which was built in 1885, is one of the most striking buildings in town.

Downtown Burnet is also home to a number of art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, and other businesses. 

Bluebonnets at sunrise in the Texas Hill Country near Kingsland
Bluebonnets at sunrise in the Texas Hill Country near Kingsland

Burnet Farmers Market

The Burnet Farmers Market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce.

Held every Saturday from April to October, the market features a variety of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, baked goods, and more.

Burnet Bluebonnet Festival

Every spring, the small town of Burnet, Texas comes alive with color for the annual Bluebonnet Festival.

For three days, the streets are lined with booths selling arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, and local food.

There’s also live music, a parade, and a pageant.

The festival is a celebration of the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet.

Every year, thousands of people come to Burnet to see the bluebonnets in bloom in Central Texas.

The festival is a great opportunity to experience small-town charm and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Longhorn Caverns can best be explored on the guided tours
Longhorn Caverns can best be explored on the guided tours

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit.

The highlight of the park is, of course, the cavern itself, which was formed over millions of years by the action of water on limestone.

Today, the cavern is home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an underground river.

Visitors can explore the cavern on their own or take a guided tour.

In addition to the cavern, the park also offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and opportunities for birdwatching.

Also Read: 17 Best State Parks near Austin, Texas to Visit Now

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country.

With its clear blue waters and limestone cliffs, the park feels more like a Mediterranean oasis than anything else.

Devil’s Water Hole is one of the most popular features at Inks Lake State Park.

This natural swimming hole is a great place to cool off on a hot day, and the cliffs surrounding the pool provide an ideal spot for cliff jumping, sunbathing and picnicking.

And while Inks Lake may be best known for its water activities—swimming, fishing, boating, and so on—there’s plenty to do on dry land as well.

Hikers can explore over ten miles of trails, and picnickers can enjoy scenic views of the lake from one of the many overlooks.

The park is famous for its wildflower displays and is one of the best places to camp in Texas.

Devils Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park in Texas Hill Country
Devils Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park in Texas Hill Country

Vanishing Texas River Cruise

The Vanishing Texas River Cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

The cruise takes you along the Colorado River, which is home to a variety of plant and animal life.

The tour includes narration by a river guide who provides information about the natural history, ecology, and geology of the river.

The cruise also offers views of native plants and wildlife, as well as historic buildings and landmarks.

You’ll also get to see some of the amazing limestone formations that make up the river banks.

A highlight of the cruise is the hidden Fall Creek Waterfall, which can be seen only from the water.

Hill Country Flyer

Not into cruises? How about a steam train ride?

The Hill Country Flyer is a train ride through the scenic Texas Hill Country.

The 66 mile excursion begins in Cedar Park and ends in Burnet.

The highlight of the train ride is the mock gun fight at Burnet.

Operated by the Austin Steam Train Association, the Hill Country Flyer offers a unique and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the area.

The train cars are comfortable and spacious, and the views from the windows are simply stunning.

Winding through canyons and past limestone cliffs, the Hill Country Flyer is a great way to spend an afternoon.

This is definitely one of the best train rides in Texas!

Inks Lake State Park Texas is popular for canoeing and kayaking
Inks Lake State Park Texas is popular for canoeing and kayaking

Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan is one of the largest lakes in Texas and offers a variety of activities for visitors.

The lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating, and camping.

The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and sunfish.

There are also many different kinds of birds that can be seen around the lake, such as herons, egrets, and ospreys.

There are also several scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hills.

In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Buchanan is also home to a number of historical sites.

With its clear waters and scenic views, Lake Buchanan is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Lake LBJ

Lake LBJ, another of the Texas highland Lakes, is a great place to spend the day.

The Reservoir is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country, Lake LBJ is known for its clear blue waters and gorgeous scenery.

There are several parks and public boat ramps located around Lake LBJ where visitors can enjoy boating access to the lake.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, fish for bass, or enjoy some water sports, Lake LBJ has something for everyone.

Lake Buchanan Texas makes a great family vacation destination
Lake Buchanan Texas makes a great family vacation destination

Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle is a unique and beautiful structure located in Burnet, Texas.

The castle was built in the late 1800s by German immigrants who were looking for a place to escape the heat of the Texas summers.

The castle is constructed from native limestone, and it features a number of intricate designs, including a spiral staircase and an arched gateway.

Today, Falkenstein Castle, while not open to public, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Texas.

Visitors can see the castle from the road.

Falkenstein Castle near Burnet Texas
Falkenstein Castle near Burnet Texas

Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum

Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum in Burnet, Texas is a great place to learn about the history of the frontier fort that once stood there.

The grounds are open to the public and feature a variety of exhibits on the fort’s history.

The museum also houses a collection of artifacts from the fort, including weapons, tools, and clothing.

The grounds are also home to a number of historic buildings, including a log cabin, school house, blacksmith shop, and an old stagecoach stop.

Fort Croghan is a great place to learn about the history of the Texas frontier.

Eagle Eye Observatory

Eagle Eye Observatory is located in Burnet, Texas and is a part of the Canyon of the Eagles resort.

The observatory has a number of different telescopes that visitors can use to see planets, stars, and other celestial objects.

The observatory is open to the public for a limited number of sessions on weekends.

Visitors can take tours of the facility, view the night sky through telescopes, and participate in educational programs.

White truss bridge on the Colorado river near Lake Buchanan in Texas Hill Country
White truss bridge on the Colorado river near Lake Buchanan in Texas Hill Country

Spider Mountain Bike Park

Spider Mountain bike park in Burnet, Texas is one of the best places to mountain bike in the state.

The park has several miles of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly green routes to black diamond technical trails.

In addition to its diverse trail network, Spider Mountain also features a chair lift.

The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and the descent is an adrenaline-pumping experience.

The park is also home to a variety of other activities, including hiking, camping, and picnicking.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or just getting started, Spider Mountain bike park is worth a visit.

Delaware Springs Golf Course

Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet, Texas is a beautiful 18-hole course that offers a challenging round of golf for players of all levels.

The course features rolling hills, native plants and trees, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. 

It is one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the Hill Country. 

Indian Paintbrush blooming in Inks Lake State Park in spring
Indian Paintbrush blooming in Inks Lake State Park in spring

Highland Lakes Aviation Museum

Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force Museum is a great place to learn about the history of aviation in the area.

The museum has a variety of exhibits that showcase different aspects of aviation, from early biplanes to modern jets. 

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park is one of the most popular nature parks in Burnet, Texas.

The park is home to a variety of different animals, including eagles, hawks, and ospreys.

Visitors to the park can take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries
Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries

Local wineries

The Hill Country is home to a number of different wineries, and many of them are located in Burnet, Texas.

Visitors can tour the facilities, learn about the winemaking process, and taste the various wines that are produced in the area.

There are a number of different wine trails that wind their way through the Hill Country, and each one offers a unique experience.

Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for something different to do, visiting a local winery is a great way to spend a day in Burnet, Texas.

Marble Falls

Marble Falls is a small town located in the Hill Country of Texas.

The town is home to a number of different attractions, including a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of historical landmarks.

It makes a great day trip in the Burnet area.

Bluebonnet house near Marble Falls in the Texas Hill Country
Bluebonnet house near Marble Falls in the Texas Hill Country

Best Time to Visit Burnet, Texas

There is nothing as enchanting as a visit to Burnet, Texas in the spring.

You will be treated to amazing wildflower vistas and can enjoy music and delicious food at the annual bluebonnet festival. 

However, Burnet also makes a great year round destination for visitors.

Entrance to the caves at Longhorn Caverns State Park
Entrance to the caves at Longhorn Caverns State Park

Burnet, Texas is a great place to visit for a number of different reasons.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of the Texas frontier, enjoying the outdoors, or sampling the local wine, Burnet has something to offer everyone.

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