Walking in LBJ's footsteps

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March 3, 2013

After dropping my husband off at a golf tournament in Marble Falls, Texas I decided to drive 30 minutes south to the LBJ National Historical Park, not to be confused with the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in Austin. The park is actually located at two locations about 14 miles apart. The first location includes the visitor center, the Johnson settlement , Johnson boyhood home, and the Parks Headquarters in Johnson City. Near Stonewall, Texas one can visit the LBJ Ranch.

Arriving in Johnson City early on a Sunday morning before the visitor center opened, I searched for a place to grab a quick breakfast. Unfortunately, my choice was so limited I ended up buying a freshly baked donut at a gas station. At the visitor center I toured the small museum that detailed LBJ's life. From the visitor center, I wandered over to Johnson's boyhood home where I was greeted by a park ranger who gave me a private tour of the three bedroom house. While tours are scheduled to start every 30 minutes , I was informed that was only a guideline. From there I walked to the Johnson settlement which consists of historical buildings including a dog run cabin where Johnson's ancestors had lived. At the entrance of the settlement is a display room chronicling the history of area's cattle drives.

After exploring the Johnson settlement I hiked back to my car. I drove out to the LBJ Ranch. At the second visitor center, I received a CD to guide me to points of interest located on the ranch. Driving the long way around the ranch as directed by the CD, I visited the one room school house and the Johnson family cemetery finally ending up at the Texas White House. To tour the house I had to pay a fee for the first time that day, which was a whopping $3. The tour guide escorted us into the house which had been restored to its appearance during LBJ presidency. The time period included furnishing in several bright colors including a turquoise leather chair with the presidential emblem. The guide shared stories about LBJ's life including the reasons for several TVs and 70 plus phones placed throughout the house. The house was located next to the gift shop which included the Johnson car museum. Upon completing the tour, I drove back pass several of the same sites and returned the CD to a drop box.

The one suggestion I would make to anyone wanting to visit the LBJ National Park in Johnson City and Stonewall is bring your own food as you will want to spend several hours at these attractions to take full advantage of the experience.

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