BURNET

Population 3,504

Altitude 1,319

General

Seat of Burnet County, town grew around frontier Fort Croghan, established in 1849. One of the most ancient geological areas of the world. Features outcropping of granite and famous Longhorn Cavern. Nearby White Bluff characterized by beautiful formations created by running and dripping water; on F.M. 2341 off Texas 29, about 15 miles northwest.

Year-round tourist destination. Named Bluebonnet Capital of Texas by 67th Texas Legislature; known for beautiful display of wild flowers each spring. Antique shopping on historic square. Camping facilities and excellent fishing on nearby Highland Lakes. Hunters take deer, wild turkey, and dove in season. For information on attractions, accommodations, and special events, call the chamber of commerce at 512-756-4297.

Delaware Springs Golf Course 18 hole municipal golf course on U.S. 281 south of town. Open daily from daylight to dark. 512-756-8471.

BLACK ROCK PARK

Confederate Air Force

FORT CROGHAN MUSEUM

HIGHLAND LAKES CAF AIR MUSEUM

HIGHLAND LAKES GOLF COURSE

LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK

SCENIC DRIVES

VANISHING TEXAS RIVER CRUISE

Attractions

• BLACK ROCK PARK - About 18 miles west on Lake Buchanan.
• FORT CROGHAN MUSEUM - Restored powder house, stone and log buildings. Exhibits, restored carriages, old guns, furniture, and relics depicting local frontier days. Open Mon. - Sat. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. On Texas 29 west.
• HIGHLAND LAKES CAF AIR MUSEUM - Headquarters for Confederate Air Force Hill Country Squadron,. Features W.W.II fighter planes, firearms, photographs, and memorabilia. Open Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. At Burnet Municipal Airport, south on U.S. 281; 512-756-2226. Admission.
• HIGHLAND LAKES GOLF COURSE - On shore of Inks Lake.

  HILL COUNTRY FLYER - Steam excursion train runs through Hill Country from Cedar Park City Hall near U.S. 183 and R.M. 1431 near Austin to Burnet. Train is pulled by Engine No. 786, a 75 year old steam locomotive once displayed in downtown Austin. Ride is two hours through scenic countryside. Two hour return trip following short layover in Burnet for dining and shopping. Departures are Sat. and Sun. at 10 a.m. For information call 512-477-8468. A fare is charged.

• LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK - Two miles of underground fantasy, home of prehistoric cavemen, site of secret gunpowder manufacturer for Confederate armies, later an outlaw hideout. Cave tours supplemented by nature trails; snack bar. Museum displays Indian artifacts frontier and Civil War items. Open daily except Christmas and Christmas Eve. About 11 miles southwest via U.S. 281, Park Road 4. Admission. 512-756-4680.
• SCENIC DRIVES - Among best is Texas 29 west ad R.M. 2341 northwest, a beautiful route to Spider Mountain, which according to legend, was Indian burial ground. Below landmark is Bee Bluff, noted fishing spot.

  R.M. 2342 offers excellent landscape views, especially at turnout near confluence of Llano and Colorado Rivers.

• VANISHING TEXAS RIVER CRUISE - Hill Country wildlife and scenery viewed from enclosed, 60 foot tour b oat on 23,000 acre Lake Buchanan year round. From mid November through February cruise visits wintering grounds of American Bald Eagles. Cruise length about 2 1/2 hours; daily, except Tues., at 11 a.m.; also at 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

  A sleek, new craft, the Osprey, offers a four hour trip covering 36 miles, including a visit to Colorado Bend State Park where ;passengers can hike, ;picnic, or swim. Craft features a shallow three inch draft at cruising speed of 40 miles per hour, and an unhampered 360 degree view of the scenery for riders. Osprey departs from dock Sat. at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. Schedules vary with demand during week.

  Also, a tour of Lake Buchanan with stop at Fall Creek Vineyards is offered Wed. and Fri. at 10 a.m. The Fall Creek tour includes visit to winery and a sampling of the vineyard's award-winning wines.

  Make reservations for all cruises; 512-75-6986. Drive west three miles on Texas 29; northwest 13.5 miles on RM. 2341. Cruise fee.

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