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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Johnson City is offering two free outdoor programs this month - a daytime walk through a piece of Hill Country pioneer history and an evening of stargazing at the LBJ Ranch.
Johnson Settlement Walk
On Saturday March 14 and Saturday March 21, park rangers will lead free 45-minute walks through the Johnson Settlement, the 1860s homestead of President Lyndon Johnson’s grandparents. The walks begin at 11:30 a.m. at the National Park Service visitor center.
The settlement played a formative role in shaping the future president. A young LBJ often sat at his grandparents’ feet listening to their pioneering stories, and the experience left him with a deep and lasting love for the Texas Hill Country. No reservations are needed. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended.
Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch
On the evening of March 21, the park shifts its focus skyward. Beginning at 7 p.m., gates open at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall for a night sky event that runs through 10:30 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., Junior Rangers of all ages can join park rangers on the ranch’s airstrip for activities focused on the night sky, with participants earning a Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. There is no maximum age limit, though children must be accompanied by a parent. The suggested minimum age is 5.
Starting at 8:30 p.m., members of the Hill Country Astronomers will set up telescopes for a stargazing session running through 10:30 p.m., offering views of stars, globular clusters, and distant galaxies.
The event is free but attendance is capped at 100 participants. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 830-868-7128 (option 2) or emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch.” Participants should dress for the weather and bring water. A flashlight equipped with a red filter is also suggested, as it is ideal for preserving night vision.
