You might think that Johnson City is named for President Lyndon Baines Johnson—but you’d be wrong. Although it’s the center of many of the Hill Country historic attractions associated with him, the town was actually founded in the late 1870s by James Polk Johnson, a second cousin to the former U.S. president.
LBJ brought the attention of the world to his hometown, located 14 miles north of Blanco on US 281.
The most popular stop here is the LBJ Boyhood Home, managed by the U.S. Park Service. LBJ was five years old in 1913 when his family moved from their country home near the Pedernales River to this simple frame house. The Visitors Center provides information on this location, nearby Johnson Settlement, and other LBJ attractions.
The president and first lady lived west of Johnson City in the community of Stonewall. The LBJ Ranch is open for public tours.
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Attractions
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Located in downtown Johnson City, this park commemorates the most famous resident of the Hill Country, former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson.
Boyhood Home. From 1913 to 1934 Lyndon Johnson lived in a simple white frame house at this location. Johnson’s father, Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr., was a state representative, and the home often echoed with political debate. At the same time, a future statesman was being tutored on the front porch at the knee of his mother, Rebekah Baines Johnson. Your first stop in Johnson City will probably be the LBJ Boyhood Home, managed by the U.S. Park Service. LBJ was five years old in 1913 when his family moved from their country home near the Pedernales River to this simple frame house. Nearby, the Visitors Center provides information on this location, nearby Johnson Settlement, and other LBJ attractions.
Johnson Settlement. This site consists of a restored cabin and other buildings that belonged to Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr., LBJ’s grandfather. Photos, farm implements, and clothing from the 1800s are displayed in a visitors center. An old cypress cistern serves as a mini-auditorium featuring recorded readings of letters written by original settlers of this rugged land.
The Exotic Resort Zoo.
The 137-acre ranch is viewed on guided tours for a look at 80 different species. The 500 animals seen from the open-air safari trams include camel, buffalo, deer, and more. 235 Zoo Trail, four miles north of Johnson City on US 281.
Pedernales Falls State Park. This scenic park is noted for its waterfalls, swimming, and hiking. Although dogs (and people) are not permitted on the cascading falls for which the park is named, you’ll find plenty of downstream fun beneath the cypress trees. Enjoy a day of swimming and wading with your dog as well as picnicking, camping, and hiking. Note: this park can experience dangerous flash floods. If you notice even a slight rise in the river, you should get to higher ground immediately. The park has sirens to warn of an approaching flash flood but stay alert to changing conditions. 2585 Park Rd. 6026.
Stonewall
West of Johnson City on US 290, the community of Stonewall is known as the home of Johnson’s “Texas White House.” A large white home sprawled under shady oaks, the LBJ Ranch House, hosted many national and international visitors during LBJ’s lifetime. Stonewall is also known for its peach industry and award-winning wineries.
LBJ National and State Historic Parks. These combined parks span 700 acres and comprise LBJ’s Ranch (often called the “Texas White House” during his term) as well as historic areas. Dogs on fixed leashes no longer than six feet are permitted on the LBJ Ranch as well as on the walking trails at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site; they are not permitted inside buildings. You can also take a self-guided driving tour of the ranch, a great way to see a real, working Texas cattle ranch. You’ll also find picnic areas for a stop for you and Fido. The site also includes the Visitors Center and the Sauer-Beckmann Farm where children can pet the farm animals. Costumed docents carry on farm chores typical of the early 1900s. US 290 14 miles west of Johnson City.
Becker Vineyards. With 46 acres of French Vinifera vines, this winery boasts one of Texas’s largest underground wine cellar. The vineyard has produced such specialties as the 2002 Viognier, an elegant wine with a hint of violets and peach, served at a dinner for Australia’s Prime Minister at President Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch, and the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, poured at a White House dinner. 464 Becker Farms Rd.
Shop for Local Foods
Whittington’s Jerky.
This factory produces true Texas jerky; stop by for free samples or to shop for jerky and other food items.
Festivals
AUGUST:
Blanco County Fair and Rodeo. This three-day event blends traditional rodeo competitions with a parade, street dance and a carnival. Blanco County Fairgrounds, 619 US 281 N.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER:
Lights Spectacular. Enjoy one of the best holiday light displays in the state at this annual event which is part of the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail. It starts with the lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse and continues with lamplight tours of the LBJ Boyhood Home, carriage rides, a 5K run and holiday shopping. Downtown Johnson City.