A state park and national historic site all rolled into one.
After packing up at Inks Lake, we drove about an hour south to Stonewall, Texas. Stonewall is the childhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson. It has since been turned into a state park and national historic site. It’s a smaller park that focuses on the historic notions of the area as opposed to being filled with hiking trails or a lake to swim in. This makes it unique; there aren’t many Texas state parks that offer a look into history like LBJ state park does.
The first thing we did when we pulled up to the park was go check in at the visitor center. The volunteer attendant got us all set up and gave us a lot of information in regards to what there is to do at the park. Then, as we were leaving the center, the craziest thing happened! Guys, we were recognized, and not as Bryce or Kaylee. We were walking back to the car and heard someone say, “You guys are Howdy to the Outdoors.” We were stunned to say the least. I was in complete shock; I had no idea how to even respond. It wasn’t until we got back to the car that I got all giddy. I wished I had said something, like, “wow, yes we are” or “yeah thanks haha.” Bryce said I should talk to her if I saw her again. And I did have the opportunity, but I chicken out. I’m not the best at talking to strangers in person haha.
But, from that excitement, we went back towards the visitor center to check out some exhibits about LBJ’s life and career. There were some fascinating stories and art pieces that filled the room. Some that stuck out included interactive exhibits that told us about what people from the area ate, some letters they sent back home, and all the types of people that lived in the area.
Next, we went on to check out the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. The Sauer’s bought the land for the farm in 1869. They sold the land in 1900 to the Beckmann’s. They lived on the land and took care of the farm until they slowly started to sell parts of the land to other people, including President Lyndon B. Johnson. This farm has been running since 1869 and still is. We found it very impressive that this farm is still a functioning farm. We walked around for a little bit, looking at the old buildings and all the cute farm animals.
There is free access to the state park and national historic site, so the next stop was the LBJ Ranch on the side of the national historic site. We got to drive past an old cathedral and junction school, as well as the president’s childhood home and show barn. The highlight was being able to see Air Force One Half. This airplane is a miniature version of Air Force One that LBJ had made. He wanted to be able to fly right to his family ranch in Texas, but the space wasn’t big enough to handle the real Air Force. Hence, make a smaller version and call it Air Force One Half.
LBJ State Park was the last park for the weekend. Fredericksburg, Texas was a short drive from the park, so we made a quick pit stop for some ice cream. Then we made the two and half hour drive back to Smithville. The summer Bryce and I spent together was filled with so many adventures, and we were so glad we were able to have this last hoorah to cap it all off! I can’t wait to see which state park we visit next!
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