Photo © Jacci Bear

Where is it? Zilker Botanical Garden Center 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, Texas 78704 512-477-8672 The gardens are on the north side of Barton Springs Road in Zilker Metropolitan Park. The Prehistoric Gardens are also accessible from an entrance on Stratford Drive.   Detour • The Hartman Prehistoric Garden Learn about the garden's history, future plans, and when to visit. (this link goes outside the About Austin, TX site)   INDEX

I remember the Prehistoric Gardens as just a big flat rock area shortly after the dinosaur tracks were discovered. Today the area has been transformed with plants, waterfalls, and winding paths. This path (photo above) with the tracks of the Ornithomimus leads to Dinosaur Island where a 13-foot bronze sculpture of this dinosaur keeps watch over the park. Plants in the garden represent those of the Cretaceous Period. There are stone benches, ponds, and even a small petrified wood garden.

You can access the Garden through the main Zilker Botanical Garden entrance on Barton Springs Road or from the huge ornate gate entrance along Stratford Drive (park under Mopac, just outside the Austin Nature and Science Center).

If you enjoyed this tour of Zilker Park, you may also be interested in:
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