The Highland Lakes region of the Texas hill country is well known for its lakes. While each lake is reason enough to visit the area, visitors will be excited to know there is more – much more – to see and do. Here are five delightfully unexpected finds in the Highland Lakes of Burnet County that will have you saying, “Wait, that’s there? Let’s go!”
The world-renowned Prince of Peace painting by an eight-year-old child prodigy
Belóved Gallery in Marble Falls houses the famous Prince of Peace painting created in 2003 by then eight-year-old child prodigy Akiane Kramarik. The divinely inspired painting of Jesus is the centerpiece of Belóved Gallery. The gallery was created to give people opportunity to experience the painting in person and convey the message of ‘unwavering faith, unconditional love, and eternal life.’
Guided 55-minute tours of the exhibition, Akiane: The Early Years, are free but require reservations. The gallery, located at 206 Avenue H, Suite 101, Marble Falls, is open Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bluebonnet House
Quite possibly the most photographed house in the state of Texas, the unofficially named Bluebonnet House on U.S. 281 in north Marble Falls is a historical gem. Built in 1853 by an early settler, the house along with its surrounding property is famous for its iconic Texas charm. Catch this beauty in early spring and you may be treated to a colorful burst of bluebonnets, hence the name. While the house is rich in history, it will not be found, at least not yet, on the state’s historical register — something the local historical association hopes will change.
Spot the Bluebonnet House on U.S. 281 next to the Pedernales Electric Coop. district office which is located at 4302 N. U.S. 281 in Marble Falls. The home is best viewed by turning off of U.S. 281 and on to the street between PEC and the property’s fence line.
Spider Mountain Bike Park
A unicorn in the way of off-road bike parks, Spider Mountain is one-of-a-kind. It’s the only chairlift-served mountain bike park in the country and it is located right here in Burnet County! The ‘mountain’ is a rugged, and scenic, Texas-sized hill that off road bikers and hikers are smitten with. Guests ride the chairlift up and hike or bike down. You don’t have to be an expert mountain biker to enjoy Spider Mountain, it has trails for all skill levels, at least 19 of them including several for experts only. The park also has a dedicated hiking trail for those preferring to enjoy the park without wheels. Spider Mountain also offers bike rentals should you decide to give it a try.
Spider Mountain Bike Park is open year-round Friday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Passes and rentals can be purchased in advance on their website. The park is located at 200 Greenwood Hills Trail in Burnet.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Naturally, the coolest place in the Highland Lakes is Longhorn Cavern. The well known cave is a comfy 68 degrees year round. The cavern has a surprisingly rich and colorful history, impressive for any cave. It aided prehistoric hunters in capturing prey, helped put the “pow” in the Confederacy’s gunpowder, served as a literal underground nightclub, and was a Cold War-era licensed and stocked nuclear fallout shelter. The park offers several types of paid cavern tours: the normal Walking Tour; a Blacklight Cavern Tour; and a walk on the wilder side with the Wild Cave Tour. Everything above ground at the park is free to visit – the historic rock buildings, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Find Longhorn Cavern State Park at 6211 Park Road 4 S., Burnet. The park is open daily at 9 a.m. Cavern tours may be booked online or at the park. Insider tip, keep your eye out on the way to the park, you just might see a real castle.
Krause Springs
An actual oasis amidst the rough and rocky hill country terrain, Highland Lakes visitors in the know will find a lush, natural spring wonderland at Krause Springs. Brave the chilly temp of the upper spring-fed pool then head down and explore the lower, natural pool surrounded by age old cypress trees. Young or young at heart, give the rope swing a try, you can’t miss it near the grotto waterfall. Krause Springs is a privately owned park and campground listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites. Park admission can be purchased at the office upon arrival.
Absolutely worth the backroad drive, Krause Springs is located at 424 CR 404 in Spicewood. The park/campground is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, it closes seasonally from November into February. Insider tip, wear water shoes, the rocky areas around the lower pool can be slippery.
Now that you know what the Highland Lakes and Burnet County have to offer, stay a little longer and play a little more.
