One Of The Most Unique Towns In America, Johnson City Is Perfect For A Day Trip In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 14, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Texas is rife with small towns that make idyllic day trip destinations, and Johnson City is among the most underrated of them all. Home to the 36th president of the United States, great restaurants, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, this tiny blip on the map is so worth visiting.
Johnson City is home to fewer than 2,000 people, but the small Hill Country town has earned a rightful spot in the history books.
This little blip on the map bore the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, and this tree-lined road leads to his boyhood home.
The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, located in nearby Stonewall, features nature trails, historic cabins, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and a Visitors Center showcasing memorabilia from President Johnson’s time in office.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX 78671, USA
Illustrating the heavy influence German immigration had on the Texas Hill Country, this park is a truly fascinating place to visit. It also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool that opens every summer!
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Across the Pedernales River, you'll find Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which the iconic LBJ Ranch is part of.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX 78671, USA
You'll see the President's boyhood home, the one-room schoolhouse he attended in 1912, and several other noteworthy buildings. Tours of the ranch begin at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site.
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Johnson continued to live on the ranch throughout his adult life and political career, and the home he shared with his wife, Lady Bird, became known as the "Texas White House."
A free, self-guided driving tour takes you on a winding journey through the ranch, and everyone receives a map indicating all the stops along the way.
Pedernales Falls State Park is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, too, so it only makes sense to visit the world-famous natural wonder while you're in town.
Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Texas 78663, USA
Spanning over 5,000 acres, the park features giant limestone slabs, tons of hiking trails, and a pristine swimming area. It's like taking a trip back to prehistoric times! Click here for the park's website, and here for Facebook.
All that exploring sure works up an appetite, so head on over to Pecan Street Brewing for some delicious pub grub.
Pecan Street Brewing, Avenue, 106 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
This bustling spot is known for its live music, patio seating, no-frills American fare, and rotating on-tap beer selection. Click here for the restaurant's website, and here
for Facebook.
While Johnson City is worth visiting year-round, if we had to pick a favorite season, it would definitely be Christmastime.
The courthouse and surrounding town square come alive in a dazzling display of over 100,000 lights, and it's a magical sight to see.
Click here to learn about the state park, and here for the national historical park. Here, you’ll find the Facebook page to the state park, and you can click here for the National Park’s page. Tours of the ranch are offered seven days a week, and permits are issued between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Have you ever been to Johnson City? If so, did you visit either the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park or National Historical Park? What about Pedernales Falls or Pecan Street Brewing? Tell us all about your experience in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for more small towns in Texas worth taking a detour to.
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