If you’ve been living in Texas for as long as I have (my entire life), you’ve probably visited the San Antonio River Walk more times than you can count. With its dazzling Christmas display, romantic gondola rides, and amazing restaurants, it’s easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. But other than what we can do there, we don’t know very much about it. Here are 15 interesting fun facts about the River Walk.

1. It cost $430,000 to build, funded by the Works Progress Administration, part of Franklin Roosevelt's effort to end the Great Depression.
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That's a lot of money for the 1930s.
2. The oldest bar on the River Walk, Esquire Tavern, opened on the day Prohibition was repealed - December 5, 1933.
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San Antonio sure was ready to not be a dry town anymore. But, hey, what Texas town wasn't excited to have beer again?
3. The movie "Selena" (1997) featured scenes filmed on the River Walk.
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4. The river ranges from two feet to 24 feet deep.
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Better not drink too much and accidentally take a tumble! (Or at least have someone to fish you out if you do.)
5. Every St. Patrick's Day, the entire river is dyed green and given the name of River Shannon.
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6. The dazzling Christmas display dating back to 1974 features over 1.8 MILLION lights.
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There's truly no better city to be in during the holidays.
7. The I-35 bridge running over the River Walk is the summer home for over 20,000 Mexican free-tail bats.
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8. Good news! The city's open container ordinance doesn't include the River Walk.
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So BYOB - and lots of it! (As long as it's Shiner Bock, of course.)
9. Everything from cameras and silverware to diamond rings and furniture has been found at the bottom of the river during its annual cleaning.
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10. The same people who designed Disneyland proposed a construction plan for the River Walk.
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11. The River Walk is the venue for over 225 wedding ceremonies each year.
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12. Johnny Cash sat on a bench along the River Walk with his future wife when he was 18. He carved "Johnny Loves Vivian" into the wood.
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13. The annual Canoe Challenge has been bringing canoe lovers together for 45 years to participate in a thrilling race down the river.
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14. Until the 1970s, personal paddle boats were allowed on the river.
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Did you know any of these facts? What’s your favorite thing about the River Walk?

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