BUESCHER STATE PARK
Buescher State Park, a scenic area, is 1016.7 acres just north of Smithville in Bastrop County. Between the years 1933 and 1936, Mr. Emil and Mrs. Elizabeth Buescher originally deeded 318 acres of land to the state. After Emil Buescher's death, his heirs donated 318 more acres. The rest of the parkland was acquired from the city of Smithville. The original park totaled 1738 acres and opened in 1940. Approximately 700 of the acres were later deeded to MD Anderson and UT Cancer Center.
The beautiful wooded setting, that includes a tranquil lake, makes an excellent area from which to observe the seasonal distribution of some 250 species of birds. Mammals include white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, bobcats and armadillos along with rabbits, squirrels and small rodents. Enjoy fishing for catfish, bass, crappie, perch and also rainbow trout in the winter
El Camino Real (King's/Royal Highway) once ran near the park, connecting San Antonio de Bexar with Spanish missions in East Texas and generally followed present-day Texas State Highway 21 and Old San Antonio Road. This park land was part of Austin's colonial grant, and the original park improvements were made by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). A scenic park road connects Buescher State Park with Bastrop State Park and travels through a part of the lovely lost pines, a remnant of what is thought to have once been an extensive pine-oak forest covering much of Central Texas, during the time Ice Age glaciers reigned to the north.
You can enjoy fishing in a serene lake setting, home to largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. A valid license is required.
Buescher State Park is located near Bastrop, Cedar Creek and La Grange
1. Buescher State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the park.
2. There are covered pavilions available for larger groups.
3. Visitors can enjoy a lakeside picnic with fishing opportunities nearby.
4. The park provides trash cans at all picnicking sites, promoting cleanliness in nature settings.
5. Picnic spots offer scenic views of wildlife and lush greenery around the lake area.
For cycling enthusiasts, a challenging 12-mile trail connects with the neighboring park. Be aware of steep hills and sharp turns.
The hilly terrain offers an intense workout for experienced bikers but may be difficult for beginners or casual riders.
Riders should prepare to navigate through dense forests on narrow paths that can become slippery when wet due to rainfall.
Bike rentals are not available within this location; visitors must bring their own equipment if they wish to cycle here.
Helmets are highly recommended as safety precautions since some parts of the trails have loose gravel which could lead to accidents.
Please note: The bike path is shared with pedestrians so always maintain safe speeds and give way where necessary.
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird and White-eyed Vireo. The park is part of the Lost Pines Birding Trail. It's home to over 250 bird species including rare ones such as Painted Bunting and Summer Tanager. Visitors may also see waterfowl on its lake during winter months.
Nearby attractions include Bastrop State Park, Monument Hill/Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, Lockhart State Park, Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, and McKinney Falls State Park. Lake Bastrop, and the cities of Bastrop, Smithville and Austin.
The park is located 2 miles northwest of Smithville on State Highway 71 to FM 153, then north on 153 for .5 mile to enter Park Road 1. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112. Camping fees vary; as do entrance fees. For reservations call 512/389-8900.