Fun Things to Do Around Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan features a myriad of fun activities, including:

• Vanishing Texas River Cruises
• Longhorn Cavern State Park

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Just northwest of Austin, Lake Buchanan is a natural 22,000-acre paradise surrounded by opportunities for adventure. A day at the lake is second to none, but the hillocks and knolls of Texas Hill Country boast an assortment of awe-inspiring natural phenomena. So join us as we venture down the river, meander in the lake, and spelunk through underground passages.

Vanishing Texas River Cruises

Embark on a naturalist adventure with Vanishing Texas River Cruises — the majesty of Lake Buchanan on full display.

Scenic Wilderness Cruise

A journey on this 2–3 hour cruise — on the 40-year-old original route — carries visitors an extensive and exciting 18 miles on Lake Buchanan. On its way, the boat will pass waterfalls, rocky cliff faces, and wildlife, and a tour guide will be present to elaborate on points of interest. Vanishing Texas River Cruises offers this cruise on fixed schedules between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Sunset Cruise

The Sunset Cruise follows the same course as the Scenic Wilderness Cruise and takes place between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Takeoff for these pleasure cruises begins at 6 p.m.

Ultimate Eagle and Birding Cruise

Lake Buchanan is known for its birding presence, as American bald eagles migrate to warmer temperatures and winter here for the climate, food, and mating. This cruise occurs between November and February and offers a glimpse into local birdlife’s migratory and habitual practices. The tour is 3–4 hours long, and take-off starts at 9 a.m.

Private Charter

Planning for a wedding, birthday, or corporate outing? For private venues or parties, the Vanishing Texas River Cruises crew is well-equipped to handle your event. In addition, the staff offers custom cruising and catering bundles.

Kayak Rentals

Vanishing Texas River Cruises features kayak and canoe rentals at The Kayak Livery on Beaver Creek — an excellent location to view egrets, herons, hawks, and osprey. Renters can choose between a two or four-hour rental, and vessel options include single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or canoes. Safety instructions and gear are provided, and VTRC encourages reservations in advance.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Longhorn Cavern is a state park 20 minutes from Lake Buchanan. Thousands of years ago, an underground river cut through a limestone deposit to form the 1.5-mile-long Longhorn Cavern, for which the park is named. After being acquired from a private owner, the cave formally became a state park in 1932 before opening to the public in 1938. The scenic natural wonder is great for day trips, and access to above-ground facilities is free. If venturing into the cave, prices for guided tours vary.

The concaving, weathered walls of the limestone hollow hosted numerous individuals and groups throughout its history. Native Comanche Indians discovered the cavern and often used it for shelter during the day, and they utilized the flint there to craft arrowheads. Out of superstition, the cave would be empty by nightfall. Confederate soldiers stored gunpowder in the cave during the American Civil War. Infamous train robber, gang leader, and outlaw Sam Bass used Longhorn Cavern as a hideout from the law — so folklore says. 

But you won’t find any of them, as all that lives here now are bat colonies, crystal veins, and stalactites. In the 1920s and 30s, the earthen chamber was perfect for acoustics, so the area became a popular nightclub that hosted musicians frequently. At this time, locals referred to it as Sherrard’s Cave. Longhorn Cavern has since become a legendary site for events, lyric and dance performances, and film.

Now you know the best places to explore the Hill Country’s beauty, but this list only scratches the surface — see you in Pt. 2.