Just an hour or so west of Houston, on the banks of the Brazos River, lies the Stephen F. Austin State Park. The park is dedicated to and named after Stephen Austin, commonly known as the "Father of Texas" and the founder of Anglo Texas. He led the second and, ultimately successful colonization of the region by bringing 300 families and their slaves from the United States to the Tejas region of Mexico in 1825 and his efforts led to the issuance of around 1,540 land grant titles to approximately 5,000 individuals.
The San Felipe de Austin Corporation donated the Stephen F. Austin State Park to the state in 1940, and the park officially opened the same year. The park is on the banks of the Brazos River, near an old ferry crossing, and is part of the Commercio Plaza de San Felipe.
The front entrance to the park is located a mile from the historic town of San Felipe, which was once the capital of the American colonies in Texas from 1824 to 1836. It was a significant social, economic, and political center, home to influential figures such as Stephen F. Austin and other early Texans. Several historic events, including the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the Consultation of 1835, took place in San Felipe, ultimately leading to Texas declaring its independence from Mexico. As a result, San Felipe became known as the "Cradle of Texas Liberty." The town also housed Texas' first Anglo newspaper, the "Texas Gazette," and was the birthplace of the Texas postal system. Additionally, the Texas Rangers were formed in San Felipe.
The present-day Stephen F. Austin State Park is a nice day-trip getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Houston area and provides a relaxing and educational experience. It is not a huge park, but there are plenty of activities to fill your day depending on your interest.
Activities
There are five miles of hiking and biking trails that wander along the Brazos Riverbank where you can stand and imagine yourself in that spot on the river almost 200 years ago experiencing the nostalgic river and the birthing of the State of Texas. After your day of exploring, if you are interested in an overnight experience, campsites are available from full hookups to tent sites. If you prefer a roof over your head, you can reserve a screened shelter or our cabin.
Explore the townsite which houses several historic structures, and was the headquarters for Stephen F. Austin’s original colony. There is also a small museum, which tells stories of the early settlers in Texas.
Ranger Programs
Check the Park Events page on the Park website for scheduled hikes and programs that Park Rangers lead, sometimes as often as every week. A summer camp is also available for kids between 8-11 years old.
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