Frequently Asked Questions

 
  1. How far is the park from San Antonio or Austin, Texas?

    The park consists of two districts. The Johnson City District is located 50 miles west of Austin and 60 miles north of San Antonio. This is where you will find the National Park Visitor Center and Headquarters, President Johnson's Boyhood Home, and the Johnson Settlement.

Traveling 14 miles west of Johnson City you will find the LBJ Ranch and the LBJ State Park and Historic Site. The State Park manages a Visitor Center where you can obtain a free permit which will allow you to drive through the Ranch. more...

 
  1. When is the park open?
    The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The National Park Visitor Center in Johnson City is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guided tours of the LBJ Boyhood Home are offered daily. Meet at the National Park Visitor Center in Johnson City at the following times:
  • 10:00 am
  • 11:00 am
  • 1:00 pm
  • 2:00 pm

During the summer months (June, July, August), tours of the Boyhood Home may be limited due to high interior temperatures. We recommend visitors come early in the morning when temperatures are cooler for a chance to take a Boyhood Home tour.


Self-guided tours of the Johnson Settlement are available from 9:00 a.m. until sunset.

Self-guided driving tours of the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Driving Permits are given out starting at 9:00 a.m. No Permits are given out after 4:00 p.m.
 
  1. Is there a fee?
    There is no fee to visit the Johnson City District.

    Driving permits for the self-guided tour of the LBJ Ranch are free.

more...
 
  1. How much time should my family allow for visiting the park?
    Depending on what your family would like to see, you could spend anywhere from 20 minutes to nearly a full day exploring the park. For ideas on how to plan your time, check out the Things to Do page.
 
  1. What type of weather conditions can we expect?
    Overall, the park enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year. The rainy month is usually April. Winter temperatures are usually in the 50s; snow and ice are rare. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in July and August, with high humidity.
 
  1. Where do I make reservations for the tour of the LBJ Ranch?
    If you plan on visiting with a group of 25 or more, check out the information on our Large Group Reservation page.
Travelling in a smaller group? Make your way to the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center 14 miles west of Johnson City to obtain a free permit which will allow you to drive through the Ranch.
 
  1. How late can we arrive and still tour the LBJ Ranch?
    You may obtain a driving permit at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center until 4:00 p.m. each day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The Ranch entrance gate stays open until 4:30 p.m. and you will need to exit the Ranch by 5:00 p.m. If you are entering the ranch at 4:30, be aware that coming into the Ranch at that time simply allows you enough time to enjoy the drive without making any stops
 
  1. How much time should we allow for a tour of the Ranch?
    At a minimum, allow for 30 minutes to drive through the Ranch in your private vehicle. This is without stopping at any of the sites. You can spend as much time as you like visiting the Ranch sites such as the President's Birthplace, Johnson Family Cemetery, and the Ranch Showbarn.
 
  1. Will the Ranch tour take us through the Texas White House?
    The President and Mrs. Johnson donated their private home to the National Park Service but retained lifetime rights to use the house. Following the death of Mrs. Johnson on July 11, 2007, the home was opened to the public on the 100th anniversary of President Johnson's birth, August 27, 2008.
On January 2, 2024 the Texas White House Complex closed to the public so that an extensive rehabilitation can be completed on the Texas White House, Hangar Visitor Center, and surrounding grounds. Anticipated reopening is late 2025.
 
  1. Can I drive through the Ranch in my own car?
    Yes! The LBJ Ranch was opened for the first time to private vehicles on August 27, 2008. Read Visiting the LBJ Ranch to learn how you can drive through the LBJ Ranch.
 
  1. Is the President's grave here?
    President Johnson's grave is located in the Johnson family cemetery on the LBJ Ranch. In order to see the cemetery it is necessary to obtain a free driving pass to the LBJ Ranch at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site visitor center.
 
  1. Can we camp here?
    There are no campgrounds located in either LBJ National Historical Park or LBJ State Park and Historic Site. Several private campgrounds are located in Johnson City, Stonewall, and Fredericksburg. Nearby state parks with camping facilities are Pedernales Falls State Park, Blanco State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
 
  1. Are pets allowed?
    Pets are NOT allowed in park buildings. However, leashed pets are allowed on the Johnson Settlement trail and on the LBJ Ranch (outside the buildings) as well as on the walking trails at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site. They must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
 
  1. Can I get the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass at LBJ National Historical Park?
    The lifetime Senior Pass ($80 for visitors 62 and older), Access Pass (free for disabled visitors), and the Annual Pass ($80) are all used by visitors for admission into National Parks that have entrance fees. LBJ National Historical Park has no entrance fee, and therefore, we do not issue these passes. You can get these passes at any national park site with an entrance fee. It is also possible to purchase the Annual Pass online at https://store.usgs.gov/pass or by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1.

    To learn more, visit the Entrance Pass Program web page of nps.gov
 
  1. When do the Bluebonnets bloom?
    Bluebonnets will bloom in March and April as one of our early spring flowers if the weather has delivered rain throughout the previous fall and winter and into the spring. Under the right conditions the bluebonnet display is glorious! Without rain, sparse and scattered. Each spring the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) activates its wildflower hotline (800-452-9292) for those wishing to find out current wildflower conditions.

Last updated: January 19, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 329
Johnson City, TX 78636

Phone:

830 868-7128

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