Just 13 miles from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure. Centered around Onion Creek, the park’s star attractions are the Upper and Lower McKinney Falls, where water tumbles over ancient limestone ledges into swimmable pools. But beyond its picturesque falls, this 641-acre park holds stories stretching back thousands of years.

The land was once home to prehistoric peoples, whose artifacts date back over 8,750 years, and later served as a key crossing point along El Camino Real de los Tejas, the historic Spanish trade route that ran through Texas. In the 1850s, Texas Revolution financier Thomas McKinney built a two-story limestone home, gristmill, and dam on the property—developed largely by enslaved people. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of his homestead, stone walls, and horse trainer’s cabin, remnants of a once-thriving ranch.

The park’s nine miles of hiking and biking trails wind through cypress-lined creeks, rugged Hill Country terrain, and even an ancient rock shelter used by early inhabitants. The Onion Creek Trail offers a smooth path for strollers and road bikes, while the Rock Shelter Trail takes hikers to a site where generations of travelers once camped. Anglers can cast a line in Onion or Williamson Creek, where no fishing license is required.

For those looking to stay overnight, McKinney Falls offers 81 campsites with water and electric hookups, along with six newly remodeled cabins and a primitive youth camping area. The visitor center features exhibits on the park’s natural history, an observation deck with views of the falls, and even a bat cave exhibit that highlights the importance of Texas’ nocturnal wildlife.

Whether you’re swimming beneath the waterfalls, hiking past ancient landmarks, or relaxing in the shade of towering cypress trees, McKinney Falls State Park is Austin’s ultimate outdoor escape—blending nature, history, and adventure, all within city limits.