Touring UT Campus

Austin bleeds burnt orange, there is no doubt. If you have time to visit the UT campus, it is well worth the time. 

Below are just a few things you can do:

Tour the UT Tower2247 Guadalupe Street, 78713

The tower , completed in 1937, is an integral symbol of the University of Texas. The town knows when we win a game, because the tip is lit burnt orange (instead of its normal white), and when any team wins a championship, the whole thing is lit burnt orange.

When I went to school, the tower was locked off and unavailable, so I was thrilled a couple of years ago when they opened it back up.  The tour is about 45 minutes.  

The first five to ten minutes of the tour are a brief history and info session about the tower. I even learned some things I didn't know:  Who knew the Perry Casteneda library was built in the shape of Texas?  And apparently they removed the last books from the Undergraduate Library a few years ago, and the PCL is the only library with books?? 

At the top, you are free to roam for about 30 minutes and check out the amazing views of downtown.  The clock faces, which seem so small from far away are actually 14 feet tall!  

Blanton Museum of Art

200 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, 78712
One of the foremost university art museums in the United States, the museum holds over 17,000 permanent works of art, including European paintings, an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings, and modern and contemporary American and Latin American art.

The third Thursday of every month has free admission, and the museum stays open until 9pm.

Texas Memorial Museum
2400 Trinity Street 78705

This science museum was built in 1939.  And with its hushed halls, it sometimes still feels like that year still inside!

This is a favorite of children of all ages, it displays dinosaur fossils, meterorites, dioramas of all different sorts of Texas wildlife and an Explore Evolution section.  Very kid friendly!

Please note:  the museum, free for the last 70 years, now charges admission to cover their costs ($4 for adults, $3 for children 2 - 12)

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LBJ Presidential Library and Museum2313 Red River Street 78705
This newly renovated museum gives an in-depth look into LBJ life and accomplishments.  Interesting movies and interactive displays make this museum interesting for children of all ages.





Visit the Turtle Pond

While this might not make it into the page of UT history, there are many students who would put visiting the turtle pond first on their lists for returning to the UT campus.  And if you are touring with kids, this is a great segue between museums.

Built in the 1930s, this pond is as ole as the tower!  In this one pond, there must be over 50 turtles, and they will eat just about anything you stick in there - grass, plants,probably fingers ;o)

See if you can find the *huge* snapping turtle.  When we found him, he was in the middle pond, and his head is as large as a softball!

Bowling at the Union
2247 Guadalupe Street, 78713

Looking for a fun break from the museums and tours? 

Take some time to go bowling at the underground 12 lane bowling alley and billiards hall. It is one of my boys' favorite places in town to go bowling, with its black light, disco ball and Air hockey table, we are always assured of a fun few hours!!
After the tour and pond, we headed over to the Union Underground for some bowling.  We love any kind of bowling (and what better way to beat the summer heat!), but I think our favorite place to bowl is the Union 


Austin bleeds burnt orange, there is no doubt. If you have time to visit the UT campus, it is well worth the time. 

Monochrome in Austin

Installed just last year, this amazing 50 foot statue is comprised of 75 canoes. It towers precariously over Speedway and is a joy to behold!


Harry Ransom Center
300 West 21st Street, 78712
View the Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1454, and the extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts, photography, film, and art held in this treasure.


Foucault's Pendulum
2901 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road 78722
We recently learned about this gem hidden in the Development building.   Hung in the middle of a stairwell, this is a fantastic side trip for anyone who loves science!

Note, the building is off-the beaten path, across the highway from the main part of campus.  

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