Texas Porch

History / National park

LBJ National Historical Park Has Sites in and Near Johnson City

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park preserves sites tied to the 36th president across two districts, including his boyhood home in Johnson City and his working ranch along the Pedernales River.

Blanco County History & Culture

The park is split into two districts about 14 miles apart along Highway 290. The Johnson City District — located in Blanco County — includes the visitor center, LBJ's Boyhood Home, and the Johnson Settlement, a trail through a historical cattle ranch from the 1860s related to LBJ's ancestors. The LBJ Ranch District in neighboring Gillespie County features the reconstructed birthplace, family cemetery, show barn, and the Texas White House.

There is no entrance fee to visit the park. A complimentary driving permit is required to access the LBJ Ranch section and is issued at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site visitor center in Stonewall (on Highway 290, in neighboring Gillespie County) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Boyhood Home tours run at set times daily. The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For anyone moving to or passing through the Johnson City area, the park is a short walk or drive from downtown. Check nps.gov/lyjo for current tour times, any closures (the Texas White House has been undergoing rehabilitation), and accessibility information.

Source to confirm: National Park Service — Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

More Blanco County notes

Property tax

Homestead Exemption Caps Your Annual Appraisal Increase

Once your home qualifies for a residential homestead exemption in Blanco County, state law limits how much the taxable value can rise each year.

Read note ->

Agricultural valuation

Ag and Wildlife Valuation Can Sharply Lower Land Taxes

Qualifying Blanco County landowners can pay taxes based on what their land produces, not what it would sell for. That can mean a much lower tax bill.

Read note ->

Water / Groundwater

Drilling a Water Well Requires a Permit in Most Cases

All wells in Blanco County must be registered with the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District, and any well capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day needs a separate operating permit.

Read note ->

Flood

Flash Floods on the Blanco River Can Rise with Little Warning

The Blanco River and its tributaries can rise extremely fast during heavy rain, making flooding one of the most serious natural hazards for anyone buying or living in low-lying areas of Blanco County.

Read note ->