While enjoying soaking up the sun and spending a day on the water at Lake Travis, located a short half-hour outside of Austin, you may have wondered “Is this lake man-made?”. Or maybe you haven’t. Either way the answer is: yes, Lake Travis is indeed man made. While you now enjoy Lake Travis for the endless options of water activities, it was originally constructed in 1942 to help with flood control and support the Mansfield Dam, created just a few years earlier in 1937.
Lake Travis Becomes an Attraction
The city of Austin grew in popularity, reaching a population of 100,000* in the mid 1940’s, and with it so did water recreation at Lake Travis.
Today the lake is used for flood control water supply. It also supports electrical power generation and is a popular destination for ‘Austinite’ recreation. Over 65 miles long, Lake Travis boasts a 271-mile-long shoreline, featuring beaches ideal for sunbathing in the summer and picnicking in the spring.
Fun on Lake Travis | Things to Do
At Lake Travis, there is something for everyone. The Oasis Lake Travis restaurant is the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas. In addition to food, it offers two stages of music, an indoor Starlight Terrace and outdoor Beau’s Backyard. Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Texas, it is known for its spectacular sunset views.
Lake Travis is a popular destination for water activities including fishing, boating, swimming, waterparks, marinas, and even ziplining, scuba diving and tour party boats and cruises. The lake has a good stock of fish including a variety of bass (largemouth, guadalupe, white, and striped), catfish and sunfish. There are many parks and places for picnicking and overnight stays at campgrounds, RV parks, hotels, and bed and breakfasts.
Lake Travis even lives up to its Austin slogan of ‘Keeping Austin Weird’ with its Hippie Hollow Park, the only legalized clothing-optional public park in the State of Texas.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow Park offers a unique experience in Texas. This clothing-optional park, the only one legally recognized in the state, attracts sunbathers, swimmers, and naturists seeking a liberating connection with nature. The park boasts a rugged limestone shoreline with access to the refreshing waters of the lake. Established in the 1960s, Hippie Hollow Park reflects the free-spirited era it originated from and continues to be a popular destination for those who embrace a relaxed and uninhibited outdoor experience.
Live on Lake Travis at Lakeside at Tessera Homes
Now you can live on the North Shore of Lake Travis in our 875-acre master-planned community located in Lago Vista. Lakeside at Tessera boasts waterfront homes on Lake Travis and is only a 45-minute drive to downtown Austin and 35-minute drive to The Domain. Lakeside sits at the doorway of the majestic Texas Hill Country. Find your next home and live life at Lakeside today!