Brackenridge Park is yet another of San Antonio’s rejuvenating urban oases. From downtown, hop onto a number 9, 10 or 14 VIA bus on the corner of Broadway at 3rd Ave. Within minutes, you will find yourself surrounded by tall trees and a less-traveled stretch of the San Antonio River.
The 343-acre park underwent a major renovation just recently, and three new walking trails have opened to the public: Waterworks (1.5 miles), Wildlife (1 mile) and Wildnerness (.75 mile). Public art may be found along each trail, including works by Carlos Cortés, Susan Budge and Anne Wallace.
Brackenridge Park is open daily from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., and it is a favorite spot for parties and cookouts. For larger gatherings, you may rent one of three pavilions, including the 1926 Joske Pavilion. The San Antonio Zoo and the Brackenridge Eagle, a miniature train, are located in the park. The Witte Museum, a natural history and science museum, is also located in Brackenridge Park. Check out the nearby Brackenridge Park Garage that features the metal artwork of Cakky Brawley. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out some of the other destinations along Broadway!
The park is located at 3700 N. St. Mary’s or Broadway at Funston, which turns into Parfun Way on the west side of Broadway. Because of its size, many roads lead to Brackenridge Park. Be sure to make your way over!
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Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., author of “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun,” has been blogging about San Antonio since June of 2010. Follow her at facebook.com/SanAntonioTourist so that you’ll never miss a post. Her love affair with the Alamo City began at Hemisfair in 1968. She moved to San Antonio in 1979 as an 18-year-old college student, and San Antonio has been her home ever since. Denise completed certification to become a professional tour guide in 2019. Please contact her at sanantoniotourist at gmail dot com if you’d like for her to curate a fabulous San Antonio experience for you!
The park is an amazing asset. As an aside, Otto Koehler, president of San Antonio Brewing Association (Pearl), was never fond of the teetotaler Brackenridge. So after his death, his wife donated the land for Koehler Park – on the north bank of the river in Brackenridge Park – with the stipulation malted beverages could be consumed there. The Koehler Pavilion remains the only “wet” area in the park.
Very interesting historical tidbit! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Denise
Years ago, the San Antonio Junior League designated Brackenridge Park as the park that would receive the League’s funding (used for trail markers) and volunteer efforts. See: http://www.jlsa.org/?nd=48
It’s rewarding to witness and extol positive changes. I’ll add your blog to the list of positive changes in our community . . .
Thanks, Maggie! The League has done good work over the years…and continues to do good work. (See my Goodwill posting about Julia’s Attics!) I’m happy SAJL got behind Brackenridge Park. We are fortunate to have such a beautiful space to enjoy in the heart of our community. Cheers, Denise
I look forward to reading your posts for the next couple of months as I prepare for my trip to San Antonio in early April. I was actually born in San Antonio 50 years ago and this will be my first trip back and I am sooooo excited. My parents left shortly after I was born and even after all the traveling I’ve done both in the US and abroad I have yet to get there. So, keep posting fun stuff and I can’t wait to get there.
I was actually raised in Alaska and you know (probably) all the “in fun” jokes about the size of Alaska and Texas. You know we have to tease you that if Alaska were cut in half Texas would be the third largest state and all that…hehehe!!
Patricia, I think you’ll find the place of your birth all that you hope for! I’m happy that my blog will give you some “inside scoop” on things to do and places to visit. We’ve got a LOT, so I hope you’re staying for more than a few days.
Yes, we know all of the Alaska/Texas jokes. Texans maintain that we WILL be the largest state in the union once climate change melts all of Alaska’s snow. 🙂
Hasta pronto! Cheers, Denise