It doesn’t matter if you have fished, watched birds and traveled the world over. We know a place you likely haven’t yet explored -- Matagorda Bay Nature Park.

The 1,600-acre nature park was dedicated last month -- LCRA’s newest park and natural science center, a place for children and adults of all ages to learn and play.

The park is located where the Colorado River ends its 700-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. It introduces visitors to the ecosystems, wildlife habitats and natural beauty of the coastal Texas ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy the park at their leisure or participate in guided educational and recreational programs including kayaking trips, beginner birding, wetlands preservation, safe boating education and more.

"Whether you are adventurous or just like to relax, there's something for everyone at Matagorda Bay Nature Park," said David Whatley, LCRA parks superintendent. "There are dozens of opportunities for children and adults to enjoy the outdoors while learning how to conserve and protect the area’s natural resources.”

LCRA acquired the property in 2001. It worked closely with Matagorda County to build the $8.5 million nature park and natural science center, funded in part by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Coastal Coordination Council, an extension of the General Land Office. LCRA also operates two other nature parks – Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park located along the shores of Lake Buchanan in the Central Texas Hill Country and McKinney Roughs Nature Park near Bastrop.

What kind of outdoor activities wait for you at Matagorda Bay Nature Park? (It’s almost easier to tell you what you can’t do.) The activities include:

• Kayaking: Tour the coastal wetlands of East Matagorda Bay and the old Colorado River channel.
• Fishing: Cast your line from four public fishing piers including the Jetty Park fishing pier on the gulf, which is owned and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Hiking: Put on your walking shoes and enjoy a one-mile hiking trail that winds through the park.
• RV camping: Park it at a 70-site recreational vehicle park with full utility hook-ups, laundry facilities, showers and restrooms.
• River Rafting: Discover the old Colorado River channel and learn about teamwork, boater safety and the Texas coastal ecosystem.
• Birding: Seek any of some 250 bird species from a wildlife viewing pavilion. Matagorda County is a national hot spot for birding.
• Picnicking: Gather for large or small family reunions at the group pavilion and picnic shelters. Outdoor showers and restrooms are nearby.
• Exploring: Play safely on a half-mile portion of the beach designated for foot traffic. Twenty-two miles of the beach is open to vehicles.
• Learning: Study natural science exhibits and sign up for outdoor educational and recreational programs at the park’s natural science center.

Matagorda Bay Natural Science Center

Roseate Spoonbill created by LCRA's Smithville Railcar Maintenance Facility.

More: See the park’s Web page
Download the park brochure.