The museum includes informational displays detailing the history of the dam and the region. See larger image.

Among the many panels visitors can explore.

BUCHANAN DAM – The Lower Colorado River Authority has refurbished and reopened its museum at Buchanan Dam with colorful new exhibits describing the history of the area from prehistoric times to the present.

The exhibits outline the history of Buchanan Dam as well as the beginnings of LCRA, which was created in 1934 by the Texas Legislature to help tame the lower Colorado River and provide reliable water supplies and electricity to the region.

The exhibits explain the functions of Buchanan Dam and the Highland Lakes and the roles they play in LCRA’s efforts to improve the quality of life of the people of Texas.

New to the museum display is a section on the creation and promotion of the Highland Lakes during the 1940s and ´50s. LCRA’s construction and rebuilding of a chain of dams created the six lakes – Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis and Austin – that transformed the river basin upstream of Austin into a prime recreational and retirement attraction.

The exhibits are the latest revamping of the museum, which was established in 1987 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Buchanan Dam’s completion.

Located 12 miles west of Burnet on State Highway 29, the museum is adjacent to Buchanan Dam, LCRA’s Hydro Operations offices and the Lake Buchanan/Inks Lake Chamber of Commerce. The Buchanan Dam museum is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.