LBJ Ranch - brown wooden house near green trees during daytime
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LBJ Ranch

4.7
·1k reviews·Stonewall, United States

Explore the sprawling Texas home and ranch of President Lyndon B. Johnson, a place where history and working ranch life intertwine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom beautifully

CrowdMedium
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LBJ Ranch - brown wooden house near green trees during daytime

LBJ Ranch

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom beautifully

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the sprawling Texas home and ranch of President Lyndon B. Johnson, a place where history and working ranch life intertwine.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A must-visit stop for history lovers, offering a deep dive into LBJ's life and presidency."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Construction Status

Confirm Texas White House access before visiting, as it's often under renovation.

Free Entry to State Park

LBJ State Park offers beautiful grounds and historical sites with no admission fee.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Texas White House

The Texas White House

LBJ Ranch

Step into the former "Western White House" where LBJ conducted presidential business.

Instagram
Air Force One-Half

Air Force One-Half

Texas White House Complex

See the unique JetStar aircraft LBJ used for presidential travel.

TikTokInstagram
Birthplace and Family Cemetery

Birthplace and Family Cemetery

LBJ Ranch

Visit LBJ's humble birthplace and the final resting place for him and Lady Bird.

InstagramReddit
Working Ranch Experience

Working Ranch Experience

LBJ Ranch

Witness a still-functioning ranch with bison, cattle, and deer.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Texas White House

The Texas White House, a central part of the LBJ Ranch experience, is often under renovation or has restricted access. Check the official National Park Service website for the most current information on construction and tour availability before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Main House

While the Texas White House is a draw, the LBJ Ranch National Historical Park offers much more. Explore LBJ's birthplace, family cemetery, schoolhouse, and the working ranch elements. TikTokInstagram Consider visiting the adjacent LBJ State Park for additional historical sites and natural beauty. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is Air Force “One Half,” a JetStar that President Lyndon Johnson used to travel to his famous LBJ Ranch in Gillespie County, Texas. The ranch is now a national historical park where you can explore landmarks like the schoolhouse Johnson attended as a child, the Johnson family cemetery, and the Texas White House. LBJ was the first president to truly work remotely from his ranch, often hosting ...
@uponarriving
20.6K likes • 345.9K views

Check Construction Status

Confirm Texas White House access before visiting, as it's often under renovation. Reddit

Free Entry to State Park

LBJ State Park offers beautiful grounds and historical sites with no admission fee. Reddit

LBJ State Park and the LBJ National Historical Park are two parks in one spanning both sides of the Pedernales River. They contain the LBJ Ranch that President LBJ was born on and is buried on. There’s a ton of history between the two parks and a ton of hill country natural beauty. 👕🧢: @thcprovisions #thcprovisions #lbj #texas
jsorsby
3.4K likes • 67.5K views
📌Save for future trip planning ✅ First Morning in Pedernales Falls State Park ✅ Afternoon in LBJ Ranch State Park ‣ This is a great place to see Texas Bluebonnets during wildflower season (late February to early May) ✅ Night in downtown Fredericksburg, TX ‣ Experience the German heritage of Fredericksburg by eating at one of the local restaurants. My favorites were Fredericksburg Brewing Compan...
movingtoadventure
22 likes • 809 views

Permit for Driving Tour

Get a free permit to drive through the working ranch property. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Pups are welcome on the grounds, but not inside buildings. Reddit

LBJ Ranch In this area of the Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park, see LBJ’s birthplace, family cemetery, other family homes, a church, and massive trees At the Texas White House Complex, see the airplane hangar that is home to Air Force One-Half, as well as Johnson’s car collection and none other than the grand Texas White House Don’t forget to drive down the road to the Johnson Settleme...
considerthewonders
37 likes • 419 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Construction Status

Confirm Texas White House access before visiting, as it's often under renovation. Reddit

Free Entry to State Park

LBJ State Park offers beautiful grounds and historical sites with no admission fee. Reddit

Permit for Driving Tour

Get a free permit to drive through the working ranch property. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Grounds

Pups are welcome on the grounds, but not inside buildings. Reddit

Visit the Gift Shop

Find unique souvenirs at the quaint gift shop at the Visitor Center. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the LBJ Ranch for its rich historical significance and the opportunity to explore President Johnson's life and legacy. The working ranch elements and the adjacent State Park are also highlighted as enjoyable aspects. However, ongoing renovations can sometimes limit access to key buildings like the Texas White House, which is a recurring point of disappointment for some.

"The LBJ Presidential Library is a well-curated and fascinating museum that offers a deep dive into both Texas and Lyndon B. Johnson’s history. The building itself is stunning—modern, spacious, and easily accessible. There are multiple thoughtfully designed exhibits that showcase LBJ’s life, presidency, and legacy in an engaging way.

We spent about 1.5 hours exploring and felt it was absolutely worth the price of admission. Don’t miss the quaint gift shop—perfect for picking up a unique souvenir. A must-visit stop in Austin for history lovers!"

Tamara Schwarting

"I did the driving tour of the state park after visiting the boyhood home and visitor center in Johnson City. Personally I preferred the walking trail in Johnson City as there was more to see at the time when I came here. The Texas White House and surrounding area is currently under construction, so there wasn't much to see other than the ranch, but there was also no activity at the time I arrived. I'm sure once the buildings are restored and access to them is possible again it will be an interesting sight."

Jacob Herper

"Awesome experience. 4 Stars because the Western White House is being repaired and all views are blocked. The Visitors Center is clean and nice & has a cute little gift shop with a friendly Ranger. Get the permit (free) before you can drove through the property. Beautiful!"

Nadine Kirkpatrick

What People Like

Historical significance
Working ranch experience
Free State Park entry

What People Dislike

Renovation closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The LBJ Ranch is located in Gillespie County, Texas, near Johnson City. It's part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. While the main visitor center and historical sites are accessible, some users have reported difficulty finding entrances to the broader LBJ grasslands area. Reddit It's best to use GPS coordinates for the specific visitor center or historical sites you wish to visit. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the visitor centers and designated areas within the LBJ Ranch National Historical Park. Instagram

You can drive your own car on many of the roads within the LBJ Ranch National Historical Park. A free permit is required to drive through the working ranch portion. Reddit

Many visitors opt for a driving tour to see the various historical sites, including the birthplace, cemetery, and the Texas White House. Reddit Guided tours may also be available depending on current renovations. Instagram

Public transportation options directly to the LBJ Ranch are limited. It is generally recommended to have your own vehicle for the best experience. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the LBJ National Historical Park, including the grounds and most historical sites, is generally free. Reddit However, specific tours or access to certain buildings might require advance booking or a fee, especially if renovations are ongoing. Reddit

The operating hours for the LBJ National Historical Park and its visitor centers can vary. It's essential to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation for specific sites. TikTok

No, the LBJ State Park typically has no admission fee, making it a great free addition to your visit. Reddit

Access to certain areas, like the Texas White House, may be restricted or unavailable during renovations. Always check the NPS website for current status. Reddit+1

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the main historical sites and grounds. Reddit If you plan to explore the broader park areas or take a leisurely drive, allocate more time. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see LBJ's birthplace, family cemetery, schoolhouse, the Texas White House, Air Force One-Half, and a working ranch with bison and cattle. TikTokInstagramReddit

Guided tours may be offered, but availability can be impacted by ongoing renovations. Check with the Visitor Center upon arrival or the NPS website for current tour schedules. Reddit

Yes, LBJ Ranch is a family-friendly destination with historical exhibits and open grounds. Instagram Kids can learn about presidential history in an engaging way. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas of the LBJ Ranch. Instagram Be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially inside historical buildings or during special events. Instagram

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring grounds and historical sites. Instagram Dress for Texas weather, which can be hot and humid in the summer. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly on the LBJ Ranch. However, you can find dining options in nearby Johnson City and Fredericksburg. Instagram

Picnicking is generally permitted in designated areas. It's a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Johnson City offers local eateries, and Fredericksburg, known for its German heritage, has numerous restaurants and bakeries. Instagram

Yes, there is a quaint gift shop at the Visitor Center where you can purchase souvenirs. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic Texas White House, Air Force One-Half, the sprawling ranch landscapes, and the family cemetery. TikTokInstagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted within National Historical Parks for safety and preservation reasons. Check the NPS regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

While outdoor photography is generally encouraged, be respectful of historical sites and any posted signage. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering conditions for photographing the ranch and its structures. Instagram

You can find many photos by searching for 'LBJ Ranch photos' or specific landmarks like 'Texas White House photos' on image search engines and social media. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The LBJ Ranch offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with American history in a tangible way. Kids can explore LBJ's birthplace, see the Texas White House, and learn about presidential travel with Air Force One-Half. TikTokInstagram The working ranch aspect, with its bison and cattle, is often a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit

Pack snacks and drinks as dining options on-site are limited. Instagram Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the grounds. Instagram The LBJ State Park is also a great addition, offering more historical sites and natural beauty without an admission fee. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the LBJ Ranch is a treasure trove. You can delve into the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, explore his childhood home, and understand his deep connection to the Texas Hill Country. TikTokInstagram+1 The Texas White House offers a glimpse into how LBJ conducted affairs of state from his ranch. Instagram

Don't miss the family cemetery and the schoolhouse for a more personal perspective. Reddit Be sure to check the National Park Service website for the latest on any renovations affecting access to key buildings, as this can impact the full historical experience. Reddit+1

🚗 Road Trippers

The LBJ Ranch makes an excellent day trip or stopover for those exploring the Texas Hill Country. It's conveniently located near other attractions like Fredericksburg and Pedernales Falls State Park. Instagram Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the main historical sites and grounds. Reddit

Remember to get your free driving permit to experience the working ranch areas. Reddit The LBJ State Park offers additional historical insights and beautiful scenery, often with no admission fee, making it a great value add to your road trip itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the Texas White House

The Texas White House, part of the LBJ Ranch National Historical Park, served as President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Western White House." It was here that LBJ conducted much of his presidential business, hosting dignitaries and making crucial decisions. The complex includes the main residence, a swimming pool, and an airstrip, showcasing the unique blend of ranch life and presidential duties. TikTokInstagram

Visitors can explore the grounds and, when accessible, the interior of the house, gaining insight into LBJ's life and presidency. The ongoing renovations mean that access can be variable, so checking the National Park Service website is crucial before planning your visit. Reddit+1 The site offers a tangible connection to a pivotal era in American history, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of a president. Instagram

Adjacent to the White House is the hangar housing Air Force One-Half, a JetStar aircraft that LBJ frequently used for travel. This plane was instrumental in his ability to govern from his beloved Texas ranch, underscoring the ranch's importance as a center of power during his administration. TikTok

Exploring the Working Ranch

The LBJ Ranch is not just a historical site; it's a working ranch, and this aspect is a significant part of its appeal. Visitors can observe cattle, bison, and deer roaming the expansive grounds, offering a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. Reddit This living history element provides a different perspective on LBJ's connection to the land and his roots.

A driving tour permit (free) allows you to explore these working areas more intimately. Reddit It's a chance to see the ranch as LBJ knew it, a place of both personal retreat and national significance. The presence of livestock and the vast, open landscapes contribute to the authentic atmosphere of the ranch. Reddit

Beyond the livestock, the ranch also features historical structures like LBJ's birthplace, the family cemetery, and a schoolhouse, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of his life and the environment that shaped him. InstagramReddit These sites offer a more personal and grounded perspective on the 36th U.S. President.

Visiting LBJ State Park

Adjacent to the LBJ National Historical Park is the LBJ State Park, offering a complementary historical and natural experience. This park is home to the Texas White House, the LBJ Ranch, and the family cemetery, making it a central hub for exploring the Johnson legacy. Instagram+1

Visitors can explore the birthplace cabin, the family cemetery where LBJ and Lady Bird are buried, and other historical structures. Instagram The park also features a visitor center with a gift shop and information about the area. Reddit+1 It's a great place to learn about LBJ's early life and his deep connection to the Texas Hill Country.

Beyond the historical sites, the LBJ State Park boasts beautiful natural scenery, including the Pedernales River. It's a place where history and nature converge, offering a peaceful and educational experience for all visitors. Instagram Remember that while dogs are allowed on the grounds, they are not permitted inside buildings. Reddit

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