What to do at McKinney Roughs
Characteristics of four Texas regions -- Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and Central Texas Plateau -- converge to create an unusual blend of natural resources at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. Located just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, McKinney Roughs's 1,100 acres include rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows, lazy river bends and a diverse biological population.
Recreation activities
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Visitors can explore 18 miles of trails by foot or horseback or take a guided raft, canoe or kayak trip down the river.
Wildlife exhibits
An exhibit hall features live creatures native to the area, including snakes, turtles, salamanders, toads and frogs. A 1,300-gallon aquarium is filled with species of fish found in the Colorado River. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to get close to some of the area's indigenous species.
Education Programs
The park's natural science center offers quality science-based educational programs led by trained educators and professional staff. Teachers, students, home schoolers, scout troops and youth groups can schedule field trips and visits to learn about the role of the Colorado River in sustaining the area's unique plant and animal life. Program topics include animals and insects, plants and minerals, water quality, and interpretative hikes and orienteering.
Educational programs meet the standards of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and reinforce the content and skills necessary in mastering the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test given to students in third through eleventh grade.
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