Texas – Fredericksburg – Their RV Travels

Willkommen to Fredericksburg, TX!

In the heart of the Texas Wine Region of the Hill Country, this trendy city with German roots is as charming as it is diverse. While here, we hiked Lady Bird Johnson’s Nature Trail, climbed Enchanted Rock, watched millions of Mexican free-tail bats emerge at dusk from Tunnel State Park, and visited the National Museum of the Pacific War and Japanese Garden, shopped at the weekly Farmers Market, and sampled some of the local eateries. With more wineries, breweries, shopping and restaurants than we had time for, Fredericksburg is definitely on our list of places to re-visit.

Fredericksburg Nature Trail at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

Seven distinct habitats are located within this compact area. We enjoyed the self guided tour along trail markers to the geology, plants and wildlife. At one point, we were walking on gravel beds above formations dated at over 110 million years old. With the heat index well above 100 degrees, we were pleased to see several song birds, hummingbirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and even a few turtles swimming in the river.

Gravel beds over ancient rock formations

National Museum of the Pacific War

Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, this museum complex focuses on the pre-war history, battles, and events of the Pacific theater in World War II. Comprised of 20 different buildings and spaces, the campus offers interactive historical exhibits, live action re-enactments, an extensive WW2 Veteran Memorial Courtyard and Presidential Plaza, restored Nimitz Hotel, pavilions, sculptures, equipment displays, and a Japanese Garden of Peace. The Commander over all the Pacific area of operations during WW2, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, was born in Fredericksburg, TX. His career and legacy are featured in a separate gallery located in the former Nimitz Hotel building which was owned and operated by the family from 1860. The main building of the National Museum features rooms of artifacts, eyewitness accounts, videos, and engaging displays, making this museum one of the very best we have visited.

Presidential Plaza and Memorial Courtyard

Japanese Garden of Peace

Fredericksburg Farmers Market

Located in the center of downtown is the Marketplaz. Featuring the historic octagonal 1847 Society Church built by the German immigrants, the park has beautiful gardens, picnic pavilions and canopied event spaces. Held every Thursday evening, the Farmers Market features live music, street food, produce, wine tasting, beer, and other seasonal treats in addition to local artists and businesses. With a festival atmosphere, it was a great way to meet some of the Hill Country locals and enjoy a peach-jalapeno -goat cheese artisan pizza fresh from the mobile wood fired oven with some Texan Tempranillo wine.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock is a massive dome of pink granite located north of Fredericksburg. Trails lead up to the summit and around the base of the rock. We went off trail and had a great time climbing around the boulders on the large and small domes. We encountered vultures and lizards as well as butterflies and frogs. Because this park is so popular, reservations and timed entry tickets are required.

Old Tunnel State Park

The smallest of the Texas State Parks, Old Tunnel features an abandoned railroad tunnel that is now home to approximately 3 million (!) Mexican free-tail bats. The bats occupy the tunnel from May to October each year. Every evening at dusk, they emerge en mass in a spectacular counterclockwise rising vortex of fluttering shadows. Visitors can view the emergence from an amphitheater near the tunnel entrance. It was a surreal experience and we were able to video some of it.

Here’s a short video of the bat emergence which lasted about 15-20 minutes. Can you hear the fluttering?

Fredericksburg is a very sophisticated small town with something for everyone. The Museum of the Pacific War, climbing around Enchanted Rock, and witnessing the bat emergence are memories we’ll carry with us across the miles. Centrally located in the Texas Hill Country region, Fredericksburg is at the top of the list when visiting the area.

Campground Review: Fredericksburg RV Park

We stayed at Fredericksburg RV Park for a week. We had a pull-thru, FHU space with picnic table. Sites are close together with small grassy strip and a shade tree. The gravel sites are level and every site is raked before the next guest arrives. The park is nicely landscaped including a small pond with ducks and benches. Laundry room, showers and restrooms were spotless. Free Wi-Fi worked for basic usage and T-Mobile service varied between 2-4 bars most times. The office staff were friendly and helpful; we were able to have packages delivered to the office. The park is easy to access and located right in Fredericksburg. Museums, restaurants, markets and shops are just up the street. Enchanted Rock and Lubbock are 30 minutes away. Wineries and breweries are nearby as well. There is a small food truck court next door with live music on the weekend. This is a well maintained park and a great location for visiting the myriad of attractions and activities offered in Fredericksburg.