Palmetto State Park
| Palmetto State Park | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Gonzales County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Austin |
| Coordinates | 29°35′14″N 97°34′56″W / 29.58722°N 97.58222°WCoordinates: 29°35′14″N 97°34′56″W / 29.58722°N 97.58222°W |
| Area | 270.3 acres (109 ha) |
| Established | 1936 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Palmetto State Park is a state park located in Gonzales County, Texas, United States northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the City of Gonzales in 1934 - 1936 and was opened in 1936.
Features
The park is named for the Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor), which grows abundantly in the park. The San Marcos River runs through the park and was initially created by flood waters. The 4-acre (1.6 ha) Oxbow Lake is now independent of the river and is spring fed. There are many bogs throughout the park that are surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the park a jungle-like atmosphere. There are several stone buildings in the park that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.
Fauna
White-tailed deer are common throughout the park, as well as Raccoons, Nine-banded Armadillos, and Fox Squirrels. Over 240 species of birds have been observed within the park's boundaries. Some of the birds most often spotted include the Prothonotary Warbler, and Red-shouldered Hawk.