Overview
Burnet is nestled at the edge of the spectacular Texas Hill Country about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Austin, amidst the beautiful Highland Lakes, is the historic community of Burnet. Burnet was established in the mid-1800s as a fort on the Texas frontier. Modern Burnet has kept with its pioneering routes while also adapting to the modern age. Today Burnet is considered the jewel of the Highland Lakes.
Throughout the year, the City of Burnet offers a vast array of events and activities for all ages. From the spring splash of bluebonnets and wildflowers to the fall festival of arts on the Arts and Crafts Trail, from the winter wonderland of the spectacular Christmas musical light display to the summer frontier shoot-outs and vintage steam train tours, Burnet is alive with sights and sounds that make it one of the Hill Country's most popular destination spots in the state of Texas.
2 sights · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Burnet
Fort Croghan Museum
Built in 1849, the site now has several restored buildings and many articles from the history of the fort.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Cave entry by tour only. Tours are excellent. Some of the rooms are spectacular, with quartz crystals all over the walls and ceiling. The cavern was developed by workers for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Gre…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Oct. (climate data from nearby Austin)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- GRK Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Cavazos — 32 mi away. Directions
- AUS Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin — 51 mi away (major hub). Directions
Fly in via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Burnet is located 75 miles north-west of Austin.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Croghan Museum
- Afternoon Longhorn Cavern State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
By plane
Fly in via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Burnet is located 75 miles north-west of Austin.
See
See Longhorn Cavern State Park
Cave entry by tour only. Tours are excellent. Some of the rooms are spectacular, with quartz crystals all over the walls and ceiling. The cavern was developed by workers for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, who also built the buildings that the gift shop and park office are housed in out of debris found in the cavern. There are also park trails above ground. The area is very peaceful and full of bird life.
Buy
Downtown Burnet has over 10 antique shops.
Sleep
Go next
- Hill Country Flyer, +1 512 477-8468. A scenic 2-hour train ride through the Hill Country and into Austin, especially scenic during mid-spring when the hills are covered in bluebonnets.
- Lake Buchanan, a few miles west, has several attractions:
* Black Rock Park, +1 512 389-8900. Texas 261 north of highway 29. 25-acre public access facility on the west shore of the lake, with a sandy beach, playground, boat ramp, and swimming areas. Camping and cabin lodging are available. * Eagle Eye Observatory. A public access sky observatory on the grounds of Canyon of the Eagles park, run by the Austin Astronomical Society. * Canyon of the Eagles. A 900-acre nature park on the north shore. An on-site lodge provides lodging.
- If you are coming from or going to Austin, consider stopping for lunch at Opie's Barbecue, 9504 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, about a 30-minute drive via Route 281 South and Route 71 East. Really delicious, inexpensive barbecue, sides and desserts.
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My experience
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