20 Best (and Free) Things to do in Marble Falls

Aug 1, 2023

Marble Falls is both charming and scenic, with active options all ages can enjoy throughout the year. Less than an hour outside Austin, it’s the perfect place for visitors and residents to explore and experience the lake and hill country of Texas. We’ve gathered some favorite free things to do, with advice from local experts.

  1. Swim, fish, kayak or canoe in the Colorado River/Lake Marble Falls, a 600-acre waterway where locals and visitors come to play and relax. Catch largemouth bass or catfish, work up a sweat canoeing or simply enjoy the views. It’s a must-visit site while in Marble Falls.

 

  1. Lakeside Park on Lake Marble Falls has direct access to the lake plus multiple amenities, including a swimming pool, pavilion, barbeque pits, tennis court and basketball court. (Keep an eye for when this opens again as the website says it is currently closed for construction).

 

  1. Johnson Park on Lake Marble Falls is located at 230 S. Avenue J, in the pecan shaded area where Backbone Creek and Whitman Branch flow into Lake Marble Falls. The park has a designated leash-free zone for dog owners, an amphitheater, covered pavilions, barbeque pits, a softball field, a beach volleyball court and a bike trail.

 

  1. Get moving on the hike and bike trails in Marble Falls. There’s a nice Backbone Creek Hike and Bike Trail where you’ll pass Falls Creek Park and Skatepark, Andrea’s Pass Waterfall, plus various species of birds and maybe even see some deer.

 

  1. Antique shopping is popular in the Highland Lakes area. Here’s a list of antique stores to visit: http://www.highlandlakes.com/antiques/index.htm.

 

  1. Hike through Hill Country terrain. Venture beyond the sprawling parks and recreational areas of Marble Falls. With its rolling hills of farmland and rugged limestone bluffs, the Texas Hill Country is widely regarded for its scenic beauty and is just a few minutes away from Marble Falls. See this great list from 101 Highland Lakes: https://www.101highlandlakes.com/hiking

 

  1. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is an animal habitat, home to two endangered species of birds, the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. The refuge, an internationally Important Bird Area, can be explored on its more than seven miles of nature trails. Located at 24518 FM 1431, Marble Falls.

 

  1. Savor a glass of Texas-made wine. Love the thought of a glass of merlot or cabernet sauvignon? Marble Falls boasts several award-winning wineries and vineyards. Try Flat Creek Estate, Spicewood Vineyards and McReynolds Wines. All have tasting rooms and you can take a tour of each. There’s also Save the World Brewing Company, where they donate their profits to charity.

 

  1. Go Off Road at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Yes, there’s a park fee, but hey, kids 6 and under are free! Bring your own ATV or dirt bike or rent an off-road vehicle. Also has a shooting club and camping sites to stay a bit longer.

 

  1. Sweet Berry Farm has no admission or parking fee. You simply pay for the fruit you pick or the activities you choose to do. It’s free to pet the animals, eat at the picnic tables and just enjoy the farm. There’s a nominal charge for Berry Bounce, Sand Art, Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train and Paint-a-pot. You can also book a field trip or birthday party for various fees. Location: 1801 FM 1980, ​Marble Falls.

 

  1. Dead Man’s Hole is off County Road 401 between RR. 2147 East and Highway 71, Marble Falls. Measuring about seven feet in diameter and approximately 155 feet deep, the cavernous Dead Man’s Hole was formed by pressure from natural gas inside the earth. Initially discovered in 1821, the hole gained its moniker decades later during the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era.

 

  1. Turkey Bend Recreation area is an amazing place to see and enjoy the bluebonnets during wildflower season. You might even see roadrunners, armadillos and geckos. 4000 Shaw Dr. Marble Falls.

 

  1. In Marble Falls, see the original sculptures on Main and peruse the little shops in the area. The sculptures were first mounted in 2007, and represent many of the best of artist of the area.
  2. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is 508 acres of diverse terrain, great for hiking or horseback riding. Picnic tables and grills available.

 

  1. Highland Arts Guild and Gallery, a non-profit established in 1971. Classes, demonstrations, workshops and exhibits are featured throughout the year. 318 Main Street, Marble Falls.

 

  1. Jolly Rodgers Paddle Co. offers Dive-In Movie Nite on the water. It’s free and for all ages. What a great way to wind down after a day on the paddleboard or kayak. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs. Westside Park, 2nd & Ave. Q, Marble Falls.

 

  1. View the starry skies of Texas by checking out nearby astronomy clubs who hold star parties and stargazing programs throughout the year. Here’s information on the Austin Astronomical Society, about an hour from Marble Falls. http://austinastro.org/.

 

  1. Listen to live music: find everything from blues, country, rock and punk, at these local venues: https://www.marblefalls.org/p/getconnected/news-and-announcements/333.

 

  1. The flowing water and soothing sound of a waterfall is always a favorite and Texas has many, with one of our favorite being Krause Springs near Marble Falls. Marble Falls features small waterfalls at the bottom of the lake depending on the time of year and the depth of the lake.

 

  1. Set up a picnic and enjoy the views of Marble Falls in any of the local parks. For a fun and healthy picnic with tips on food, drinks, packing and activities check out “It’s Time Texas,”— a group devoted to building a healthier state. https://itstimetexas.org/tips-tricks-perfect-healthy-picnic/.

Located in charming Marble Falls, Texas this 240-acre master-planned community is northwest of Austin and is anticipated to be home to approximately 700 single-family and 250 multi-family residences. A central community area with an outdoor pool, ramada, barbecue area, shaded play area and bocce ball and horseshoe pits are planned. Gregg Ranch outdoor amenities will also include 5.5 miles of jogging and biking trails throughout the community, plus a dog park. The community is conveniently located at the intersection of State Highways 281 and 71, and is a short drive to Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ and the famed Texas Lake and Hill Country. Visit http://greggranch.com/ to learn more.