3 Best Sights in Austin, Texas

The 19th century lives on at this delightfully eccentric museum, where German Romanticism meets the Texas frontier. The historic home and studio of sculptor Elisabet Ney is a lovely gem in the Hyde Park neighborhood that showcases Ney's life and work, with more than 70 sculptures on display. Ney's studio, where she produced sculptures of historic figures, like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, is set up as she knew it, with sculpting tools, hat, teacup, and other items all in their proper places. The castle-like home is surrounded by native prairie grasses and more outdoor sculptures. Family-friendly art classes and special events are also hosted throughout the year. 

Abner Cook, a leading architect of his day, designed this mansion, one of Austin's most elegant dwellings. Since 1865, this building has been the home of every Texas governor since the state's fifth, Elisha Marshall Pease. Constructed of bricks made in Austin and wood from nearby forests, the two-story National Historic Landmark bears the marks of those who have lived here, including James Hogg, the governor who, to keep his children from sliding down the banister on their rears, hammered tacks into the railing (the tack holes are still visible). Many fine furnishings, paintings, and antiques are on display, including Sam Houston's bed and Stephen F. Austin's desk. Free 20-minute tours are available if you reserve in advance.

As war stories go, the most defining for Texas is, of course, the Alamo, and although Davy Crockett and James Bowie are often names you’ll hear in association with that infamous 1836 battle, Susanna Dickinson, who lost her husband there, was the person who carried the news of its demise to Sam Houston. She became a renowned Texas figure and was dubbed the “Messenger of the Alamo.” Today, her home is open to the public, showcasing belongings and artifacts from her life and that of her second husband, Joseph Hannig, in the permanent exhibit, with occasional traveling exhibits. The museum is one of three Brushy Square museums, including the O. Henry Museum and the Austin Fire Museum, all located on the same block. Advance reservations are required to visit.