The vibrant city of Austin has quickly become a hot spot for those seeking year-round warm weather, an energetic atmosphere, delicious food, and more. So if you’ve just moved to Austin and you’re looking to learn more about this fascinating city, you’ve come to the right place. Check out these 14 fun facts about Austin, Texas.
1. Austin didn’t have a professional sports team until 2021
Austin was the largest U.S. city without a professional sports team up until they got Austin FC. They made their debut in the 2021 MLS season.
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2. Austin has one of the largest concentrations of award-winning craft breweries in the country
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“With well over 50 local breweries. In 2019, Austin was named the “Top Beer Destination in the World”. –City Brew Tours
3. Austin was originally named Waterloo
“Austin wasn’t always called Austin. The city was originally called Waterloo. The name was changed over 150 years ago, in 1839 it was renamed in honor of the “father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin. And he didn’t even know it! He passed away a few years prior to the change.” –Sarah Blevins, Our Little Lifestyle
4. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music television program
We’d expect nothing less for the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin City Limits debuted in 1947 and started off with Willie Nelson as its featured performer.
5. Whole Foods originated in Austin, TX in 1978
“If you’ve ever bought groceries at Whole Foods or stopped in for their Friday oyster deals, you have Austin, TX and its founders to thank. To this day, it is still the grocery store of choice for many Austin locals.” -Eric Golban, The Eric Golban Blog
6. Austin hosts the United States Grand Prix
While they may not have many professional sports teams, Austin does host the country’s Formula One racing championship.
7. Austin metropolitan area is projected to grow exponentially
“Did you know the Austin metropolitan area is projected to grow to four million people by the year 2040? That’s an increase of 1.5 million people!” –Twist Tours
8. Lady Bird Lake isn’t actually a lake
Technically, it’s a reservoir. Reservoirs are formed by a dam, and Lady Bird Lake is a dammed section of the Colorado River.
9. Austin Museum of Illusions has over 70 exhibits
“Opening in March, Austin Museum of Illusions aims to enable fun and engaging opportunities combined with innovative educational experiences. With over 70 exhibits as optical illusions, holograms, installations and interactive illusion rooms, the museum provides unique and tailored experiences for everyone. Whether you’re a child, student, educator, family, young or old, the Museum offers an intriguing visual, sensory and proprioceptive experience.” –Museum of Illusions Austin
10. Austin is home to the Cathedral of Junk
“The Cathedral of Junk is an amazing private backyard artwork created by Vince Hanneman. Made of various appliances, TVs, hubcaps, old bikes, and all sorts of other junk, it has long been a popular destination for both locals and tourists.” –Fine Art Shippers
11. You’ll find the country’s largest urban bat colony in Austin, TX
“Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the US, with over 1 million bats emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge every night!” -Zack Tullier, Saturn Photography
12. Austin has become well known for its thriving food truck scene
If your ideal way to spend the weekend is trying out delicious food and soaking up the sun, then you’ll be excited to hear that Austin has a handful of food truck parks throughout the city. From breakfast tacos and BBQ to mouth-watering burgers and desserts, there’s something for everyone. There are even vegan food trucks, too.
13. Two unique and endangered species reside in the Austin area
“Barton Springs — which exits into Lady Bird Lake near Zilker Park— is the sole home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. Likewise, the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler only nests in Central Texas’ juniper-oak woodlands, and is highly sought-after by birdwatchers.” –ATX Today
14. Still Austin Whiskey Co. is the first legal distillery within the city limits of Austin
“This distillery is a short and convenient drive away from downtown in a complex called “The Yard,” which offers visitors a variety of local businesses, including Austin Winery, St. Elmo Brewing and Spokesman Coffee.” –Still Austin Whiskey Co.
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