Texas State Cemetery
4.6(117)google
4.7(43)yelp
History
Overview
The Texas State Cemetery (TSC) is a cemetery located on about 22 acres (8.9 ha) just east of downtown Austin, the capital of the U.S. state of Texas. Originally the burial place of Edward Burleson, Texas Revolutionary general and vice-president of the Republic of Texas, it was expanded into a Confederate cemetery during the Civil War. Later it was expanded again to include the graves and cenotaphs of prominent Texans and their spouses.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best TimeLate April for vibrant native bluebonnet wildflower borders or mid-October for stunning changing hardwood leaves. As a world-renowned, historic 22-acre botanical sanctuary and resting place of Texas legends like Stephen F. Austin and military heroes, wandering the limestone lakes between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM is unparalleled; soft morning rays highlight the white marble monuments beautifully.
Getting ThereTucked inside a beautiful residential and historic district east of downtown at 909 Navasota St, Austin. Driving via car is seamless; travel east out of the city center via 11th Street across the I-35 overpass, and turn right onto Navasota Street straight into the entry gatehouse. Admission to the historic grounds is free, and the site features an extensive, free paved inner lot.
Travel Tips
- As the state's premier resting place for historic figures, the grounds regularly host official state funerals and military honors that prompt sudden, complete closures of core gravesites. Check the live online Ceremony Calendar to align your visit away from highly restricted funeral windows.
- To locate high-profile graves like Stephen F. Austin or Chris Kyle, do not wander aimlessly across the sprawling sections. Request a complimentary, grid-indexed physical plot map directly at the History Center counter near the main entrance gates before heading out.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The cemetery enforces strict behavioral and legal prohibitions: tombstone rubbing, live streaming, drone deployment, and lounging on manicured lawns are completely illegal. Vehicles must enter via Navasota Street into the single visitor lane; illegal alignment outside marked stalls sparks immediate towing.
Reviews
Positive
- As the resting place for Texas legends and statesmen, the grand monuments and bronze sculptures boast exceptional historical and artistic value.
- It is entirely free to enter with zero admission fees; the on-site visitor center is pristine, providing clear signs and detailed multimedia audio.
- The grounds feature immaculately manicured lawns and ancient trees; spotlessly clean and uncrowded, it offers a solemn and serene quiet.
- Driving directions are straightforward with a large, entirely free parking lot out front, and level accessible paths show meticulous maintenance.
Heads up
- Being a solemn state cemetery, the ambiance is highly serious; for families with small kids seeking fun or entertainment, the content feels dry.
- The expansive cemetery grounds lack shaded structures; walking under the blistering summer sun poses a high heat risk with little relief.
- Paths to specific monuments require traversing open grass and sections of gravel, making it bumpy for wheelchairs or strollers away from main drives.
- The indoor visitor center keeps short hours or closes on weekends, preventing weekend travelers from grabbing historical educational brochures.