Day Trip: Mayfield Nature Preserve in Austin, Texas

So we were actually heading to Austin to meet up with my sister-in-law and her new husband at Mount Bonnell, but our family wasn't as close as we were so we had some time to kill.  We saw a sign for Mayfield Nature Preserve right down the street. We thought we'd check it out. 

What?!  Is that a peacock running around? Wait?! Is that a group of peacocks? Where am I? This can't be Austin, Texas, but yes it actually is!

This place is so cute and quaint. We didn't have a whole lot of time to explore but what we did find out is that Mayfield Park includes a historic cottage that operates as an event center, so you can rent the cottage out for private events or weddings.

There is also a 2 acre sized garden that has ponds, water lilies, beautiful flowers and the peacocks that just roam around the area.

There is also the 21 acres which makes up the rest of the preserve and it surrounds the park and contains walking trails and wildlife habitat.  We only went on the short loop trail because of time but it was very easy walking for my girls, although there are some steps along the way, so not completely flat and there were some rocks and roots that they had to maneuver over but overall a pretty easy walk. We could have used our off road stroller with no problem if we wanted too.  But the walk was so short anyways that we didn't really even need it.

 

We have plans to go back when some of my family comes out to explore more of the trails and let my children try to catch the peacocks again, lol.  Okay, not really, but if you move really slow and you're in the right place you can catch a brush of the male peacocks tail like I did.

We also go to see one of the males put up his tail feathers. I've never seen the backside. It was really cool. We saw how the larger feathers in back are what push up the decorative feathers on top. A great homeschool lesson to add to our adventures.

One family matter note: there is only a porta potty for restrooms. And it wasn't very clean and no soap sanitizer when we used it, so make sure you get your little ones to go ahead of time. But at least there is an option.

So, when you have some time to go to Austin, Texas be sure to make a quick stop at the Mayfield Nature Preserve and Mount Bonnell which are just down the street from each other. I'll be posting about Mount Bonnell next. Be sure to check it out.

My girls loved to chase around the peacocks (at a slow pace of course).

 

Happy Texan Trekking!
Heather Joy