• The scars from the July 4th flooding on the Guadalupe River were still evident when Louise Hays Park in Kerrville reopened on Oct. 6 Credit: Gerald E. McLeod
  • Years in the making, the $10 million African American Heritage Monument and Park was dedicated on Nov. 8 at Bates Allen Park in Kendleton southwest of Houston. The memorial honors the formerly enslaved families who founded one of the oldest freedman colonies in Texas. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod
  • The 3,118 acres purchased this year for Post Oak Ridge State Park include two miles of Colorado River frontage, high bluffs, and spring-fed creeks across the river from Colorado Bend State Park. The new park will possibly open in stages beginning in 2026. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Texas had a big year punctuated by devastating floods and crowned with new parks. Here are 10 highlights from all over the state.

  1. The Kerr County floods on July 4th weekend killed 119 people and wrecked a beautiful stretch of the Guadalupe River. 
  2. The African American Heritage Monument & Park in Kendleton commemorates and tells the story of the first freedman’s town in Texas. Although the park around this beautiful 3-story structure southwest of Houston isn’t complete, it’s worth a visit. 
  3. Expansion of state parks is happening thanks to Texas voters who approved the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund in 2023, and to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for using the money to improve the parks. With only 5% of Texas land open to the public, every addition of new parkland is a win. 
  4. Bear Creek State Park in Uvalde County near Garner State Park is roughly 1,720 acres with Frio River frontage and Hill Country views. Partial opening in 2026.  
  5. Post Oak Ridge State Park in Lampasas and Burnet counties, across the Colorado River from Colorado Bend State Park, partially opens in 2026. 
  6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in 2024 and 2025 grew by 3,702 acres, almost doubling the size of the park north of Fredericksburg. Open by guided hikes.
  7. Devils River State Natural Area about 66 miles north of Del Rio opened the Dan Hughes Unit, accessible by high-clearance vehicles. 
  8. Washington-on-the Brazos State Historic Site added new signs, buildings, and a renovated museum to help explain the historical meaning of the park north of Brenham.
  9. CEO of the Alamo Trust Kate Rogers was forced to resign from the $550 million renovation of the Alamo, leaving the writing of Texas history to the politicians. 
  10. In memoriam: Victor Emanuel (1940-2025), top birder and tour guide; George Coulam (1937-2025), founder of Texas Renaissance Festival’ and Mary-Love Bigony (1952-2025), outdoor writer and editor. 

1,785th in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere. Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/day-trips.

This article appears in December 19 • 2025.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.