How Much Do you Know About Lake Travis?

"Anyone traveling Northwest of Austin, Texas, is sure to appreciate the natural beauty and views afforded by Lake Austin, the famous reservoir on the Colorado River. First developed in 1942, when the Mansfield Dam was constructed on the western border of Austin, Lake Travis is now quite a tourist attraction and a local point of pride. Some of the most coveted addresses in this region of the country boast a breathtaking view of Lake Travis – a major selling point in the Austin real estate market.

You really have to see the lake to appreciate the stunning view that Austin residents enjoy. Lake Travis is 4.5 miles long and a meandering 63.75 miles long. Covering roughly 18,929 acres and with about 382,092,882,600 gallons of water, Lake Travis is quite large. Many homes on the Austin real estate market are able to take advantage of the stunning views that Lake Travis affords.

Lake Travis is more than just a great view, though. The lake is also the body of water with the largest storage capacity among the Highland Lakes – which are actually all reservoirs. The lake is also an important resource to the community, providing electrical power, water supply, and flood control.

In addition to being beautiful and practical, Lake Travis also offers many recreational opportunities to town residents. The 270 miles of shoreline which snake around the lake are perfect for strolling, hiking, biking, or jogging. On any given day, you can find Austin residents on the shoreline, walking their dogs, exercising, or just enjoying a picnic. Lake Austin real estate puts residents within steps of the lake, where they can bask in the beauty of the water.

Of course, there is also plenty to do on the water itself. Parts of the lake are as much as 210 feet deep, and the average depth is 62 feet. As a result, a number of fish species live in the lake, including white bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, guadalupe bass, catfish and sunfish. It's not surprising, then, that recreational fishing is a big activity on the lake. In addition, Austin residents come here for camping, scuba diving, swimming, boating, and much more. It doesn't hurt that Lake Travis is considered one of the clearest waters in the immediate area. The sparkling waters are very alluring in the hot Texas summers. For those who have more adventurous definitions of recreation, a nearby Travis County park, Hippie Hollow, is the only clothing-optional public park in the entire state. Other nearby parks offer more traditional family fare, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, soccer fields, and much more.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Lake Travis real estate also offers easy access to windsurfing and sailboat regattas, ski boating, cruisers, and houseboats. Whether you have your own boats, wish to rent, or are interested in participating in water competitions, Lake Travis offers it all. Marina facilities, public parks, and boat ramps are all maintained by Lake Travis for visitors and residents alike, so that everyone has simple, safe, and easy access to all the recreational opportunities of the lake."