Less than a century ago this bridge served as the gateway to Austin. Originally this was a wooden pedestrian bridge, on which travelers used to pay a toll of a nickel to cross the Colorado River — and an extra nickel for their horse! In 1902, the bridge was washed away in a flood and replaced with a new bridge designed to handle automobile traffic. Since that time, the bridge has maintained its status as a substantial through way for the people of Austin. One of the most amazing sights in Austin takes place every dusk from March to early November, when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their roosts under the bridge.
Phone: (512) 539-3153
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Congress Ave and E 1st St/W 1st St
1 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 ·1175.92 mi
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Reviews
yelpI spend a lot of time on this bridge, either driving over it, walking it, etc. It's well-maintained and easy to walk across to take in views of this part of the city. Of course, it's a great spot...
MoreThe Congress Avenue Bridge was renamed in honor of former Governor Ann W. Richards. She was the 45th Governor of the State of Texas from 1991 to 1995. The bridge has pedestrian and bike paths...
MoreFormerly just the Congress Avenue Bridge, it was renamed in 2006 to honor the 45th Governor of Texas, Travis County Commissioner and long-term resident of Austin, Ann Richards. The first bridge...
MoreNice bridge to watch bats and walk across from the city to the botanical gardens. On the city side there is a homeless camp. Sad to see Austin not address homelessness.
MoreBat Bridge! This bridge spans the Colorado River, or Town Lake, or Lady Bird Lake, whatever you wanna call it. It makes the north and south sides of the river easily accessible by this huge,...
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