The Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch is perhaps the best known part of this historical park, but it’s only one aspect of it. The Visitor Center alone is worth a stop. This was once the Pedernales Hospital and today is home to a permanent gallery which illustrates the accomplishments of the former president, partly through a timeline. Memorabilia from the presidential campaign and the ranch are among the items collected here, as are two "Friendship Stones,” which are concrete blocks signed by White House visitors. "Lady Bird” Johnson has an exhibit as well, and you can see her crimson suit, and the china designed for the White House during the Johnson administration. You can watch one of three films here as well.

But it is also well worth it to move beyond the Visitor Center. Lyndon B. Johnson’s Boyhood Home is furnished with furniture that dates from the 1920s and the guided tours are free. The Johnson Settlement is reached by a nature trail that begins at the Visitor Center. This was established in the 1860s by Lyndon Johnson’s grandfather and great-uncle and you can visit the windmill, cooler house, log cabin, and barns that they built.

The LBJ Ranch remains the penultimate destination, of course. This is the only part of the park that charges, although it’s very reasonable. This is where Lyndon B. Johnson was born, and where he died. "Lady Bird” Johnson also lived here until her death in 2007. The house where LBJ was born has been carefully refurbished , and the LBJ Ranch House (or the "Texas White House,” for LBJ did administrate from here) is naturally spectacular. The Show Barn still houses prize-winning Herefords and the former president’s cars are still eclectic as well as excellent, with the famous Continental Convertibles sharing space with a 1915 Fire Truck.

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