Land Heritage Institute
Announcements
Hours on Open Weekends:
8 am – 4 pm on the second and third Saturday of the Month
What is Land Heritage Institute?
Land Heritage Institute is a 1,200 acre living land museum dedicated to training the next generation of conservationists. Future conservationists who will be dedicated to:
– Conservation of our natural resources
– Conservation of our histories and cultures
– Conservation of the built environment
Land Heritage Institute promotes environmental literacy and sustainable practices by providing a resource for lifelong learners to pursue the passions of life such as art, hiking, riding and all forms of wildlife watching. Conservation can be fun!
Open to the public on the second Saturday of every month or by appointment.
Learn
Watch for Second Saturday programming. Unique presentations and workshops about a diverse group of subjects such as birdwatching, land management, art, photography, all using our natural and built assets to promote conservation.
Have Fun
Explore Los Caminos Naturales, a 20 mile trail system; visit the historic Presnall-Watson Farmstead. Feed our herd of CTLR Texas Longhorns. Climb aboard an authentic Chuckwagon. Participate in cultural activities.
Join
Become a member of the Land Heritage Institute TrailMasters. Help maintain our trail system, enjoy economical access year round, become part of a like minded group of life long learners. Teach environmental literacy to our youth.
Presnall-Watson Historic Farmstead
This historic farm and ranch complex is currently under restoration and the centerpiece of a 180 acre Historic District registered in the National Register of Historic Places. This portion of property has a long and storied past illustrating and interpreting every important historic era of Texas.
Los Caminos Naturales Trail System
Come explore our 20 mile natural trail system that winds its way through woodlands and pristine Medina River bottomland. Trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Observe over 100 species of birds and unique art displays along the Museo Paseo outdoor gallery.
Special Projects
Visit interpretive art pieces; The Corn Crib by Anson Seale, One Land, Many Hands by Nancy Cavender-Garcia or see a historic and authentic 1850’s Ox Cart, the original Texas Freighter. Nature photographers, bird watchers and artists in all media are welcome to use LHI resource of for inspiration to create and inform. Available by appointment or on 2nd Saturday.
Recreation With A Purpose
Walk among the majestic Texas Longhorn, feel the spartan functionality of a hard pine chuckwagon seat, bicycle past historic ruins of European settlers, remains of the Spanish Colonial era Rancho de la Purisma and the internationally recognized Richard Beene Archaeological site where evidence of 10,000 years of continuous human habitation was uncovered.
Outdoor Activities
Enjoy hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding and much more. Below take a look at all the fun activities you can enjoy while on vacation or just enjoy the great landscape of Land Heritage Institute.
Hiking
Hike the 20 mile Los Caminos Naturales Trail System and the Medina River Greenway, $3 per person admission.
Biking
Mountain Bike the 20 mile Los Caminos Nautrales (unpaved) and the Medina River Greenway (paved). #3 per person admission.
Camping
Primitive camping available, on open Saturdays or by appointment. $20 per campsite per night plus $3 per person admission (children under 13 are free with paid Adult).
Trail Masters get a special rate of $10 per campsite and no hiking fee on open days!
RV Site Rental
10 RV hook ups with water and electrical connection, dump station available. By Reservation Only. $30 per night plus $3 per person per day admission (children under 13 are free with paid Adult).
Trail Masters get a special rate of $20 per campsite!
Horseback Riding
Bring your horse, ride the 20 mile Los Caminos Naturales (unpaved), no rocks, plenty of room for trailers, $10 per rider per day. RV site $30 per night on open Saturday. Other days available by reservation. Group rates available. Coggins Test required for every horse. We prefer paper copies as you check in, to help avoid handling personal phones.
Trail Masters get to ride on regular open days for free! They can also take advantage of riding during the week and off weekends with approval for $5 per ride instead of $10.
Reservations
Reservations are required for any overnight facility use or an activity planned on any day or weekend besides our regular open day which is the 2nd Saturday of every month. Release of Liability for all participants required. Group minimums apply.
Support Us
Get Involved. Become A Trail Master.
Through volunteering or donations, we are always looking for more help. Every dollar and hand goes a long way in our organization. Help us preserve our history!
Land Heritage Institute is open on the 2nd & 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am – 4pm.
We will ask that you comply any Covid 19 social distancing or facemask rules, if applicable.
