Mayfield Park Cottage and Gardens, Austin

We almost missed this place, we went to Mount Bonnell and as we left I saw the sign and thought we would stop to see what was back there. First of all to see the peacocks walking around and sitting in trees, on top of sheds, and on the walls was amazing! I would guess there were at least 15 on the property. 2 of them walked right up to us. It has 3 or 4 little ponds with lily pads. Water was a little murky but I managed to see a huge Koi fish, a baby turtle, and an adult turtle. Flowers were pretty but didn't seem like they were in full bloom. I'm from the north so don't know when it's flower season in Texas. It was a nice laid back atmosphere with friendly people around. There was an older gentleman sitting at a picnic table giving some fellow tourists a history of the place. The trails down behind the gardens were also fun. Probably took about 30 minutes to walk all of them, so they aren't super long. They have trails marked with small stones and a few little informational signs on plants and trees. It asks you to stay on marked trails but there are a few you see go off the path that lead down to the water and up to a large natural stone wall that makes you feel like your in the mountains. Overall I think this should be a stop for anyone in the area. It's not and all day event. Maybe 2 hours but it's free, it's beautiful, and you come away smiling.

My husband and I were married here in the gardens in July 2007. This is a beautiful natural park with ponds full of Koi fish and lily pads! Go in the late spring/early summer and the flowers are absolutely beautiful! There is also hiking trail that lead to a little stream which is wonderful on those hot Texas days to just get your feet wet!! Great place and never crowded!

I've been to this park a few times and rarely is it crowded. There are some woods to walk in and magnificent ponds with flowers, fish, frogs, and turtles. Take a camera, you can get amazing photos here. Only downside - I got a lot of mosquito bites.