History Center for Aransas County
801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) The History Center for Aransas County showcases local heritage. Outdoor and indoor exhibits tell the stories of the real people of Aransas County. The Center provides space for displays, workshops, meetings and gatherings. The Bruhl-Paul-Johnson house is a Queen Anne-Victorian cottage that was a popular style in the late 1800s. The house has had many owners including A.L. Bruhl, early 1900s pharmacist and Rockport mayor; Simon Paul, surveyor; and Chester Johnson who salvaged and moved the house from Wood and Laurel Streets in 1978 to make way for a bank parking lot. Even by the early 1900s, tourism began to play a significant role in the area’s economy. Local history enthusiasts formed the Friends of the History Center for Aransas County in order to promote this historic venue of Aransas County and have applied for a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. History Organizations in Aransas County
Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary
4140 Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (map below) This 4 1/2 acres contain 3 distinct habitats…a live oak motte, a remnant of a coastal prairie, and an ephemeral pond. A coastal Live Oak forest is special because of the native shrubs and plants that makeup the understory. This plant community, together with the Live Oaks, is called an oak motte. Oak mottes are valuable stopover habitats for migrating songbirds. This coastal prairie consists of native grasses and wildflowers. Coastal prairies provide food and shelter for many different varieties of wildlife. The plants mature in the fall and produce colorful seed heads. Standing on the slab and looking down the hill is an ephemeral pond. An ephemeral pond can be without water for a long period depending on the weather cycle. They are distinctive wetlands devoid of fish. This allows the safe development of amphibians and insects unable to withstand predation from fish. It is a Texas native plant garden. This site is a recognized Butterfly Waystation. Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world. For more information visit – Monarch Waystation Program Check out our plant inventory at Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary
Pathways Center – Pavilion & Bridge (Tule West)
2491 Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) The pavilion, called “Pathways Center ” is the principal information center for all of the Aransas Pathways projects. These include: Birding, History, Kayaking, and Hiking and Biking Trails. “Pathways Center” houses informational kiosks with interpretive signage explaining each Aransas Pathway project, with an open space for meetings and events. There is also a deck for relaxing and observing Tule Creek and the adjoining Shellcrete Birding and Nature site. Also known as Tule Creek West. The bridge connects the North and South sides of Tule Creek and the nature site. This facility functions as the trailhead for Pathways Eco-tourism projects in the Aransas County. Pathways Center is located on the west side of Highway 35 N and the intersection of Tule Creek. This is at the traffic light for the north entrance into Walmart. This land was leased from the City of Rockport and will serve as a birding site but will also be the information center for the Project. It includes a wooden bridge crossing Tule Creek linking the parking lot at the head of the City Hike and Bike trail to Shellcrete Historic Site and Birding Site. There is an open air pavilion with informative, interpretive signage describing the Aransas Pathways project for use by tourists and visitors. This pavilion has an excellent view of the creek and is expected to attract birders and photographers. It is also useful as a spot to stage local events and educational activities for our residents.
New Information Kiosk installed
Location: 28.023579, -97.052385, intersection of Live Oak and North streets, on the west side of the parking lot surrounding the railroad depot in downtown Rockport. (see map) Check out the new Aransas Pathways way-finding kiosk! Located in the heart of the Rockport Cultural Arts District behind the San Antonio Railroad Depot! Find your Pathway” at the brand new Aransas Pathways way-finding kiosk. Located behind the Railroad Depot in the Cultural Arts District. From the Rockport Pilot (http://www.rockportpilot.com/news/article_6e4960cc-0346-11ee-8b67-5f2c32ffea07.html): Aransas Pathways (AP) dedicated its newest information kiosk Thursday, June 1 with a ribbon cutting by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Bay Blazers. The new kiosk, which complements the major kiosks located at the Pathways Pavilion on Tule Creek, is located at the intersection of Live Oak and North streets, on the west side of the parking lot surrounding the railroad depot in downtown Rockport. AP Co-chairman De McLallen said the new kiosk, which directs people to AP sites, is located close to the geographic center of the county. “On behalf of AP, I thank Aransas County and the City of Rockport for all their support,” said McLallen. Aransas County Judge Ray Garza noted he started attending AP meetings about a year ago, and the concept for this new kiosk was introduced at the first meeting he attended. “Great job on the kiosk,” he said. “As simple as it is, it’s great,” he said. Pam Wheat-Stranahan said the new kiosk compliments the more detailed kiosks located at the Pathways Pavilion. “This kiosk is located on a great corridor,” she said. “We hope the AP (hike/bike trails) go from one end of the county to the other one day. That was our hope 12 years ago (when it all started).” One can take in the information found on the new kiosk, or simply take a picture of the QR code and download all pertinent AP information. “When the new courthouse and city hall are completed we want to put another one (kiosk) in Celebration Plaza,” said Wheat-Stranahan. The new kiosk should last quite a while. The current AP signs, installed up to 10-plus years ago, still look good, and are readable. “Almost all the AP signs survived Hurricane Harvey,” said McLallen.
Hwy 188 Bridge
27°59’55.1″N 97°10’07.9″W (see map) The kayak launch site at Port Bay on Highway 188 is a convenient spot for paddlers to begin their adventure on the water. Located at the northern end of the 188 bridge over Port Bay just North West of Rockport, the launch site offers easy access to local waters of the bay, which are perfect for kayaking. The launch area is maintained by Aransas Pathways and features a gravel shoreline that makes it easy for kayakers to launch their boats. There are ample parking spaces available near the launch site, making it convenient for visitors to park their vehicles and transport their kayaks to the water’s edge. Wade fishing is also available on the North side of the bay. Kayakers can explore the calm waters of Port Bay, which is home to a variety of saltwater fish. Overall, the kayak launch site at Port Bay on Highway 188 is an excellent spot for paddlers of all levels to begin their adventure on the water.
Swan Lake
1201 Copano Retreat Rd, Taft, TX 78390 (see map) Swan Lake Kayak launch site is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts, located on Copano Retreat Road in Taft, TX. Copano Retreat Road is located off of TX Highway 188, 4 miles Northwest of 35 Bypass Rockport, TX. The launch site provides access to the North East area of Port Bay, which is a shallow saltwater body of water surrounded by marshlands. The launch site features ample parking space for vehicles and trailers. There is a 50 yard hard surface path from the parking lot to the water. In addition to kayaking and canoeing, Swan Lake also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can expect to see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Overall, Swan Lake Kayak launch site on Copano Retreat Road is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Texas coast while enjoying outdoor recreational activities.
Shellcrete Birding and Nature Site
28°03’02.4″N 97°02’31.3″W (see map) 2550 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382 Spring Species – Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Blue Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo and Painted Buntings, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, 27 species of Wood Warbler including Ovenbird, Prothonotary and Canada Warblers, Brown-crested and Great-crested Flycatchers, Solitary Sandpiper. Fall and Winter Species – American Goldfinch, Lincoln’s, Swamp, and chipping Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo. Shellcrete Birding Site Location – Shellcrete is located on Hwy 35 next to Tule Creek. This is an 11 acre wooded birding site. Tule Creek runs beside the woods. Use the parking lot at the Aransas Pathways Center – Pavilion & Bridge site (Tule West) and walk the bridge or sidewalk to access Shellcrete Birding and Nature site.
Port Bay Road
612 Port Bay Club Rd, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) PORT BAY ROAD This site is located at the north west end of Port Bay road off of Farm to Market Road 1069. It is an existing public access site to this part of Port Bay. Most of Port Bay Road is a fair weather access road and is subject to rutting in rainy weather. This area of Port Bay is known as a good winter fishing area.
Airport Road
28°05’18.2″N 97°03’37.8″W (see map) Located at the northwest end of Airport road where it intersects with Copano Bay with excellent access to Copano Bay. The site is only a short distance from Rockport-Fulton with a hard surface driveway and parking area. Shoreline access is through a short trail from the parking area. Kayaks can be launched from the shore which also provides great shoreline or wade-fishing and birdwatching. The area along the shoreline north of here is undeveloped as it is part of the Aransas County Airport property.
Henderson Habitat Preserve
1010 W Palmetto Ave, Rockport, TX 78382 or 944 Henderson St, Rockport, TX 78382 (map below) The front parking lot features paver stones with grass growing in between, thus creating an permeable surface. There is a walking trail complete with interpretive signage. The area also features two water retention ponds, which take on the water that comes from Marion Drive. The walking trail connects to Palmetto Street and there is an available entrance with an ADA compliant parking lot available from that side, as well as entry from Henderson St.