A brief history of Red Bud Isle:

Red Bud Isle got its start on April 7^th, 1900 when the original dam, called the “Great Dam”, burst due to excessive rainfall.  Many parts of the dam, including the large granite blocks you see in the park today, washed downstream a short distance and provided the foundation for what would become Red Bud Isle.  Over the years the island filled in with sediment and greenery as plants and trees found a foothold on the new island.  Cypress and Red Bud trees were early residents, which you can enjoy throughout the park. 

In 1949 the island was officially given to the City of Austin from the State of Texas.  Over the years, Red Bud became overgrown and few people, with the exception of a handful of hearty fishermen, used the island.  Improvements began in 1986 when the area was closed to vehicles.  Shortly thereafter, in 1987, Austin officially declared Red Bud Isle a city park.  As a city park, Red Bud Isle received a face-lift, including the installation of various facilities and came under the maintenance umbrella of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Most recently, in 2001, Red Bud Isle became an off-leash dog park. 

For more information about the history of Red Bud Isle and its evolution with Austin, visit the Austin History Center.

Page last updated on 07/16/2009