We couldn’t agree more; Cedar Park TX is an incredible place to call home!
Though first established in the late 1800s, Cedar Park wasn’t incorporated until 1973. Since then, it has consistently been marked as one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, with a current population of approximately 82,192 people. The secret’s out about Cedar Park, and it’s not just the influx of residents who are noticing. In 2020, WalletHub named Cedar Park the Ninth Best Small City in America. Year after year, this city boasts some of the lowest crime rates in America, especially when compared to other cities of a similar size. In fact, it is considered safer than 64% of U.S. cities, according to NeighborhoodScout. And it’s a great place to do business too. HomeCity called it a Top City to Do Business, and several Fortune 500 companies have relocated their headquarters to Cedar Park for this reason.
There’s no doubt about it, Cedar Park is a wonderful place to work, to live, and to spend free time. From its nature parks and cultural sites to its opportunities for entertainment, education, and entrepreneurship; Cedar Park has a little something for everyone. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Austin, but there’s no need to leave. So what else does Cedar Park have to offer, you ask?
An Epic Location with Easy Access to Cities and Nature
Cedar Park is a major suburb of Williamson County located on the northern border of Austin, conveniently bypassed from North to South with U.S. Route 183. It takes just about 20 minutes to reach Austin by car, though the line 985 bus from Cedar Park’s Lakeline Station can get you there in 35 minutes without hassle.
True to its name, Cedar Park boasts 1,000 acres of city-owned parkland and 31 miles of trails. Four different eco-systems converge there: post oak savannah, Blackland prairie, east Texas piney woods, and lush riparian. The closest lake to Cedar Park is Lake Travis, where you can catch a meal at the Oasis on Lake Travis or any one of the restaurants with their stunning lookout views. You’ll also find Lake Travis Adventures there, but we recommend taking the zipline before dinner.
Well-Preserved Cultural and Historical Sites
The pioneering spirit of the old west is alive and well in Cedar Park, and the city’s local government has taken great strides to preserve and memorialize its history as well. Before European settlers rooted themselves in Cedar Park, several Native American tribes thrived there, including Tonkawa and the Comanche.
In 1983, a paleo-archaeological site was unearthed that revealed evidence of “continual habitation” of ancient people there since 5000 BC, along with an 11,000-year-old grave of a young woman. This historical landmark is now known as the Wilson-Leonard Site.
Both human and natural history are an important part of Cedar Park’s identity. Each year in December, the 400-year old Heritage Oak Tree is decorated with 30,000 lights. The tree is located on 875 Quest Parkway and is a symbol of moral and perseverance– two time-honored values that are integral to this city.
Annual Events that Celebrate Tradition
The people of this city know how to have fun, and festivals are a big part of the Cedar Park experience. Fall in Cedar Park is especially important, and there is always a surplus of activities then.
- The Cedar Bark Festival takes place in October, and all the dogs in town (along with their people) are invited to participate in frisbee contests, relay races, and a costume contest, or pose for a caricaturist. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of Cedar Bark Park.
- Fable Fest is another annual event that takes place in October and is a spin-off of the world-renowned Renaissance Fare, complete with jousting demonstrations and performances, a costume parade and costume contest, music performances, and storytime for the kids. This event benefits the Cedar Park Public Library.
- The Cedar Fest BBQ Cook-Off is a highly anticipated event that occurs in June and is hosted by the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce. Attendees enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, rides and games, a petting zoo, and of course, food (and LOTS of it). The event takes place at Elizabeth Milburn Park and is both open to the public and free to attend.
Indoor Attractions to Beat the Heat
The average high temperature during Cedar Park summers is a sweltering 96.3 degrees, but fortunately, there is an abundance of indoor attractions
for friends and family members to beat the heat.
- Austin Steam Train Museum is an inexpensive and kid-friendly museum honoring Cedar Park’s rich railway history with a goal of preserving and re-creating the steam train experience. The museum offers sightseeing tours of the historic railway and the chance to explore restored vintage cars from the golden era of rail travel.
- JumpStreet is an indoor trampoline park with everything from a spinning teapot to a mechanical bull. Kids love running around and getting their energy out at Jump Street, and parents love being able to see them from several, more relaxed vantage points throughout the space. The maze and arcade are especially fun for young adults on date night.
- The Austin Aquarium is just a hop and a skip away from Cedar Park and the type of place any person of any age could spend the whole day enjoying. The creatures that call this aquarium home come from all over the world, from tropical rainforests to the deep sea. You might even see a mermaid while you’re there!
Outdoor Attractions to Bask in Natural Bliss
Texas is home to innumerable natural wonders, and the vastness of this state and its diverse landscapes means that there’s always something new waiting to be discovered.
- Cedar Park Veterans Memorial honors Purple Heart Heroes, Women in Military, and people who have given their lives to protect this great country of ours. The memorial park is home to several life-size statues of soldiers that form a trail of tributes leading up to Memorial Hill. This emotional landmark is filled with artwork and historical lessons, making it an important site to appreciate both art and sacrifice.
- Cedar Park Sculpture Garden A garden like no other. Featuring 12 original art pieces from various artists using steel, aluminum, brass, and limestone. The art pieces are an example of each artist’s personnel designs and what they may have for sale in their collections. Take a look at the website to see a brochure of the latest art pieces and find a great garden sculpture addition for your home.
- Adventure Trails are everywhere in Cedar Park. Backpackers, prepare your gear! Stumble across actual dinosaur tracks in nearby Leander or swim in the relaxed waterways of St. Edwards Park. The Riverplace Nature Trail will give you a nice workout as you ascend 820 feet via a natural staircase, whereas Crockett Garden and Falls are one of Texas’ best-kept (and greenest secrets).
- Soulshine Monthly Community Drum Circle A once-a-month rhythmic dose of drums in the park. A chance to free yourself and the week’s stress with folks who love to drum. You do not need a drum, just a smile and the readiness to connect.
Esteemed Local Eateries in Cedar Park
Choosing where to eat on any given day is not an easy feat in Cedar Park. But is that really such a bad thing? Here are our top five picks:
- Soto Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
- Blue Corn Harvest Bar and Grill
- Moutons Bistro & Bar
- Cielito Lindo
- Moonshine Grill: Comfort and Cocktails
Exercise and Wellness in Cedar Park
Fitness fanatics will feel especially at home here. There is a wellspring of exercise gyms and studios along with wellness centers for every style. We recommend:
Eager to Learn More about Cedar Park?
For news, the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce keeps its event calendar active and updated. Stay glued to Wilco Wellness as well; we regularly update our site in our new Town News blog section. Providing you each month with fun finds such as farm-to-table restaurants, hiking trails, events coming up around Williamson County, and what is going on at the Farmers Market. You can also find information on local health and wellness businesses in your city in our directory. Providing a great website where you can find answers to your health and wellness needs all in Williamson County, Texas.
