Elmendorf Lake Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elmendorf Lake Park is located in San Antonio, Texas, and is a popular destination for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

The park covers 277 acres and features a lake with a walking trail, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities.

One of the biggest draws of Elmendorf Lake Park is its lake, which is popular for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boating. The park also features a splash pad for kids, a skate park, and a basketball court. Visitors can also hike or bike along the park's trails, which offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

In addition to its recreational activities, Elmendorf Lake Park also has a rich history. It was originally part of a ranch owned by John Twohig, a prominent San Antonio businessman, and was later donated to the city by his heirs. The park has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of new facilities and the restoration of the lake.

The best time of year to visit Elmendorf Lake Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park's plants and trees are in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for all seasons.

Overall, Elmendorf Lake Park is a great place to visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Texas while also enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With its rich history, beautiful lake, and numerous facilities, it is sure to be a hit with anyone who visits.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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