Ira Cross Park
Rate this placeNearby: Fox Creek Park Aa Lane Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ira Cross Park is a popular recreation area located in the state of Texas.
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Summary
The park is situated on the shore of Lake Benbrook, offering visitors stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. The park has a variety of activities and amenities to enjoy, making it a great destination for families or outdoor enthusiasts.
Some good reasons to visit Ira Cross Park include fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating. The park has a boat ramp and fishing pier, making it a great spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass, catfish, or crappie. Additionally, there are several hiking trails in the park, including the popular Cross Timbers trail, which offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding wooded areas.
One of the most interesting points of interest in Ira Cross Park is the historic Benbrook Water Tower. The tower was built in 1924 and is a unique landmark in the area. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the park and surrounding countryside.
Another interesting fact about Ira Cross Park is that it is home to several endangered plant and animal species. The park is part of the Cross Timbers ecosystem, which is a unique mix of prairie and woodland habitats. Visitors can learn about these rare species at the park's nature center.
The best time of year to visit Ira Cross Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. However, summer is also a popular time to visit, as visitors can enjoy swimming and other water activities in the lake.
Overall, Ira Cross Park is a beautiful and diverse outdoor recreation area that is worth a visit for anyone traveling to Texas.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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