Preston Smith Park
Rate this placeNearby: Higginbottham Park Whisperwood Median
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Preston Smith Park is a popular destination in Lubbock, Texas, known for its picturesque landscapes and recreational activities.
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Summary
The park boasts over 350 acres of vast green space, including a lake, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. It is a great place to spend a day outdoors with family and friends.
One of the most notable features of Preston Smith Park is the lake, which covers over 80 acres and is stocked with fish such as bass, catfish, and crappie. Visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the lake or fish from the shore. The park also has several picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a perfect spot for a family gathering or picnic.
Another attraction at Preston Smith Park is the disc golf course, which has 18 holes and is designed for players of all levels. The course offers challenging obstacles such as trees and water hazards, making it a fun and exciting experience for everyone.
Besides recreational activities, visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Preston Smith Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species. The park is also known for its wildflowers, which bloom in the spring, making it an ideal time to visit.
The best time to visit Preston Smith Park is from April to June when the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. However, it is open year-round for visitors, with different activities available depending on the season. For instance, in the winter, visitors can enjoy hiking and bird watching.
Overall, Preston Smith Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty of nature and enjoy outdoor activities in Lubbock, 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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