The Canyon of the Eagles, a joint venture of the Lower Colorado River Authority and Presidian, is a new generation of nature park that allows people to enjoy nature in total comfort, a hands-on learning center where education is fun, and a preserve where endangered species and natural habitat are preserved in a people-friendly way.

Canyon of the Eagles has a 64-room lodge, a gourmet restaurant and a conference center with all the latest amenities. It has campsites, hiking trails, and all sorts of water activities, including canoe and kayak rentals or the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. It also has one of the finest observatories in the state, the Eagle Eye Observatory (close enough to the city that members of the Austin Astronomical Society will be there to help you explore the wonders of the heavens on almost any clear night, but far enough from city lights that the skies are dark and clear). Perhaps best of all, the park has about 820 acres of wilderness preserve, designed to ensure that at least one small part of the beautiful Texas Hill Country will always remain unspoiled.

Of course, it's a little ride to get to Canyon of the Eagles, but getting there is half the fun. Just west of Burnet, you'll get off the main highway and head north on the east side of Lake Buchanan. Every time you top a hill (and there are quite a few!) you'll be treated to a fresh panorama; sometimes a pastoral valley, sometimes a breathtaking lake view; sometimes wooded hills as far as the eye can see. At the end of the road (Ranch Road 2341), you'll see what seems to be an island with futuristic cabin roofs protruding from the greenery. This is the modern way to "rough it."

There's a lot to learn at Canyon of the Eagles, but learning here is not a tedious process. Skilled teachers give fascinating programs on Hill Country wildlife, plants and minerals. Guided kayaking tours by Lake Buchanan Adventures or a ride on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise open up a whole world that most people ne ...

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