The University of Texas at Austin campus, nicknamed “The Forty Acres,” has a lot to offer. Follow these self-guided tours to discover more about UT’s iconic public art, campus history, and beautiful green spaces at your own pace.
These tours are a great way for ELC students to practice English in real-world settings while becoming more familiar with campus. They can also help you discover new places to study, relax, and connect with the Longhorn community.
Landmarks
Landmarks is the University’s public art program. It brings free art to every corner of campus. The collection includes more than 50 works of modern and contemporary art displayed across the 433 acres (about 175 hectares).
As you walk around campus, you can explore sculptures, installations, and other artworks created by internationally recognized artists. To deepen your enjoyment the collection, access Landmarks Mobile Tours. Use your smartphone to find self-guided tours, listen to audio guides, and watch artist interviews.
You can even explore curated Spotify playlists inspired by specific artworks. The “Listening With Landmarks” playlists feature music selected by Austin musicians and music personalities, and include many genres, such as rock, classical, Tejano, R&B, reggae, and country.
You can also watch interviews with artists and faculty members to learn more about the ideas behind each artwork.
Live Green Campus Tour
Discover how sustainability shapes daily life at UT Austin on the Green Campus self-guided walking tour, which highlights historic landmarks, native plants, green buildings, and student-led environmental projects.
As you walk, you will see how the University combines environmental responsibility with research and innovation. The tour is about 2 miles long (a little more than 3 kilometers) and takes approximately one hour to complete.
At each stop, use your smartphone to learn how UT approaches conservation, sustainability, and creativity.
Walking Waller Creek
Explore Waller Creek on this self-guided tour of the urban stream that runs through the heart of campus. This easy 1.9-mile route (about 3 kilometers) guides you through shaded paths, native landscapes, and historic buildings.
Along the way, you will discover sustainability projects, wildlife habitats, and peaceful study spots. Take your time at each stop and enjoy the most unique natural spaces at UT.
Use your smartphone to access information about each location or print the Waller Creek tour map before you begin.
Start Exploring
These self-guided tours make it easy to explore UT Austin in a new way. As you walk, you can practice English naturally, build confidence, and learn more about campus traditions and spaces.
You may even discover a new favorite place to study, relax or meet friends. Take your time, explore with curiosity, and enjoy getting to know campus — one stop at a time.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.
Thank you, Jack!
I’ve lived in Austin for over five months, but I didn’t know about these places.
This blog is really helpful — I’ll definitely go explore them.
Great job!
Thanks for reading!
I’ve been in Austin for over five months, but I didn’t know about these tours.
Thanks, Jack — this blog gave me new ideas to explore the campus.
Really appreciate it!
Explore UT offers a great opportunity to discover the beauty, creativity, and sustainability of the UT Austin campus. I really enjoyed the Landmarks art collection and the way music, interviews, and visuals are combined in the mobile app. The self-guided tours, like the Live Green Campus Tour and Walking Waller Creek, are a fun and educational way to learn more about the environment and history of the university while enjoying a walk outdoors.
I’m glad you like it. Thanks for reading!