WEEKLY FEATURES
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Learn the basics of cooking just like the pioneers once did. As you learn, you can prepare and serve a frontier meal — on real hearth in a real historic log cabin or on a wood-fired stove. This is the only place in the Austin area where you can learn original Texas cooking skills like these, and eat an authentic pioneer Texas meal.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
Gather mustang grapes from one of our historic sites and make an 1800s jam. Workshop includes ingredient lists and principles of making jellies and jams at an historic homestead.
Learn how to select the best site and structure for your garden to meet your backyard gardening goals. We'll cover the best plants for beginners to start growing, as well as when and how to plant them. At the end of the class you'll be ready to grow your own groceries. Beginner to intermediate level.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Make your own rounding hammer with Mark Ling, a renowned Texas smith who crafts beautiful hammers, hammer-making tooling and general blacksmith tools. There is nothing like forging with your own tools, so come out and forge a hammer you can use and pass down to your children.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
Join renowned blacksmith Mark Ling for an engaging hands-on class where you’ll forge a custom tomahawk-style ax. Learn foundational techniques like punching and drifting to shape your ax head, all under Mark’s expert guidance. Perfect for beginners and intermediate smiths alike, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional blacksmithing methods and leave with a fully functional tomahawk you’ve crafted yourself.
Forge a knife from a railroad spike in this specialty class that gives you all the basics, plus you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind blade. $150 a person for 5 hours of instruction. Materials included.
Learn about stitches, patterns and techniques in this fast-paced introductory workshop, a must for anyone who would like to sew.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Learn the basics of cooking just like the pioneers once did. As you learn, you can prepare and serve a frontier meal — on real hearth in a real historic log cabin or on a wood-fired stove. This is the only place in the Austin area where you can learn original Texas cooking skills like these, and eat an authentic pioneer Texas meal.
An introductory class on how to dye fabrics using natural products found in the outdoors. Dyeing was an essential skill in 1800s Texas that is still relevant today.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make three hooks this month.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Convex grind.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Convex grind.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Convex grind.
See the sun rise on Easter in a unique worship service conducted by Holy Word Lutheran Church, in our historic Sprinkle Corner village.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Forge a knife from a railroad spike in this specialty class that gives you all the basics, plus you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind blade. $150 a person for 5 hours of instruction. Materials included.
Quilting has developed from a frugal necessity to a fine art form. Come learn the basics that every pioneer woman learned at her mother's knee, including various quilting methods.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Learn the basics of making sourdough bread in this fast-paced class taught in a log cabin — and take home a starter.
Learn how to make cheese from common ingredients purchased from your local grocery store. Workshop includes ingredient lists and principles of making soft cheeses.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make leaves this month.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Learn the basics of Morse Code and how to send and receives dot-and-dash messages on your cell phone, in this fast-paced class that includes the history of this important communications tool that was the 1800s version of cell phones. Scouts can adapt this class to meet a requirement the Communications merit badge.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Learn the basics of cooking just like the pioneers once did. As you learn, you can prepare and serve a frontier meal — on real hearth in a real historic log cabin or on a wood-fired stove. This is the only place in the Austin area where you can learn original Texas cooking skills like these, and eat an authentic pioneer Texas meal.
A class on how to make soap, a lathering cleanser that has been around since the days of Babylon. This class gives you the basics of making lye soap from commercial lye and animal fat, just like the pioneers.
At one of the most unique and active paranormal locations in Texas, this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours is sure to intrigue and engage.
Learn the warps and wefts of weaving, in this introductory class to weaving, the historic production of fabric. This class offers the basics so that you can leave with a hankering to weave. When the class ends, you should know the difference between shedding, picking and battening — and get rolling on your first project. Materials provided.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Hollow grind.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Hollow grind.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make three hooks this month.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Hollow grind.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Learn the basics of the age-old art of spinning in this fast-paced class taught in an historic building, sith techniques once used by the pioneers..
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Tours 7:30 to 10 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make leaves this month.
Learn about stitches, patterns and techniques in this fast-paced introductory workshop, a must for anyone who would like to sew.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
A fast-paced introduction to growing your own food in your own backyard, just like the pioneers did. Learn about soil, compost, planting, growing seasons, vegetable types and more.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Learn the basics of Morse Code and how to send and receives dot-and-dash messages on your cell phone, in this fast-paced class that includes the history of this important communications tool that was the 1800s version of cell phones. Scouts can adapt this class to meet a requirement the Communications merit badge.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Tours 7:30 to 10 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
A fast-paced introduction to growing your own food in your own backyard, just like the pioneers did. Learn about soil, compost, planting, growing seasons, vegetable types and more.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Quilting has developed from a frugal necessity to a fine art form. Come learn the basics that every pioneer woman learned at her mother's knee, including various quilting methods.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
Step back in time to when Texas was an untamed frontier. Visit our restored historic homesteads, take a guided tour, see blacksmiths at work, listen to live music and historical exhibits and reenactments. Come visit the Great Outdoors of Texas History!
Free Admission All Day
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Flat grind.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Flat grind.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Tours 7:30 to 10 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make three hooks this month.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Flat grind.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
In this relaxing and enjoyable watercolor paint-along class for all ages, participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside noted Austin art teacher and painter Emma Lea Mayton as she guides students an historical open-air watercolor session.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
Learn the warps and wefts of weaving, in this introductory class to weaving, the historic production of fabric. This class offers the basics so that you can leave with a hankering to weave. When the class ends, you should know the difference between shedding, picking and battening — and get rolling on your first project. Materials provided.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
Austin’s best festival showcasing everything Celtic livens up our Sprinkle Corner village, sponsored by the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas. Museum is closed for the day.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make leaves this month.
A beginner’s class on this earliest method of creating tatted lace taught by our resident expert. Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace from a series of knots and loops.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Learn the basics of Morse Code and how to send and receives dot-and-dash messages on your cell phone, in this fast-paced class that includes the history of this important communications tool that was the 1800s version of cell phones. Scouts can adapt this class to meet a requirement the Communications merit badge.
Our certified archery range is just the ticket for a history-filled weekend activity for Texans of all ages, on a site where the Tonkawa Indian bowmen once hunted game.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
Make your own rounding hammer with Mark Ling, a renowned Texas smith who crafts beautiful hammers, hammer-making tooling and general blacksmith tools. There is nothing like forging with your own tools, so come out and forge a hammer you can use and pass down to your children.
Join renowned blacksmith Mark Ling for an engaging hands-on class where you’ll forge a custom tomahawk-style ax. Learn foundational techniques like punching and drifting to shape your ax head, all under Mark’s expert guidance. Perfect for beginners and intermediate smiths alike, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional blacksmithing methods and leave with a fully functional tomahawk you’ve crafted yourself.
Learn the warps and wefts of weaving, in this introductory class to weaving, the historic production of fabric. This class offers the basics so that you can leave with a hankering to weave. When the class ends, you should know the difference between shedding, picking and battening — and get rolling on your first project. Materials provided.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
This two-day instruction zeroes in on basic construction techniques for making elegant blades, taught by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell. A labor-intensive class with at least one project. No previous smithy experience necessary.
For thousands of years, people have spun fibers into thread using simple tools, and this skill was a staple of home life — especially on the Texas frontier. Almost every cabin and home had someone who could use a drop spindle to work cotton and wool into thread and yarn. Come commune with history and learn a time-honored skill that is hip once again.
Learn the basics of Morse Code and how to send and receives dot-and-dash messages on your cell phone, in this fast-paced class that includes the history of this important communications tool that was the 1800s version of cell phones. Scouts can adapt this class to meet a requirement the Communications merit badge.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
A special evening couples’ class on the basics of working hot metal in our historic smithy. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
A fast-paced introduction to growing your own food in your own backyard, just like the pioneers did. Learn about soil, compost, planting, growing seasons, vegetable types and more.
An immersive, six-class blacksmithing series where you'll master the art of forging essential campfire cooking tools. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this series will guide you through the creation of a complete set of handmade campfire gear, culminating in a hands-on cooking day using the tools you've crafted.
This blacksmithing basics class focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting. Students make leaves this month.
At one of the most unique paranormal locations in Texas, Pioneer Farms has stories — and spirits — dating back hundreds of years. The transplanted historic buildings and homesites all have stories to tell, on this guided tour led by the acclaimed Austin Ghost Tours experts. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of making sourdough bread in this fast-paced class taught in a log cabin — and take home a starter.
Learn the basics of cooking just like the pioneers once did. As you learn, you can prepare and serve a frontier meal — on real hearth in a real historic log cabin or on a wood-fired stove. This is the only place in the Austin area where you can learn original Texas cooking skills like these, and eat an authentic pioneer Texas meal.
All the basics about clay, a natural soil material that has been used by man for eons, are here in this fun children’s class on making animals. A breezy how-to workshop taught by Austin sculptor Jim Schmidt that will let your children (or your inner child) explore the creative side.
This fast-paced, hands-on introduction to blacksmithing teaches the basics of safety, fire management and how to draw steel out, bend, cut, and twist steel while creating either a fire rake or steak flipper. Five-hour class.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Full flat grind.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Full flat grind.
Elevate your bladesmithing skills with this three-day hands-on workshop led by expert instructor Shawn Kelly, for those eager to master the art of stock removal techniques to design and create knives from 1075 steel. Each class focuses on exploring the intricacies of one of four distinct knife grinds. This month: Full flat grind.
Continue your blacksmithing journey and hone your skills with a different project each month in this five-hour class. Monthly projects are listed in link below.
Bring your kids ages 4-10 to make crafts out of the natural beauty of Texas, a nature discovery hike that ends with a take-home craft.
This course focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending and twisting. This month’s class will make a dinner bell.
Bring your kids ages 4-10 to make crafts out of the natural beauty of Texas, a nature discovery hike that ends with a take-home craft.
Learn to play the harmonica, a musical favorite of the pioneers, in this fast-paced online class taught by our harmonica expert Thom McNeil. Student harmonica required. Harmonicas are available for purchase from our online General Store.
Learn to play the harmonica, a musical favorite of the pioneers, in this fast-paced online class taught by our harmonica expert Thom McNeil. Student harmonica required. Harmonicas are available for purchase from our online General Store.
Continue your blacksmithing journey and hone your skills with a different project each month in this five-hour class. Monthly projects are listed in link below.
An introduction and overview to growing fruit trees, berries, nuts, and other perennial foods that continue producing over several years in Central Texas. From planting to TLC to harvesting, this course will introduce you to everything from the gorgeous spring blooms to harvesting fruit in the fall for pies and jellies.
A beak-to-tail feather workshop on these fine-feathered friends, enough to get you going in this popular urban farming hobby. This class is conducted online.
A special nighttime walking tour to explore the legends and history of the Supermoon (full moon) phenomena and the active spirits of the night that come out, along our historic pathways and the original Chisholm Trail. Experience the history of the Supermoons and 19th century Texas on this exclusive outing.
Practice your traditional joinery skills with this class where you will make a collared trivet, a classic blacksmithing item to sell or give away as gifts. The class is focused on how to use collars to join material together.
Learn the basics of how to play a signature musical instrument in Texas and elsewhere during the 19th century: the banjo. This two-hour onsite class taught by resident picker Thom McNeil will give you the basics.
A celebration of everything cowboy and the famous cattle drive trail that made Texas famous. Tour a portion of the original trail, see trick roping and more.
Expand the projects you can make by learning the basics of traditional joinery. These techniques are critical in most complex blacksmithing projects from trivets to gates to industrial applications. You will learn how punching, drifting, riveting, and tenons all play key roles in joining multiple parts of complex projects together. This is a skills focused, five-hour class and you will walk away with a sampler of joinery techniques.
This course focuses on the core skills of hammer control, fire management, drawing out, cutting, bending and twisting. This month’s class will make leaves.
