Austin’s downtown lake is known as Lady Bird Lake, in honor of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson who championed the lake’s beautification in the 1970’s, when it was known as Town Lake. She refused the offered honor of having the lake renamed for herself during her lifetime, but the city of Austin did so after her death in 2007. The lake contributes to the scenic beauty of downtown Austin, and provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Although most motorized boats are banned, the lake is a favorite place for kayaking and rowing. Also of interest is the largest colony of Mexican bats in the United States, who live under the Congress Avenue bridge across the lake.
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