Hornsby Bend

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

What do birdwatching and wastewater treatment have in common? You might be surprised to find they intersect right here at Hornsby Bend. Hornsby Bend isn’t just a bend in the Colorado River, it’s a place brimming with history and surprisingly, teeming with life. Settled back in 1832 by Reuben Hornsby, this area east of Austin was once a vast expanse of forests and thickets. Today, it’s home to the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant, a facility that has earned national recognition for its innovative approach to handling Austin’s, well, you know. This plant ingeniously transforms wastewater and yard trimmings into Dillo Dirt, a nutrient-rich compost beloved by gardeners. But Hornsby Bend is much more than just a wastewater treatment plant. It’s 1,200 acres of diverse habitats, including marshes, woodlands, pastures, and the vital riparian areas along the Colorado River. This unique blend has made it a haven for birds, especially those on their long migratory journeys. Over 360 bird species have been spotted here, some making pit stops from as far as the Arctic and South America. So, while you’re enjoying the scenery, keep your eyes peeled for feathered friends. You might catch a glimpse of a rare species, making Hornsby Bend a true testament to how nature and human ingenuity can coexist in unexpected harmony.

After discovering the story of Hornsby Bend in Austin, you may wonder how to explore even more. Explory makes it simple: our digital Austin guide connects culture, history, and unique experiences. With the interactive Austin city guide, you can dive deeper into the local atmosphere and follow curated routes that turn your visit into a memorable Austin city tour. Explory is designed for authentic Austin exploration. Each Austin guide highlights iconic places and uncovers Austin hidden gems that many visitors never find. With the immersive Austin audio guide, stories and sounds bring every step to life. Our flexible Austin city guide makes it easy to plan routes, discover landmarks, and enjoy storytelling that connects you with the city. Whether your passion is art, history, or local culture, Explory ensures your Austin city tour is unique. With a strong focus on Austin exploration and surprising Austin hidden gems, Explory gives you more than sightseeing – it creates real discovery. Download the Explory App to expand your journey. Discover more than 300 cities and over 500,000 POIs and stories worldwide. Whether you need a Austin guide, a reliable Austin audio guide, or a flexible Austin city tour, Explory is your key to travel differently.

More Places in Austin

Yeusefiya Cemetery

Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history

Explore

耿辛庄桥

Across the Jiuduhe River stands the majestic Luoshen Bridge. Its elegant arches whisper tales of emperors and dynasties. Luoshen Bridge

Explore

Zion Baptist Church

Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t

Explore

Boat house

The clean lines and simple elegance of the Bauhaus movement are all around us here in Tel Aviv. And yet,

Explore