How much does it cost to visit the tower?

It is completely free to view the moonlight towers.

How is the tower used during the holidays?

The tower serves as the center post for the annual Zilker Holiday Tree display, which features 39 streamers and 3,309 total lights. The first holiday tree lighting ceremony took place on December 10, 1967, and the display was converted to energy-efficient LED bulbs in 2019.

Has the Zilker Moonlight Tower been featured in any movies?

Yes, the Zilker Park tower was prominently featured in the 1993 film *Dazed and Confused* as the location of a high-school keg party, popularizing the line "Party at the moon tower."

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Zilker's Moonlight Tower in Austin

Q: What is Zilker's Moonlight Tower?

Zilker's Moonlight Tower is one of Austin's original historic moon towers, which were constructed between 1894 and 1895 to illuminate the streets and improve safety. Austin is the only city in the country that still operates these unique structures.

Zilker's Moonlight Tower

Discover Zilker's Moonlight Tower, one of Austin's historic 155-foot-tall iron structures. As the only U.S. city still operating these late 19th-century towers, Austin preserves a unique piece of history that famously starred in the film Dazed and Confused.

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What to know

Originally purchased from the City of Detroit in 1894, Austin's moonlight towers were installed between 1894 and 1895 to illuminate the streets and keep residents safe. Built by the Fort Wayne Electric Company, these towers feature a triangular cast- and wrought-iron framework topped with a cluster of six lamps. These lamps were designed to cast a soft, moon-like glow over a wide 3,000-foot diameter circle below. Today, Austin is the only city in the United States that still operates these historic moonlight towers, making them a unique engineering marvel. Over the years, these towers have earned prestigious recognitions. In 1970, they were proclaimed Texas State Landmarks, and in 1976, they were listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Out of the original 17 towers, 15 currently remain standing in their original condition, save for the addition of historic plaques. To ensure their survival, the Austin City Council authorized a $3.9 million restoration and repair project in 2014, managed by Austin Energy. The Zilker tower itself was restored in 2016, which included the installation of brighter, more energy-efficient LED bulbs. Beyond its historical significance, the Zilker Moonlight Tower holds a special place in pop culture and local holiday traditions. It was prominently featured in the 1993 cult classic film Dazed and Confused as the site of a high-school keg party, where Matthew McConaughey's character, David Wooderson, delivered the iconic line, "Party at the moon tower." Additionally, the tower is central to Austin's festive season. Since the first lighting on December 10, 1967, it has served as the center post for the annual Zilker Holiday Tree. This festive display features 39 streamers holding a total of 3,309 lights, which were converted to LEDs in 2019 to create a dazzling seasonal spectacle.

Visitor tips

The tower is completely free to view and accessible to the public within Zilker Park.
Visit during the winter holiday season to see the tower transformed into the center of the Zilker Holiday Tree.
Look closely at the base of the tower to find the historic plaque detailing its landmark status.

Nearby context

Located within the expansive green spaces of Zilker Park, the Moonlight Tower stands as a towering sentinel amidst Austin's favorite outdoor playground. This area seamlessly transitions from historic preservation to modern recreation, making it a perfect stop on a stroll through the park. Whether you are heading toward the refreshing waters of Barton Springs or exploring the surrounding trails, the tower serves as a soaring, nostalgic guidepost that connects Austin's late 19th-century safety innovations with its vibrant, modern-day park culture.