The resident peacocks are descendants of birds originally brought to the estate in 1935.
The site was once known as 'Eilers Park' after its original owner, Allison Mayfield, served as a Texas Secretary of State.
The cottage on-site, Mayfield-Gutsch House, was built in a Victorian-Gothic style.
The park's garden layout remains largely unchanged from the designs implemented by Mary Mayfield Gutsch in the early 20th century.
The preserve connects to the larger Canyonlands network, providing a habitat for native Texas wildlife.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is a 21-acre historic site in Austin, Texas, featuring a cottage built in 1874 and lush, terraced gardens. The park is home to a resident flock of free-roaming peacocks that have inhabited the grounds since the 1930s. Visitors can explore a series of walking trails that wind through 21 acres of nature preserve, including mature woodlands and lily ponds. The estate was gifted to the city of Austin in 1971 by Mary Mayfield Gutsch. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds contain ornamental gardens with stone borders and various sculptures. The nature preserve trails provide access to the shores of Lake Austin.
The lily pond area surrounded by the stone garden walls often features peacocks with their tails fanned.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens, as the peacocks are active but prefer to maintain a safe distance.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the transition between paved garden paths and rugged nature trails.
Pack insect repellent, particularly during the warmer months when near the ponds and wooded areas.
Do not attempt to chase or corner the peacocks, as they may become aggressive when feeling threatened.
The park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk; no closures reported for 2026.
Maintain distance from the peacocks; do not feed or provoke the birds. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and picking plants or flowers is prohibited.
