During the late Archaic Period, around 2,100 years ago, McKinney Roughs served as a camping ground for prehistoric hunter-gatherers.

Within McKinney Roughs and the broader Lost Pines forest, over 250 bird species find habitat, establishing it as a renowned bird-watching destination in Texas.

Situated adjacent to the 405 acres (164 ha) Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, McKinney Roughs offers an array of features and amenities.

These include an educational science center, a dual zip line, short-term rental facilities for larger groups, kayaking, and guided nature tours, among other offerings.

In ancient times, the area now encompassing McKinney Roughs Nature Park served as a camping ground for prehistoric communities at the conclusion of the Archaic Period, approximately 2,100 years ago.

[1][2] Archaeological evidence suggests that at least three times within the period spanning 2,100 to 850 years ago, these communities temporarily camped on the hills of McKinney Roughs.

Their activities during these brief stays included deer hunting, collecting mussels from the Colorado River, and gathering various plants from the surrounding area.

[4] The artifacts recovered from the site were encased in flood sediments, providing a natural preservation environment for non-perishable items, including ancient cooking ovens, stone tools, fireplaces, and mussel shells.

[4][8] The first discovery at the McKinney Roughs archaeological site revealed a compact fireplace with charcoal, charred rocks, and lithic rubble.

[a][1] In the early 1850s, the land and Windmill Ranch, which now constitutes McKinney Roughs Nature Park, belonged to the family of John Calhoun Wise.

The park bears the name of Thomas F. McKinney, an early settler of the State of Texas who had a large influence in the development of Austin and Bastrop.

The term "roughs" is derived from the challenging local terrain, which posed obstacles to extensive agricultural endeavors and may have served as a potential hiding place for frontier outlaws.

[16] Faculty members opposed the relocation, arguing that the lab's original location was closer to campus and that moving to McKinney Roughs would negatively impact students' learning.

[20] Several months later, discussions about replantation emerged, and various park organizations were contemplating the installation of pine cone collectors in seed production areas.

The magazine specifically emphasized McKinney Roughs' prime location in the Lost Pines region and recommended horseback riding activities as a noteworthy experience in Bastrop.

[22] In 2017, the LCRA implemented enhancements at McKinney Roughs, including the construction of a wildlife-viewing blind, a designated bird feeding area, and a demonstration garden.

[24] In 2018, an ozone monitoring station located in McKinney Roughs, operated by the Capital Area Council of Governments, was moved to Bastrop.

[26] As of 2024, the outdoor and group activities offered at McKinney Roughs continue to draw visitors and residents of Bastrop to its park grounds.

[27] McKinney Roughs is situated on 1884 State Hwy 71 West in Cedar Creek, an unincorporated community within Bastrop County.

The zip lines were part of a LCRA initiative to promote increased recreational activities within the park without damaging or impacting the ecosystem.

These programs are specifically designed to prepare students for the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), a former statewide standardized exam.

[70] Throughout specific seasons, visitors have the opportunity to observe various bird species, including but not limited to cardinals, eastern bluebird, green kingfisher, Carolina chickadee, hummingbirds, eastern screech-owl, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, wood duck, northern parulas, common ground doves, hooded warblers, and the bald eagle—the national bird of the United States.