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Fortlandia Exhibit Returns With Interactive Forts at the Wildflower Center

Explore the Wildflower Center’s new lineup of imaginative, custom-designed forts through Feb. 1

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"Cactlandia," a fort by Jobe Corral Architects, on view at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s celebrated Fortlandia exhibition has returned for its eighth year with custom-designed forts created by local architects, designers and artists.

The family-friendly interactive exhibition inspires people of all ages to engage with the natural world. Each unique themed fort aims to inspire an appreciation of natural environments through innovative and sustainable designs while invoking a childlike spirit of wonder and creativity.

“We have a lot of fun producing Fortlandia,” said Erika Tucker, Wildflower Center hospitality director. “It’s incredible to see the forts go from concept to reality at the hands of so many creative people.”

"Birdhouse" by Cushing Terrell
“Birdhouse” fort by Cushing Terrell. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

A collection of innovative designs

This year’s lineup features eight imaginative forts, including “Cactlandia,” by Jobe Corral Architects, inspired by the cactus’s distinctive form and resilience, and “Birdhouse” by Cushing Terrell, a colorful playscape of interconnected birdhouses.

“Fortlandia is both nostalgic and forward-looking, and that’s part of what makes it magical,” said Lee Clippard, Wildflower Center executive director. “To see families so excited and engaged in our gardens is incredibly positive for everyone involved in the project. Nature-based play is a powerful way to engage children, and Fortlandia delivers on that, year after year.”

“Living Kaleidoscope,” a fort by HKS Austin, on view at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
“Living Kaleidoscope,” a fort by HKS Austin, on view at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

Hands-on creation and exploration

Plenty of other masterpieces will be available for families to explore, including a fort-building center where visitors are encouraged to make their own forts using materials provided on-site.

Upon check-in, guests can pick up a free “Passfort” journal filled with a map and creative prompts to document, doodle and reflect on observations found in the gardens. They are available in both English and Spanish for explorers of all ages.

Child plays at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Fortlandia. (Photo by Brian Birzer)
Child plays at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Fortlandia. (Photo by Brian Birzer)

Fortlandia hours

Fortlandia opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and runs through Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2026. The exhibition is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding select holidays, and is free for members or included with regular admission. The site will be closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24–25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

For more information, visit the Wildflower Center’s website.