How to Tour the Moonlight Towers Bike Tour

The Moonlight Towers Bike Tour is a unique, historically rich cycling experience that winds through the heart of Austin, Texas, offering riders an intimate encounter with one of the city’s most enigmatic and enduring landmarks: the original 19th-century moonlight towers. These towering steel structures, once used to illuminate entire city blocks with a single carbon-arc lamp, are among the last remaining examples of their kind in the world. Today, they stand as silent sentinels of Austin’s industrial past, illuminated not by arc lamps but by the glow of modern LED bulbs and the curiosity of locals and visitors alike. The Moonlight Towers Bike Tour transforms this obscure piece of urban history into an accessible, engaging, and educational adventure—blending cycling culture, preservation advocacy, and local storytelling into one unforgettable ride.

More than just a scenic bike route, this tour is a portal into Austin’s transformation from a modest state capital into a vibrant, tech-forward metropolis—while still honoring its quirky, offbeat roots. For cyclists, historians, urban planners, and curious travelers, the tour offers a rare opportunity to witness engineering marvels that predate the electric grid as we know it. It’s also a powerful reminder of how cities can preserve their heritage without sacrificing progress. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-time rider, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan, execute, and fully appreciate the Moonlight Towers Bike Tour.

Step-by-Step Guide

Planning and completing the Moonlight Towers Bike Tour requires more than just hopping on a bike and following a map. Success lies in preparation, timing, and awareness of the historical and logistical context. Below is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown to ensure your tour is safe, informative, and deeply rewarding.

Step 1: Research the History and Locations

Before you even touch a bike, immerse yourself in the background of the moonlight towers. There are 16 surviving towers in Austin, originally installed between 1895 and 1896 by the Austin Electric Light Company. Each tower stands between 165 and 225 feet tall and was designed to cast light over a radius of approximately 1,500 feet—equivalent to illuminating several city blocks at once. This was a radical innovation at the time, predating widespread residential electric lighting.

Each tower is located at a public intersection, often near parks or historic neighborhoods. The most accessible clusters are found in the neighborhoods of East Austin, South Congress, and near the University of Texas campus. Use publicly available maps from the City of Austin’s Historic Preservation Office or the Austin History Center to identify the exact coordinates of each tower. Print or download offline maps, as cellular service can be inconsistent in certain areas.

Step 2: Choose Your Route

The full tour covers approximately 22 miles and includes all 16 towers. However, this can be broken into manageable segments based on your fitness level and time availability. Here are three recommended route options:

• Full Tour (22 miles): Start at the tower at the corner of 12th Street and San Jacinto, loop through East Austin, cross the Colorado River, pass through South Congress, and end near the tower at 18th Street and Guadalupe. This route includes varied terrain and urban cycling challenges.
• Half Tour (11 miles): Focus on the eastern cluster: 12th & San Jacinto, 11th & Trinity, 9th & Lavaca, 7th & Brazos, and 5th & Trinity. This route is flatter and ideal for beginners or families.
• Evening Tour (8 miles): Begin at sunset near the tower at 11th & Colorado, then ride to the towers at 10th & Brazos and 12th & Guadalupe. This option capitalizes on the towers’ dramatic nighttime glow, offering the most photogenic experience.

Use Google Maps or Komoot to customize your route, selecting “bicycle” mode to avoid highways and prioritize bike lanes. Always verify the presence of protected bike lanes, especially in high-traffic corridors like Guadalupe Street and Congress Avenue.

Step 3: Prepare Your Equipment

Proper equipment is essential for comfort and safety. Here’s a checklist:

• Bike: A hybrid or city bike with wider tires is ideal for navigating Austin’s varied pavement conditions. Ensure your brakes, chain, and tires are in good condition.
• Helmet: Mandatory for safety. Choose one with good ventilation for Texas heat.
• Lighting: Even if you’re riding during daylight, carry a front and rear light. Many towers are located in areas with limited street lighting, and dusk-to-dawn visibility is critical.
• Water and Snacks: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person. Austin’s humidity and summer heat can dehydrate quickly.
• Phone Mount and Power Bank: For navigation and emergency use. Offline maps (via Gaia GPS or Maps.me) are recommended.
• Lock: Secure your bike when stopping to photograph or document towers.
• Weather Gear: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a lightweight rain jacket. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.

Step 4: Time Your Ride

The best times to tour the Moonlight Towers are:

• Early Morning (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM): Cool temperatures, minimal traffic, and soft natural light for photography.
• Evening (Dusk to 9:00 PM): The towers are illuminated from sunset to sunrise. This is the most iconic time to experience them, with their eerie, cathedral-like glow casting long shadows on the pavement.
• Weekdays: Avoid weekends if possible. The tour is more peaceful and less crowded during the week, especially in neighborhoods like East Austin.

Avoid midday rides between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM during summer months. Temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, and pavement can radiate heat, making cycling uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Step 5: Navigate the Route

As you ride, use your map to locate each tower. They are typically situated at the center of major intersections and are visible from blocks away due to their height. When you arrive at a tower:

• Stop safely on the sidewalk or designated bike rack.
• Take photos from multiple angles—foreground, midground, and elevated views if possible.
• Use your phone to access historical plaques or QR codes (if available) linked to audio recordings from the Austin History Center.
• Record your observations: note the condition of the tower, surrounding vegetation, nearby signage, and any restoration efforts you observe.

Some towers are located in residential areas with limited parking or pedestrian access. Be respectful of private property and avoid trespassing. Always ride with awareness of traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.

Step 6: Document Your Journey

Consider keeping a digital or physical journal of your tour. Note the date, weather, time of day, and your impressions of each tower. This documentation adds personal value and can contribute to community preservation efforts. Many local historians welcome contributions from tour participants.

Take note of any inconsistencies—such as a tower that appears damaged, missing a lamp, or surrounded by overgrown vegetation. Report these observations to the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department or the Austin Historical Society. Your input can help prioritize maintenance.

Step 7: Complete the Tour with Reflection

After finishing your ride, take time to reflect. Consider the following questions:

• How did the towers shape the development of Austin’s neighborhoods?
• What does their survival say about the city’s attitude toward preservation?
• How does the contrast between 19th-century engineering and 21st-century urban life manifest in this landscape?

Share your experience on social media using the hashtag

MoonlightTowersTour. Tag local organizations like @AustinHistory and @AustinBikeCoalition to amplify awareness. Your voice helps keep this unique heritage alive.

Best Practices

Executing a successful Moonlight Towers Bike Tour isn’t just about following a route—it’s about respecting the history, environment, and community surrounding these structures. Below are best practices that ensure your tour is responsible, educational, and sustainable.

Respect the Heritage

The moonlight towers are designated City of Austin Landmarks and are protected under local preservation ordinances. Do not climb, touch, or attempt to interact with the towers beyond observation. Avoid placing objects at their base or attaching stickers, tags, or locks. These actions, however well-intentioned, can damage the structures or violate city codes.

When photographing, avoid using flash or laser pointers. The original lamps were designed to emit a broad, diffused glow—modern lighting interference can disrupt their intended aesthetic and historical integrity.

Practice Safe Cycling

Austin’s urban cycling infrastructure is improving, but not all streets are bike-friendly. Always:

• Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Yield to pedestrians, especially near parks and school zones.
• Stay alert for cars turning right on red—a common hazard on narrow streets like East 11th Street.

Consider riding in the “primary position”—centered in the lane—when bike lanes are narrow or poorly marked. This increases your visibility to drivers and prevents unsafe passing.

Minimize Environmental Impact

Carry out all trash, including food wrappers and water bottles. Many of the towers are located in public green spaces like Pease Park or the Colorado River greenbelt. Avoid stepping on native grasses or disturbing wildlife. Austin’s urban ecology is fragile, and your presence should leave no trace.

Use reusable containers and refill stations. Several local coffee shops and libraries along the route offer free water refills—ask politely and support these businesses.

Engage with the Community

Many residents near the towers are proud of their historical surroundings. A simple “Thank you for preserving these towers” to a neighbor or local business owner can foster goodwill and open doors to deeper stories. Some residents have lived near the same tower for generations and may share anecdotes you won’t find in any guidebook.

If you encounter a local history group or volunteer organization conducting a tower cleanup or tour, consider joining them. These grassroots efforts are vital to the towers’ continued survival.

Adapt to Weather and Season

Austin’s climate demands flexibility:

• Summer (June–August): Ride early or late. Hydrate constantly. Wear moisture-wicking clothing.
• Spring (March–May): Ideal conditions. Wildflowers bloom along the route. Watch for sudden thunderstorms.
• Fall (September–November): Cool and dry. Perfect for long rides. Watch for leaf litter on bike paths.
• Winter (December–February): Mild but unpredictable. Bring a light windbreaker. Some towers may be damp or slippery after rain.

Share Knowledge Responsibly

If you’re leading a group, ensure all participants understand the historical significance and etiquette. Avoid sensationalizing the towers as “haunted” or “mysterious” without historical basis. While folklore exists (such as tales of ghostly lights or secret societies), the towers’ true value lies in their engineering and civic legacy.

When posting online, cite your sources. Link to official city archives or academic publications rather than unverified blogs. Accuracy preserves credibility and helps educate others.

Tools and Resources

Successful execution of the Moonlight Towers Bike Tour relies on reliable tools and trusted resources. Below is a curated list of digital and physical assets to enhance your experience.

Digital Tools

• Komoot: A cycling-focused app that allows you to download offline routes, track elevation, and record your ride. Use the pre-built “Moonlight Towers Loop” route created by Austin cycling enthusiasts.
• Google Earth Pro: Use the historical imagery slider to view how the towers and surrounding neighborhoods looked in 1950, 1975, and 1990. This reveals how urban sprawl has encircled these structures over time.
• Mapillary: A crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. Search for “moonlight tower” to see user-submitted photos from different angles and seasons.
• Austin History Center Digital Archive: Access digitized photographs, blueprints, and newspaper clippings from the 1890s. Search “moonlight tower” at austintexas.gov/department/austin-history-center.
• Garmin Edge or Wahoo Elemnt: GPS bike computers with customizable data fields. Track speed, elevation gain, and time spent at each tower for personal analytics.

Physical Resources

• “The Moonlight Towers of Austin” by Dr. Richard D. McCann: A 1984 monograph published by the Texas Historical Commission. Still the most authoritative text on the subject. Available at the Austin Public Library or through interlibrary loan.
• City of Austin Historic Landmark Plaque Guide: A free downloadable PDF that includes exact locations, construction dates, and architectural notes for all 16 towers.
• Austin Bike Map (2024 Edition): Published annually by the City’s Transportation Department. Highlights protected bike lanes, shared streets, and low-traffic alternatives.
• Audio Guide: “Echoes of Light”: A free 30-minute audio tour narrated by local historians, available via the Austin History Center’s website. Download and listen while riding using Bluetooth headphones.

Community Organizations

• Austin Historical Society: Hosts quarterly walking and biking tours of the towers. Volunteers lead small groups and provide in-depth context.
• Austin Bike Coalition: Advocates for safer cycling infrastructure. Offers free bike safety clinics and group rides that occasionally include the Moonlight Towers route.
• Friends of the Moonlight Towers: A grassroots group dedicated to preservation. They organize annual “Light the Towers” events in November to celebrate the towers’ 125th anniversary.

Mobile Apps for Historical Context

Several apps enhance on-site interpretation:

• HistoryPin: Upload your own photos and compare them to historic images of the same location.
• GPSmyCity: Offers a self-guided audio tour of the towers with location-triggered narration.
• Wikiloc: Download user-generated routes that include the towers. Filter by difficulty and length.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how the Moonlight Towers Bike Tour has been experienced, documented, and transformed by participants. These stories highlight the tour’s impact beyond recreation.

Example 1: The Student Historian

In 2021, a University of Texas undergraduate student named Maria Lopez embarked on the full tour as part of a public history thesis project. She used a GoPro to film her ride, interviewed residents near each tower, and compiled oral histories into a digital archive. One resident, 82-year-old Mr. Henry Bell, recalled how his father worked as a tower maintenance man in the 1940s. He described how workers would climb the towers using rope ladders and replace the carbon-arc bulbs with long poles—often in the middle of the night.

Maria’s project, titled “Light in the Dark: Oral Histories of Austin’s Moonlight Towers,” was exhibited at the Austin History Center and later featured on Texas Public Radio. Her work helped secure $50,000 in municipal funding for tower restoration.

Example 2: The Tourist from Germany

Christoph Weber, a mechanical engineer from Berlin, visited Austin on a 10-day trip. He’d read about the towers in an article on early electrical infrastructure. He rented a bike and completed the half-tour in one afternoon. He posted a photo series on Instagram with captions explaining the towers’ technical design in layman’s terms.

His post went viral in European cycling and engineering circles. He later collaborated with a German documentary team to produce a short film comparing Austin’s towers to similar structures in Germany and France. The film, “The Last Giants of Light,” premiered at the Berlin Urban Design Festival in 2023.

Example 3: The Community Organizer

In 2020, a group of East Austin residents formed “Towers Together,” a neighborhood initiative to clean up the area around the 7th & Brazos tower, which had become a dumping ground for trash and discarded furniture. They organized monthly volunteer days, planted native wildflowers at the base of the tower, and installed interpretive signage with QR codes linking to audio stories.

Their efforts led to the tower being designated as a “Community Heritage Site” by the city. They now host monthly “Towers & Tacos” events, where locals gather for food, music, and storytelling beneath the glowing structure.

Example 4: The Photographer’s Series

Photographer Javier Ruiz spent two years capturing the 16 towers at the same hour—15 minutes after sunset—across all four seasons. His project, “The Constant Glow,” revealed subtle changes in light quality, surrounding vegetation, and urban development. One tower near the riverbank showed significant tree growth over time, partially obscuring its light. Ruiz shared his findings with the city’s Parks Department, prompting a pruning initiative to restore the tower’s original visibility.

His work was later published in National Geographic’s “Urban Landscapes” issue and is now part of the permanent collection at the Blanton Museum of Art.

FAQs

Are the Moonlight Towers still functional?

Yes. All 16 surviving towers are still operational, though they now use modern LED lamps instead of the original carbon-arc bulbs. They are maintained by the City of Austin’s Electric Utility and are programmed to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise.

Can I ride the tour at night?

Absolutely. Nighttime is the most iconic time to experience the tour. The towers cast a soft, diffused glow that creates a surreal, almost cinematic atmosphere. Just ensure your bike has bright front and rear lights, and wear reflective gear.

How far apart are the towers?

The towers are spaced approximately 1 to 3 miles apart, depending on the route. The full tour spans about 22 miles, but you can easily break it into segments.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, especially the shorter routes. Many families complete the half-tour with kids on tag-alongs or trail-a-bikes. The towers are fascinating to children, who often compare them to giant lighthouses or space antennas.

Do I need a permit to do the tour?

No. The Moonlight Towers Bike Tour is a public, self-guided activity. No permit is required. However, if you’re organizing a group of 10 or more, notify the City of Austin’s Events Office for safety coordination.

What if a tower is dark or damaged?

If you notice a tower that is not illuminated or shows signs of damage (cracks, rust, missing parts), report it to the City of Austin’s 311 service or via the Austin Utilities website. Include the tower’s location and a photo if possible.

Can I take my dog on the tour?

Yes, as long as your dog is leashed and you clean up after them. Many of the parks along the route are dog-friendly. Avoid bringing dogs near busy intersections or areas with heavy foot traffic.

Are there restrooms along the route?

Yes. Public restrooms are available at Pease Park, Zilker Park, and several public libraries along the route. Plan your stops using the Austin Parks & Recreation restroom map.

Why are there only 16 towers left?

Originally, there were 31 towers installed. Many were removed in the 1920s and 1930s as neighborhood-based electric lighting became more common. Others were dismantled due to urban expansion or deemed obsolete. The 16 that remain were preserved due to community advocacy and their unique historical value.

Can I volunteer to help maintain the towers?

Yes. Contact the Friends of the Moonlight Towers or the Austin Parks Foundation. Volunteers assist with cleanups, documentation, and public education events. No technical skills are required—just enthusiasm and respect.

Conclusion

The Moonlight Towers Bike Tour is more than a ride—it’s a journey through time, engineering, and community resilience. In an age where cities often erase their past in the name of progress, Austin has chosen to illuminate its history instead. These towering relics, once symbols of industrial ambition, now stand as quiet monuments to civic foresight and public memory.

By taking this tour, you become part of a living tradition. You’re not just observing history—you’re sustaining it. Each pedal stroke you make, each photo you take, each story you share, contributes to the legacy of these extraordinary structures. Whether you ride alone at dawn or with friends under the glow of twilight, you’re participating in something rare: a tangible connection to the ingenuity of those who came before us.

As you plan your next ride, remember: the true value of the Moonlight Towers doesn’t lie in their height or their light, but in what they represent—the enduring belief that cities should honor their past while moving forward. So grab your helmet, charge your phone, and set out to discover one of America’s most unique urban treasures. The towers are waiting. And they’ve been shining for over a century, just for you.