The San Antonio Riverwalk's new northern section, called the Museum Reach, opened to the public on May 2009. It's the first phase of a Riverwalk expansion plan that includes stretching the riverside pathways all the way to the city's Spanish colonial missions by 2014.
More than just an expansion of the lively night life that gave fame to the original Riverwalk, the Museum Reach distinguishes itself as a more relaxed, hip and culturally rich experience. It's the section of the Riverwalk for the visitor interested in more than just a good margarita.
San Antonio Riverwalk's Lock and Dam
Cruise on a river taxi through Texas' only lock and dam system, reminiscent of a mini Panama Canal. Since water elevations at the original Riverwalk and the new Museum Reach are not the same, engineers installed a lock channel to connect the two. Not only does it make sense, but it's fun for visitors to get to ride through one.
It takes about three and a half to four minutes for the lock doors to open, let the river taxi in, and close again. Once the taxi is in the lock compartment, the water rises about nine-feet before the doors open to continue onto the Museum Reach.
San Antonio Riverwalk's Art Installations
Fairy-taled grottos, tile murals, and schools of giant illuminated fish are just some of the public art projects that adorn the riverside pathways and bridges of the new Riverwalk section. A mix of local, national, and international artists have created visually appealing works that all connect with a river theme.
With every turn, visitors can appreciate something unique. Riverwalk artists were challenged with finding ways to make the highway bridges over the river look attractive. One creative solution was the installation of light chimes by Martin Richman of London. Hundreds of strips form like a chime and turn light into brilliant colors. All the art installations complement perfectly with the nearby San Antonio Museum of Art, also along the river.
Getting to the Museum Reach
To get to Museum section from the original Riverwalk, visitors must hail a red Rio taxi, which costs anywhere from $10.00 or $25.00, depending on whether visitors purchase a 24-hour pass or a three-day pass.
Rio taxi stops can be found along the Riverwalk. Make sure to yell, "Taxi!" to get the captain's attention. Simply waving will only cause confusion, as many visitors like to wave hello at all the boats.
Tips to Enjoy the Riverwalk
- The Riverwalk opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m.
- Visitors to the Riverwalk during the summer should go early or in the evening. Remember, it's Texas, and rising temperatures can be brutal.
- Take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bottled water for the river taxis. The river taxis do not have a roof to protect visitors from the sun. Umbrellas are provided for passengers, but there are not always enough to go around.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
