Texas Park Road 37 Explained

State:TX
Type:Park
Route:37
Alternate Name:Medina Lake Park Road
Map Custom:yes
Map Notes:PR 37 highlighted in red
Maint:TxDOT
Length Mi:14.191
Length Round:3
Established:February 20, 1946
Direction A:West
Terminus A:Bandera County Park in Lakehills
Direction B:East
Terminus B: near Helotes
Counties:Bandera, Medina
Previous Type:Park
Previous Route:36
Next Type:Park
Next Route:38

Park Road 37 (PR 37) is a state highway located in the Texas Hill Country. The highway runs from Bandera County Park (formerly Avalon State Park) at the shores of Medina Lake in Lakehills to SH 16 northwest of Helotes. PR 37 has been noted as an excellent drive by motorcyclists for its views, tight bends and hills.[1] It has also been called the "Nurburgring of Texas" by car and racing enthusiasts, in reference to the "Nordschleife" section of the Nürburgring.

Route description

PR 37 begins in Bandera County Park on the edge of Medina Lake. The highway runs northwest out of the park, before a sharp turn to the southeast near Comanche Trail. After passing by a subdivision, PR 37 turns back to the northeast. The highway runs north–south through the town of Lakehills, serving as its main street. The highway turns sharp right at 3rd Street West, running in an east–west direction. Shortly after leaving the city, PR 37 intersects FM 1283 at a stop sign. After this intersection, PR 37 runs by many ranches and curves back down to the south. In Medina County, the highway turns back towards the east. PR 37 ends at an intersection with SH 16 a few miles northwest of Helotes.

Due to the low levels of the lake, the boat ramp in Plum Creek Cove (near the highway's western terminus) has been closed.[2]

History

The highway was designated in 1946 and generally follows an existing road. In 1958, the highway was extended about 0.2 miles to the shores of Medina Lake.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Motorcycle Roads US. State Park Road 37, Texas. January 17, 2014.
  2. Web site: Bandera Bulletin. Medina Lake nears 1968 record low. January 4, 2014.