By Navdeep Khatri
When you feel the need for speed on the UT campus, your best bet is a two-wheeled steed. It's the best way to dodge the traffic and find a parking place while you tour this enormous campus. While the campus nickname is “the 40 acres” after its original 1839 size, today it is more than 10 times as large,
With 431 sprawling acres packed with interesting sights, it's also extremely bike-friendly. We've created a campus tour with a few of the must-see places located around UT.
Littlefield Fountain
Photo by Elliott Plack
At the entrance to the South Mall, just south of the UT Tower on 21st Street, you’ll find iconic Littlefield Fountain, a beautiful tribute to World War I constructed in 1933. It includes two columns of names — all the UT students and alumni who lost their lives to the war. Students routinely jump into the fountain as a graduation tradition, but don’t get any ideas — it is a punishable offense with hefty fines.
The UT Tower
Photo by LawnStarter
Looming above the UT campus is the UT Tower, particularly visible at night. lit up in various configurations depending on the occasion. If you call (512) 475-6636 and make a reservation in advance, you can park your bike outside and take a self-guided tour of the tower, where you will see a 360º view of campus from the observation deck.
The Turtle Pond
Photo by LawnStarter
Just north of the UT Tower is the Turtle Pond, tucked in between a couple of greenhouses and the life sciences building. If you bring a little turtle food with you, you can be sure to have some of the resident turtles come up to the surface to say hi and take a bite.
Blanton Museum of Art
Photo by Ethan Lundgaard
Right on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Brazos, you’ll find the Blanton Museum of Art. One of the largest university art museums in the country, the Blanton features a large classical and contemporary collection. Riding by, you can see the exterior of the Ellsworth Kelly piece called “Austin,” and can enjoy the shaded courtyard outside. If you plan your trip for a Thursday, admission is free!
James Turrell Skyspace
Photo by russellstreet
On the third floor Rooftop Garden of the William C. Powers Jr. Student Activity Center, you’ll find a very special art installation: Skyspace, by renowned artist James Turrell. This is a naked-eye observatory that’s is open to visitors throughout the day but must be reserved for sunset.
Monochrome for Austin
Photo by LawnStarter
On the northwest corner of 24th Street and Speedway next to the Hackerman Building, the Nancy Rubins sculpture Monochrome for Austin is a must-see. It’s also pretty hard to miss. Comprising 70 aluminum canoes and assorted boats, it rises over 50 feet into the air in a configuration that feels dangerously precarious. This is part of the Landmarks series of public artworks around campus and is both the largest and the only one designed by a woman.
Circle with Towers
At the Speedway entrance to the Bill & Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex, you may want to stop to see Circle with Towers, a monumental installation by Sol Lewitt. The geometric piece forms its own courtyard, where visitors are welcome to sit and enjoy the piece for its aesthetic and functionality.
Clock Knot
Photo by Kumar Appaiah
At 204 Dean Keaton St. stands a monumental sculpture by Mark di Suvero, a towering collection of candy-apple-red industrial I-beams and industrial metals. This is a piece best viewed from various angles, as it provides constantly shifting views depending on the vantage point.
Once you’ve had your fill of campus sights, you should head to the Student Union or across the street to The Drag for snacks and refreshments. The University of Texas is right in the heart of town and offers more food and entertainment than meets the eye.
Navdeep Khatri is an avid cyclist and runner. He began his love of cycling and jogging as a college student when a bike was his only means of transportation