# San Antonio's Hidden Gem: The Incredible True Story Behind Phil Hardberger Park

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/two-chicks-with-hiking-sticks-7330857/san-antonio-s-hidden-gem-the-incredible-true-story-behind-phil-hardberger-park
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/two-chicks-with-hiking-sticks-7330857/san-antonio-s-hidden-gem-the-incredible-true-story-behind-phil-hardberger-park.md
Podcast: [Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks](https://stenobird.com/podcast/two-chicks-with-hiking-sticks-7330857)
Published: 2026-07-23T15:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://twochickswithhikingsticks.com
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68117c6753ed555148b0c2af/e/6a46c7932d7a15a97944627e/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/two-chicks-with-hiking-sticks-7330857/episodes/san-antonio-s-hidden-gem-the-incredible-true-story-behind-phil-hardberger-park
Duration seconds: 1354

## Resource

In this episode of Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks , Susan and Monica dig into one of San Antonio's most beloved urban parks — Phil Hardberger Park — and the remarkable 175-year story behind how it came to exist. What started as a Republic of Texas land grant to a Battle of San Jacinto hero eventually became a tight-knit community of dairy farms known as Buttermilk Hill . The last family standing? Max and Minnie Voelcker — a childless couple who milked cows twice a day, 365 days a year, and whose trust ultimately made this park possible. Throw in a mayor who spent his own campaign funds to save the land from developers, a national architecture competition, and the largest land bridge in the United States — and you've got a story worth telling. Whether you're a longtime San Antonian or planning your first visit, this episode covers it all: the history, the trails, the wildlife, and why this 330-acre gem in the middle of one of America's largest cities is something truly special. 🌉 Largest wildlife & pedestrian land bridge in the U.S. 🌳 Skywalk treetop canopy trail 🐄 From dairy farm to world-class urban park 🦌 Real wildlife sightings — deer, bobcats, coyotes & more 🏛️ Historic Voelcker Homestead on the National Register of Historic Places 🗳️ The bond election that saved it all 📍 Phil Hardberger Park East Entrance: 13203 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216 West Entrance: Off NW Military Hwy Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Free Admission 🌐 philhardbergerpark.org ☕ Buy us a coffee or grab some merch: [Your Zazzle link here] 👍 Like, share & subscribe — we cover local, national & maybe even international trails! #PhilHardbergerPark #SanAntonio #TwoChicksWithHikingSticks #SanAntonioParks #TexasHiking #VisitSanAntonio #LandBridge #WildlifeCrossing #SanAntonioHistory #Texa…

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