When people think of Dripping Springs, the “Gateway to the Hill Country”, many think of Hamilton Pool or West Cave Preserve. Both are spectacular outdoor spaces to spend a day. But there...
Texas Hill Country
The Hill Country is characterized by rivers, parks, hiking and biking trails and, of course, rolling hills. Located in the heart of the state, this area includes outdoor activities, wineries, shopping and a wide variety of restaurants. Visitors to Hill Country can immerse themselves in the rich history of the area through the many heritage sites and cultural venues, including theatres that offer live performances and other entertainment.
Cultural events from Oktoberfest Fredericksburg to the Kerrville Folk Festival provide variety enough for everyone. Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo and Fort Lancaster State Historic Site in Ozona are just two of the more than a dozen sites honoring the area’s early western history. The pace of life in the Hill Country is considered laid back and easy going, perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Map of Texas Hill Country Points
Things to See & Do in the Texas Hill Country
Lake Buchanan Lighthouse
The Lake Buchanan Lighthouse is a privately owned lighthouse that is near Buchanan Dam. It can be seen as you drive along at the south end of Lake Buchanan on Hwy 29. Photo Jeffrey Spencer
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg
Several black families were residing in Gillespie County by the 1870s. A schoolhouse was built in 1877 on property adjacent to this later church site. Blacks probably met in the school for worship...
Old barn in New Bielau
Photo Rob Sneed
The Twisted Sisters aka The Three Sisters
Join me on my Honda Valkyrie as we ride the Texas Hill Country to the The Twisted Sisters aka The Three Sisters.
Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) is a reservoir on the Colorado River in Downtown Austin. It was created in 1960 by the construction of Longhorn Dam and is owned and operated by the City of Austin...
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park located in South Austin is a 726-acre park acquired in 1970 from private donation and was opened to the public in 1976. The park is named for Thomas F. McKinney, who came to...
Devils Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park
Devil’s Waterhole is a small extension of Inks Lake in Burnet, which is almost completely surrounded by rock. A canoe tour is conducted at Devil’s Waterhole, and although diving and...
Sunset in McKinney Falls
Sunset in McKinney Falls State Park, located at the southeastern edge of Austin around the confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks and is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department...
Boerne
Founded in 1852 by German settlers and incorporated in 1909, the City of Boerne was one of the area’s most strategic transportation locations on routes for those traveling into San Antonio or...
Bellville
Bellville was initially settled by Thomas and James Bell who immigrated from Florida in 1822, as some of Stephen F. Austin's earliest settlers. They donated over 145 acres to Austin County. Bellville...
Bastrop County Countryside
“Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision.” ~ Sam Houston, 1833. Photo by joolieboolie
Historic Migl House in La Grange
The Migl House was constructed in 1890 by the family of František Migl. Most of the construction materials were 1 x 12 long-leaf pine boards for the outside walls, beaded tongue-in-grove internal...
Frio River in the Hill Country
The word frío is Spanish for cold, a clear reference to the spring-fed coolness of the river.
Colorful Tour of the Hill Country Painted Churches
When immigrants from Moravia found passage into Galveston, the Ellis Island of the South, many headed for the Texas Hill Country bringing a piece of their homeland with them.
Starlite Drive-In in Schertz
The ticket booth and marquee are still standing. In its day, capacity was around 200 cars. photo by Noel Kerns
Brenham
Brenham, the county seat of Washington County, is on U.S. Highway 290 seventy-two miles northwest of Houston. The Hickory Grove community changed its name in 1843 to Brenham in honor of Republic of...
Three Sisters, Hill Country
Nestled up in the Frio Canyon region of the Texas Hill Country are three highways that are known as the Three Sisters, or the Twisted Sisters. Roughly a hundred miles long, the FM 335/336/337 loop is...