Information sources: A=AAA Travel Guidebook, AC=AAA Camping Book, H= Highways magazine (Good Sam

Club), L=loop tours book (Readers Digest, hardbound), X=Xerox copy, T=1992 Texas travel soft-cover book,
NOTE: Key to map-location numbering system:
A=2005 trip B=2006 trip C=2007 trip No letter = 2008 trip & later trips
NOTE: Info may NOT contain CURRENT phone numbers, prices, times of operation, etc. due to publication
dates for info sources. ALWAYS check with the attraction / location / venue for updated info rather than drive
to the location and be very disappointed !
TEXAS 2013 (updated 3/2013)
(All the following information and descriptions are from the Texas magazine-style, soft-cover travel book. The T
designation indicates the page in the booklet, e.g. T56 = page 56 on the Texas book.)
TX 001 D Austin
A) Nations largest urban bat colony (T7) under the Congress Ave. bridge during the summer. A kiosk on north
shore of Towns Lakes hike & bike trail near Four Seasons Hotel informs visitors when and where to watch for
the nocturnal mammals.
B) McKinney Falls State Park (T8) Excellent visitor center, hiking & interpretive trails, campsites, playground,
ruins of homestead of Thomas F. McKinney.
C) Park: Two (other) popular facilities of Austin parks are hike & bike trails in scenic areas along Shoal Creek
and Blunn Creek.
D) State Capitol Complex (T8) 46 acres of immaculate landscaped grounds, stately shade trees and flowering
gardens. Free guided tours of the Capitol daily 8:30AM thru 4:30PM at Travel Information Center.
E) Town Lake Riverboat Tour (T8) 1.5 hour cruise under city bridges, past mouth of Barton Creek and Zilker
Park. Tour is FREE.
F) Umlauf Sculpture Garden (T9) museum displays 150 works by sculptor, Charles Umlauf, both inside and
outdoors. Open Thurs-Sun 1-4:30PM at 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. (near Zilker Park). Admission charge.
G) Wild Basin Preserve (T9) Four miles of hiking trails. Open daily sunrise to sunset. On Loop 360, 1.25 miles
north of Bee Cave Rd (RR2244).
H) Austin (p240) Barton Springs is considered by many Texans as the best swimmin hole in the world.
Check to see if theres camping nearby.
TX002 D Bastrop (T9)
A) Bastrop State Park (T9) 3,550 acres of rolling parkland shaded by the strange Lost Pines. Camping, nature
study, hiking. One mile east of intersection of TX21/71. Admission charged. Scenic Park Road 1 connects with
Buescher State Park 15 miles to east. (see Smithville)
B) Central Texas Museum of Automotive History (T9) Nearly 8 decades of auto history with some 85 vintage
cars. Open Apr-Oct CLOSED MON & TUES, open Wed-Sat 9-5, Sun 2-5; Nov-Mar CLOSED MON, TUES,
WED & THURS, open Fri & Sat 9-5, Sun 2-5.
TX003 D Georgetown
A) Factory tour (T10) available of company that produces colorful, decorative candles. (Does not list company,
so may not still be in business.)
B) Inner Space (T10) Texas newest and most accessible cavern. On I-35, one mile south. Admission charged.
TX004 D Wimberly (T11) 12 miles north on RM12 is Billie Bobs Knob, an unusual shop with 12 display rooms
featuring arts, country crafts and out-of-the-ordinary merchandise.
TX005 D Corpus Christi (T13)
Texas Points-of-Interest
A) Texas State Aquarium open Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun noon 6 at 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. (Surfside Exit from
US181). Water taxi available from Bayfront Arts Complex. Admission.
B) Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History (T14) Natural history, shipwreck exhibit, wildlife diorama, full-
size replica of Spanish treasure ship. Open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-5. CLOSED MONDAYS. 1900 N.
Chaparral. Admission.
C) Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens. (T14) Open Tues-Sun 9-5. CLOSED MONDAYS. South of city on S.
Staples St. Admission.
D) Paddlewheeler Flagship (T14) Hour-long narrated cruises of Corpus Christi Bay and Harbor, morning,
afternoon & evening. Weekend cruises may feature jazz band. Schedule varies. 512-643-7128. Departs from
Peoples St. T-Head. Fee charged.
E) Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (A74) Visitors explore a 1554 Spanish shipwreck, a 1686
French shipwreck, with replicas of Columbus 3 ships moored outside. $10.
F) USS Lexington Museum On The Bay (A75) Self-guiding tours of aircraft carrier, a 910-foot floating naval
museum, involves climbing many stairs. Three-story screen shows 2 movies. Carrier was reportedly sunk no
less than 4 times by the Japanese during WWII. $11.95.
TX006 D Dallas (T20)
A) Biblical Arts Center (T20) Splendid nondenominational showcase of Biblical arts: sculptures, icons,
paintings, clerical artifacts, replicas of tomb of Christ, and St. Pauls Gate of Damascus, and other items.
Also, 124 x 20 painting depicting the Miracle of Pentecost, with sound-and-light program. Open Tues-Sat
10-5, Sun 1-5 CLOSED MONDAY. Free access to the center and its galleries; fee for Miracle of Pentecost
presentation. Closed New Years, Thanksgiving & Christmas. 7500 Park Lane at Boedeker.
B) Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (T21) is 66-acre haven of natural beauty only minutes from
downtown Dallas. Located on an estate with house / mansion. Gardens open Tues-Sun 10-6 (Nov-Feb 10-5),
CLOSED MONDAYS. 8525 Garland Rd. (TX78) overlooking White Rock Lake. Admission.
C) Dallas Zoo (T21) Thousands of animals, reptile house, tropical rain forest, apes, and many more; miniature
train, picnic areas.
D) Frontiers of Flight (T22) History of aviation from balloon launches of 1800s through to Stealth Bomber and
Space Shuttle. Open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5, CLOSED MONDAY. Love Field, 2
nd
Floor, on Cedar Springs at
Mockingbird Lane. Admission.
E) The Sixth Floor (T22) Permanent exhibition on the life, death and legacy of Pres. John F. Kennedy. This is
location from which JFK was shot. Open Sun-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-7. Ticket sales stop one hour before closing.
Houston & Elm Streets. Admission.
F) State Fair Park (T22, T24) Noted for its Art Deco architecture. Contains: Age of Stream Museum, Aquarium,
Cotton Bowl Stadium, Civic Garden Center, Hall of State, Big Tex statue, Museum of Natural History, Science
Place 1, Science Place II, Starplex Amphitheater, State Fair Coliseum.
G) Visitor Centers (T24) The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau operates visitor centers offering abundant
details about local events, accommodations, dining & points of interest. Located in Renaissance Tower, 1201
Elm Street, Ste 200, 8-5 M-F; Union Station, 400 S. Houston St. 9-5 daily. Brochures available here 24 hrs/
day; also at West End MarketPlace Mon-Sat 11-8, Sun noon-8.
Dallas (A76-84)

Gem site Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is 66 acres of trees, flowers, etc. Tours of the 1930s
DeGolyer House and Gardens are available.

The Age of Steam Railroad Museum housed in a 1905 depot, contains impressive collection of steam
and early diesel-era trains. Visitors may board a complete passenger train w/ 1926 Pullman first-class
sleeper car, 1937 dining car, and 1914 parlor-club car. $5.

Sightseeing boat tour on the Texas Queen, an old time stern-wheeler. Phone 972-771-0039 for fares and
schedule.

Addison (A-85, Dallas vicinity) Cavanaugh Flight Museum has exhibits in several hangars, and
chronicles the history of American military aircraft from WWI to the present. $6.
Texas Points-of-Interest
TX007 D Fort Worth (T27)
A) Botanical Gardens: Garden Center open daily 8am-11pm. Conservatory open Apr-Oct, Mon-Fri 10am-9pm,
Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm; Nov-Mar same hours but close at 4pm on Sat & Sun. Locate din wooded
southwestern section of Trinity Park. Conservatory at 3220 Botanic Drive, open daily. Entrance to botanic
gardens is FREE; admission to conservatory.
B) Fort Worth Museum of Science and History / Omni Theater (T28) 100,000 artifacts & specimens. Special
exhibits and sections on Man & His Possessions, Human Physiology, History of Medicine, Calculators &
Computers, Geology & Paleontology, and Texas History. Curved Omni screen shows 50 varying shows a
week. Museum open Mon 9-5, Tues-Thurs 9-5, Sat 9-9, Sun noon-8pm. 1501 Montgomery St., Amon Carter
Square. Admission.
C) Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (T28) 3500-acre refuge offers interpretive center, hiking & self-guided
nature trails, prairie dog town, bison intermingled with deer. Open Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5. 10 miles
northwest of downtown (2 miles past Lake Worth bridge) on TX199.
D) Pate Museum of Transportation (T29) (also see Cresson, T180) Antique luxury railroad car, elegant vintage
& classic autos, military aircraft, navy minesweeper, 1500 volume transportation library. Open Tues-Sun 9-5.
On US377 northeast. [Annual Pate Swap Meet brings 200,00 viewers and collectors beginning last Thurs thru
Sunday each April.
E) Water Garden (T29) Spectacular park features water in all its aspects sparkling, gurgling, bubbling, flowing,
sprinkling, pouring fountains, channels, cascades and pools amid geometric architectural features. Adjacent
to convention center downtown.
Fort Worth (A39, 96)

Gem site National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame highlights the achievements and contributions of
cowgirls.

Gem site Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has such themes as medicine, human body,
geology, technology.

Gem site Stockyards National Historic District was once the largest marketing center in the Southwest,
now contains 125 acres of galleries, restaurants and shops.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden (A98) 109 acres, with 22 specialty gardens, and rose garden dating to 1933.
10,00 sq.ft. conservatory. Grounds are free; conservatory is $1.

Fort Worth Zoo (A98) 64 acres and over 2,000 animals Texas Wild simulates 1890s town and 6
geographic regions of the Lone Star state. $9.75.
TX008 D Garland (T30) Texas Queen on Lake Ray Hubbard this 105-foot double-deck, paddlewheeler offers
dinner cruises Wed-Fri & Sun. Reservations required. Departs from Elgin B. Robertson Park, Dalrock exit south off
I-30 East. 214-771-0039.
TX009 D Grand Prairie
A) Palace of Wax & Ripleys Believe It or Not (T31) See article for extensive details of this attraction.
Open 10am daily. 601 E. Safari Pkwy (Belt Line Road, exit from I-30 between Dallas and Fort Worth).
B) Traders Village (T31) Huge flea market and shoppers bazaar with hundreds of dealers in novelties,
handmade goods, plants, arts, crafts, & antiques of every sort. RV park said to be here. Open Sat-Sun, 2602
Mayfield Road off TX360. Parking fee; free admission.
TX010 D El Paso
A) Hueco Tanks State Park (T38) Precious water from infrequent rains stored in natural rock basins; for
centuries a strategic travel spot in this arid region. Ancient Indian pictographs, plus names of 49ers on way to
California. Picnicking, hiking, climbing, and camping. Off US62/180 26 miles east of El Paso. Admission.
Hueco Tanks (p248) site of Hueco Tanks State Historical Park where more than 3,000 ancient
pictographs are found in caves and overhangs.
B) Insights El Paso Science Center (T38) features hands-on displays about science & technology: solar
power, motion, light illumination, electricity, space science, computers, energy, and the human body. Housed
in historic Mills Building, the worlds largest monolithic concrete structure when completed in 1915. Open
Texas Points-of-Interest
Tues-Sat 1-5pm. CLOSED SUN & MON AND HOLIDAYS AND LAST TWO WEEKS IN AUGUST. 303 N.
Oregon St. at San Jacinto Plaza.
C) Old Missions (T38) See article for extensive details of this attraction.
D) Scenic drives (T38) El Paso is V-shaped, divided by imposing steep sides of Franklin Mountains.
Connecting top ends of V is Loop 375 (Transmountain Road) that climbs through mile-high Smugglers Gap
with impressive views of rugged mountain-desert scenery. Accessible from I-10 northwest of city and from
US54 northeast.
E) El Paso (p248)

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico is nearby and offers shopping for crafts at the Old City Market on Avenida 16 de
Septiembre, or viewing bullfights at the Plaza Monumental.

Transmountain Road gives you a good introduction to the high desert. The best city view is from
Murchison Park. The University of Texas at El Paso has very unusual architecture in the form of
Bhutanese style of the Himalayas.
TX011 D Galveston
A) Trolley cars (T45) Nostalgic trolley cars connect the beach at seawall to he historic Strand /Bay area.
Replica 1900 vintage cars glide for 4.5 miles along tracks much like those in citys early days. Schedule
posted along route.
TX012 D Houston
A) Alkek Velodrome (T45) is site of 1989 Texas Track Championships. The 33.334-meter track is banked 9-
to-33, Bicyclists may ride Mar-Oct, Tues & Thurs 5-9pm, Sat & Sun 4-8pm; Nov-Feb Mon, Wed & Fri 5-9pm,
Sat & Sun 2-6pm, in Cullen Park at 19008 Saums Road.
B) Battleship Texas (T50) located in San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park (see below)
C) Bayou Bend Collection (T47) More than 200 masterworks from the Bayou Bend Collection, one of the finest
collections of American paintings & decorative arts in the US displayed at former estate of Houston
philanthropist Miss Ima Hogg. Located at No. 1 Westcott Street. Open Wed-Sat 10-4:30, Sun 1-4:30.
CLSOED MON & TUES. Admission.
D) Clear Lake Queen (T47) 1.5 hour narrated excursion on Clear Lake offered Sat, Sun & holidays at 3PM.
713-333-3334.
E) Contemporary Arts Museum (T47) Paintings, sculpture, construction by famous contemporary artists. Open
Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-6. CLOSED MONDAY. Docent tours Sun at 2 & 4 pm. 5216 Montrose Blvd.
F) Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (T47) Over 5 miles of nature trails wind thru 155 acres of woodlands,
ponds, and prairie. Trails open 8:30am-6pm. Building open Mon-Sat 9-5:30, Sun 1-5:30.
G) Houston Museum of Natural Science (T47, 48) See article for extensive details of this attraction.
Planetarium, earth science gallery, IMAX theater, Hall of Health.
H) Houston Underground (T48) A 4-mile system of underground pedestrian tunnels that connect a variety of
shops and restaurants.
I) Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (T48) Headquarters of Americas manned space program. See article
for extensive details of this attraction. Open 9-4. Free self-guided tours originate at Visitor Orientation
Center daily except Christmas day. About 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston, 3 miles east of I-45 on
NASA Road 1.
J) Museum of Fine Arts (T49) See article for extensive details of this attraction. Open Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat
10-5. Sun 12:15-6, Thurs 10am-9pm. CLOSED MONDAYS. 1001 Bissonnet. Fee.
K) Orange Show (T49) Virtually impossible to describe: a construction of a Houston eccentric over 26 years. A
labyrinth of outdoor & indoor passages, stairs, and platforms amid astonishing whirligigs, wrought-iron
gewgaws, colored tiles, folk antiques, junk, and nave art embellished with odd mottoes and parables.
Colorfully bizarre! Open Mar-Dec, Sat & Sun noon-5pm; Memorial Day Labor Day Mon-Fri 9am 1pm.
2402 Munger St. Admission.
L) Railroad Train Museum (T49) Antique railroad cars & equipment. Open Mar-Dec on 1
st
& 3
rd
Sundays
11:30am-4:30pm. 7390 Mesa Rd.
Texas Points-of-Interest
M) Sam Houston Historical Park (T50) See article for extensive details of this attraction; 19-acre park
features 7 restored historic buildings. Open Mon-Sat 10-4. Last tour at 3pm. Sun 1-5, last tour at 4. Also
contains a museum. Across from Texaco Heritage Plaza at 1100 Bagby.
N) San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park (T50) Site where Texas won independence from Mexico in
1836. 570-foot monument. San Jacinto Museum of Texas History. Also a 35-minute history lesson reliving
Texas history a multi-media presentation utilizing 42 projectors. Show fee. Museum open daily 9-6; elevator
& observation deck open daily 10-5:30. Elevator fee. Closed Dec 24 & 25. Also the battleship Texas is moored
there. Admission.
O) Texas Limited (T50) Ride aboard restored railcars from 30s, 40s, and 50s from Houston to Galveston
Island, Trains run Fri-Sun with night trip 3
rd
Saturday of the month. Departs Houston from Amtrak Station at
902 Washington Ave.; in Galveston at the Railroad Museum at 25
th
and Strand. For ticket info call:
713-629-3700.
P) Traders Village (T51) combination flea market & bazaar. 7979 N. Eldridge. 713-890-5500.
Houston (A39)
Q) Gem site The Childrens Museum of Houston (A112) has hands-on learning exhibits.
R) Gem site Space Center Houston (A115) has full-size space shuttle, live demonstrations, computer
simulations, tram tours, all about space exploration $17.95 ea.
S) Houston Zoo has 3,100 animals representing 500 species over 55 acres. $7. (A113)
T) The Verizon Wireless Theatre attracts big-name performers and touring productions. (A116)
TX013 D Spring (T52) Jesse H. Jones park & Nature Center. Heavily wooded area. 5-mile hiking trail through
woods across boardwalks over pond, ending at sandy shores of Spring. Open daily (except Christmas) 8-5. Also
contains Pioneer Homestead. Dwellings open Wed & Sat 1-4pm. 20634 Kenswick Drive off F.M. 1960 east .
713-446-8588.
TX014 D Sugar Land (T52) Imperial Holly Sugar Company see sugar production within refinery. Tours
weekdays 10am & 2pm. 198 Kempner, adjacent to US59/90A. 713-491-9181.
TX015 D Boerne (T55) Cascade Caverns, camp ground. See article for extensive details of this attraction.
Located 14 miles northwest of San Antonio.
TX016 D New Braunfels (T56) Alamo Classic Car Museum. Lists dozens of classic & vintage cars. Open daily
10-6:30. On I-35 south of city limits, exits 180 or 182. Fee.
(p241) More than 75 beautifully crafted pieces of furniture, all made by German cabinetmakers in the
mid-1800s, are on display at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, located at the 1858 Breustedt-Dillen
Haus.
TX017 D San Antonio (T58)
A) Botanical Gardens (T59) 33 acres. Formal gardens, pools, fountains & natural areas. Below-ground
greenhouses with pyramid glass roofs. Gardens open Tues-Sun & holidays 9-6. CLOSED MONDAY. At 555
Funbston (just north of Fort Sam Houston). Fee.
B) The Alamo (T59) Open Mon-Sat 9-5:30, Sun 10-5:30. in Alamo Plaza.
C) Buckhorn Hall of Fame (T59) One of the worlds finest collections of animal horns, now joined by Hall of
Fins, Hall of Feathers, and collection of devoted marksman Ad Topperwein, and superb collection of antique &
custom firearms. Hall of Texas wax museum, too. Open daily 9:30-5 at the Lone Star Brewery, 600 Lone Star
Blvd. Fee.
D) Cowboy Museum & Gallery (T59,60) Full-size recreation of an 1870s false-front trial town built form
salvaged materials includes Bella Union Saloon, genl store, jail, and cavalry fort. Exhibits recall days of
cowboys,and Indians, gunfights, trail drivers, cattle barons, Western art gallery. Open daily 10-7 at 209 Alamo
Plaza. Fee.
E) Hertzberg Circus Museum (T60) vividly depicts the big top through oil pantings, Mr & mrs Tom Thumbs
carriage, and everything is in miniature. Open daily except Sunday 9-5:30. Also holidays & Sun 1-5/ May-Oct.
at 210 W. Market Street.
Texas Points-of-Interest
F) Missions of San Antonio (T62) A map fro the Mission Trail driving route is available from the visitor
Information Center. See article for extensive details of this attraction.
G) San Antonio Museum of Art (T62) Six-building complex of renovated historic (1883) brewery.Open Mon-Sat
10-6, (Tues until 9pm), and Sun noon-6. 200 W. Jones Ave off Broadway. Fee except FREE Tues 3-9pm.
H) San Antonio Zoo (T62) The third largest animal collection in the USA. See article for extensive details of
this attraction. Open daily 9:30-5 (til 6:30 Apr-Nov). Near downtown at 3903 N. St. Marys at Brackenridge
Park.
I) Texas Transportation Museum (T63) 37-acre park featuring vintage railcars, railroad exhibits, antique
vehicles, antique fire equipment, and horse-drawn carriages. Excursion ride. Open Thurs-Sun 9-4. 11731
Wetmore Rd. 512-490-3554. Fee/
J) Texas Star Trail (T63) Historical 2.6-mile walking tour designated by blue disks in sidewalks, with 80 historic
sites and landmarks identified. Begins and ends at the Alamo. Free brochures and maps from Visitor
Information Center.
K) Visitor Information Center (T63) Details, literature, maps, etc. 317 Alamo Plaza. 512-270-8748 or
800-447-3372.
San Antonio (A40, )

Gem site The Alamo houses exhibits from the era of Texas Revolution.

Gem site Natural Bridge Caverns

Gem site Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is drive-through safari allowing visitors to come face-to-face
with more than 60 varieties of exotic animals.

Gem site San Antonio Zoo is 35 acres with 3,800 animals representing 750 species.

Gem site Witte Museum has hands-on exhibits exploring Texas history, life-size reproduction of
triceratops skeleton, EcoLab, displays of prehistoric culture from the area, old mummy, earthquake wall, four-
story tree house, log cabins, three historic houses, and live performance theatre.

Guinness World Records Museum directly across street from The Alamo, $14.95.

Gem site Natural Bridge Caverns has guided 75-minute tour 189 feet below the surface, $14.

Gem site Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is 400-acre, drive-through safari with 50 species of exotic
animals, $13.50.

Gem site Paseo Del Rio (River Walk) runs through heart of business district. Boat tours and dinner
cruises of river are available. Rio San Antonio Cruise departs from under Commerce Street bridge at
Rivercenter Mall. Narrated one-hour tour follows San Antonio River in downtown area where the guide
points out sites along the Paseo del Rio / River Walk. $6.50/

Gem site San Antonio Botanical Garden $3 for over 55 yrs.

Lucile Halsell Conservatory is at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Visitors enter the complex of
exhibition greenhouses and take a tunnel 16 feet below he surface into a central courtyard with glass
houses.

Gem site Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo is a restored mission with American Indian
dwellings along its outer walls. Every Sunday at noon the Mariachi Mass is held and visited by people from
all over the world. Mission Concepcion largest unrestored mission in USA. Also in park are the smaller
Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Tour the missions in the first hour they open (9:00AM in summer and
8:00AM in winter so that the park rangers can give you a personal tour before the crowds arrive!

Texas Transportation Museum has vintage railcars, railroad exhibits, antique vehicles, carriages, fire
equipment. Only open Thursdays (9-4) and Sat & Sun 10-5. $5 includes half-mile train ride.

Harlequin inner Theatre at Fort Sam Houston in Building 2652 on Harney Road offers performances, phone
(210) 222-9694.

Lone Star Brewery and see the Buckhorn Hall of Horns decorated with trophy heads from all over he world
and 4,000 white deer antlers, weighing two tons. The Hall of Fins is dedicated to fish, and the Buckhorn
Saloon provides a complimentary ice-cold Lone Star beer or root beer.
Texas Points-of-Interest
TX018 D Sattler (T63) Dinosaur Flats is site of dinosaur tracks uncovered during excavation. Footprints of 3-toed
and strange round-footed thunder lizards made in limey mud that became limestone. Open daily except Wed 10-5.
Closed Dec 15 thru Jan 15. Two miles southwest on F.M.2673. Fee
TX019 D Amarillo (T78) Cadillac Ranch has a bumper crop of ten Cadillacs buried nose down in field at the
same angle as Cheops pyramids. Cars represent the golden age from 1949 to 1963. Just west of city on I-40
(historic Route 66).
TX020 D Beaumont (T82)
A) Edison Plaza Museum (T83) honors Thomas A. Edison and other early inventors. Old inventions on
displays, along with current items and future items and processes (nuclear, solar, wind, etc.) Open Mon-Fri
8-noon, and 1-5. In old substation at 350 Pine. 409-839-3089.
B) Frie Museum of Texas (T83) Vintage fire trucks, memorabilia, exhibits, photographs. Open Mon-Fri 8-4:30.
Housed in old Central Fire Station at 400 Walnut. 409-880-3917.
C) Texas Energy Museum (T83) Definitive archive on oil industry combines The Western Co. and Lamar
University. Exhibits and talking robots trace effects of Spindletop and how it began the modern petroleum
industry. Open Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5. 600 Main Street. 409-833-5100. Fee.
D) Tyrrell Park (T84) 500 acres of virgin woodland. 18-holes of golf, playground, archery, bridle and hiking trails,
overnight hook-ups for self-contained units (fee). Extensive Garden Center at park entrance featuring foliage
indigenous to the area and special touch and smell garden for the blind. On Tyrrell Park Road off Fannett
(Tx124).
E) Clifton Steamboat Museum highlights the steamboat era, $5. (A64)
F) John Jay French Historic House Museum chronicles life in east Texas during mid-1800s. Grounds include
several buildings, $3. (A64)
G) McFaddin-Ward House (A65) 1906 mansion with one-hour guided tour and self-guide of carriage house, $3.
H) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum has re-created oil boomtown at museum featuring 15
buildings and equipment of the era of the liquid fuel age, $3.
I) Texas Energy Museum has lifelike robots describe the evolution of petroleum industry and history of
Spindletop Gusher, $2.
TX021 D Big Bend national Park (T84)
A) park rangers present walks and illustrated talks throughout the year. Campgrounds available.
B) Big Bend national Park Visitor Center (T85) Info, maps, literature, exhibits. Lobby of park headquarters is
at Panther Junction. Open 8-7 summer; 8-6 winter.
C) Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area (T85) see Lajitas
D) Big Bend Ranch scenic drive (T85) One of the most spectacular drives in Texas, plugging over mountains
and canyons along the sun-drenched Rio Grande.
E) 13 (HT)
TX022 D Borger (T87) Scenic Drive: a 25-mile loop west and north to Stinnett crosses rough, canyon-cut
landscapes of the Canadian River brakes, leads across dam impounding Lake Meredith. Texas 136 west, FM1319,
and FM687 north.
TX023 D Bracketville (T88)
A) Alamo Village Western family recreation center built around movie set for John Waynes The Alamo,
filmed in 1959. Set was one of the largest and most complete ever constructed in the US. See article for
extensive details of this attraction. Open daily 9am. Located 7 miles north on RM674. Admission.
B) Fort Clark Springs Site of Fort Clark, est. 1852; deactivated 1944. Notable officers served here
(Mackenzie, Patton, Marshall). Now a resort-retirement community open to public offering motel, restaurant,
RV park, golf course, giant spring-fed swimming pool. Old Guard House museum has local and pioneer
history exhibits. Museum open Sat & Sun 1-4pm.
TX024 D Brenham (T90) Blue Bell Creameries was founded in 1907 as Brenham Creamery Co. Changed to
Blue Bell, a wild flower in the area. Free tours of ice cream plant that now produces 20 million gallons per year. Tours
Texas Points-of-Interest
Mon-Fri (Mar-Oct) at 10am, 1:30 & 3 pm.; Mon-Thurs (Nov-Feb) 10am & 1:30pm. 800-327-8135. 2 miles southeast of
downtown on S. Horton St. (FM577); (p236) Blue Bell Creamery gives tours and ice cream samples.
TX025 D Buchanan Dam
A) Buchanan Dam Visitor Center (T92) provides spectacular view of largest of Highland lakes. Houses Cham
of Comm, offices of tourist assoc., and museum about building of dam. Open daily 9-5. Tours of dam from
Cham of Comm. Office, Saturday @ 2 & 3 pm., early April thru early fall. 512-793-2803.
B) Inks Lake State Park (T93) 2,000 acres on Inks Lake southeast of Buchanan Dam. Camping, shelters, boats,
golf, hiking, etc. Access via Texas 29 east, south on Park Road 4. Admission.
TX026 D Burkburnett (T93) Trails and Tales of Boomtown USA (T94)Guided tour through historic past recalls
oil-boom days with visits to oil fields, outdoor oil museum, and replica of Mabel Gilberts dugout (the areas first white
settler). Video presentation and tour is 2 hours; June Oct on Sat 10am & 2 pm. In restored MKT depot on W. Third
St. Reservations suggested. Admission. Depot open Fri-Sat 9:30-3:30., Jun-Oct. 817-569-3304.
TX027 D Burnet
A) Longhorn Cavern State Park (T94), two miles of underground fantasy; home of prehistoric cavemen, site of
secret gunpowder manufacture for Confederate armies, and later an outlaw hideout. Cave tours
supplemented by natural trails, snack bar. Museum displays, Indian artifacts, frontier and Civil War items.
Open daily except Christmas and Christmas Eve. About 11 miles southwest via US281, Park Road 4.
Admission.
(A71) Longhorn Cavern State Park has one mile of lighted cave. Temp is constant 68F. Of special
interest are the Cathedral Room and two rooms of transparent crystal. Tours depart on the hour M-F 10-4, Sat
& Sun 10-5. Admission is $10.95
B) Scenic Drives (T95) among best is Texas 29 west and RM2341 northwest, a beautiful route to Spider
Mountain, which according to legend, was Indian burial ground. Below landmark is Bee Bluff, noted fishing
spot. RM2342 offers excellent landscape views, especially turnout near confluence of Llano and Colorado
Rivers.
C) Vanishing Texas River Cruise (T95) Hill Country wildlife and scenery viewed from enclosed 60-foot tour
boat on 23,00 acre Lake Buchanan year round. From mid-Nov thru Feb, cruise visits wintering grounds of
American Bald Eagles. Cruise length about 2.5 hours; daily at 11am, also 3pm Sat & Sun. Other tours listed,
too. See article for extensive details of this attraction. Tour boat reservation phone # = 512-756-6986. Drive
west 3 miles on TX29; northwest 13.5 miles on RM2341. Cruise fee.
TX028 D Campwood (T96) Scenic drives a series of highways in a loop to the northeast span some of the most
spectacular scenery in Hill Country a land of massive timbered hills, steep cliffs, small secluded valleys, and
streams. North of TX55 and FM335, east on TX41, south on FM336 and US83 to Leakey, then west on FM 337 back
to Camp Wood. That last leg on FM337 is a sample of the routes continuing grandeur all the way east to Medina.
Medina River Scenic Drive (p239) The 20-mile stretch of Rte, 337 between towns of Vanderpool and Medina is
one of the most scenic in Texas.
TX029 D Canton (T96)
A) City is noted for First Monday Trade Days held the first Monday of each month and the Fri, Sat, & Sun
preceding; 100 acres of antiques and handmade articles at one of nations largest, best-known and most
interesting flea markets. (Most activity is Sat & Sun)
B) Toy Museum features growing display of toy favorites of yesteryear. Museum adjacent to NovelTOYS
Factory (tour available). Open Mon-Fri 10-4. On TX19, 1/4 mile south of I-20.
TX030 D Canyon
A) Palo Duro Canyon State Park (T97) One of states largest state parks. On tabletop expanse of Texas High
Plains, a branch of the Red River has carved the incredible spires and pinnacles of Palo Duro. Walls plunge a
thousand feet to the canyon floor, exposing brilliant multicolored strata. Camping, restrooms, showers, hiking
trails, Sad Monkey miniature train ride. About 12 miles east via RTX219 and Park Road 5. Admission. More
details in book.
Texas Points-of-Interest
B) Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (T98) On campus of West Texas State University; honors pioneers of
Texas colorful past.Entrance door decorated with historic brands, Old West exhibits, chuck wagon, extensive
gun collection, prehistoric fossils, Indian exhibits. Open Tues-Sat 10-5 (6pm June-Aug), Sun & holidays
2-6pm (except Dec 25 Closed) CLOSED MONDAY.
C) Pioneer Amphitheater (T98) is the setting for TEXAS, spectacular outdoor drama, presented nightly except
Sundays from late June thru late August. Show starts at 8:30pm with barbecue dinner (fee) starting BEFORE
the show. Separate admission for park and show, but free admission after 5:30pm for those attending show.
All seats reserved; advanced reservations advisable. Canyon nights are cool even in midsummer and a wrap
is recommended. 806-655-2181.
D) Gem site Palo Duro Canyon State Park (A71, 72) has 16 miles of scenic drives that descend to the
canyon floor, some 1,000 feet below the rim. Also, 25 miles of bicycling trails. Camping available. Admission
is $3.
E) Gem site Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (A71, 72) is on campus of West Texas A&M and
includes reconstructed pioneer town, artifacts, dinosaur & mastodon skeletons, furniture, windmills, art, guns,
quilts, etc, etc, etc. Admission is $4.
TX031 D Claude (T101) Scenic Drive, one of the most impressive in state is TX207 south toward Silverton.
Highway goes thru farmland, then plunges into the scenic grandeur at Palo Duro Canyon. Descend at a moderate
speed, both for safety and to absorb beauty. In the nine-mile wide canyon (which extends a hundred miles from
northwest to southeast) is the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, a seemingly insignificant stream to have
carved such an immense gash in the plains. Farther south the highway drops into another beautiful gorge, Tule
Canyon.
TX032 D Cleburne (T101) Cleburne State Park 498 scenic acres offering camping, picnicking, restrooms,
showers, hiking trails, etc. (see booklet). Park contains a wildlife refuge and 116-acre Cedar Lake. 12 miles
southwest of Clenurne, US67, Park Rd 21. Admission.
TX033 D Clifton (T102) Texas Safari Wildlife Park has more than 2500 exotic animals from around the world
roaming free on 850 cares of plains, hills, and canyons. 7-mile Safari drive-thru. Also: restored Tonkawa Indian Cave
with 70-foot waterfall, petting zoo, animal nursery, and frontier town replica. Open daily 10am to 1 hour before
sundown. In summer daily animal shows, wagon and animals rides, paddleboats, Indian braves performing 45-
foot high dives, Lake Victoria for swimming and picnics, simulated gunfights in frontier town on summer weekends.
From TX6 immediately north of Clifton, take FM3220; follow signs 2 miles to park entrance. Admission.
TX034 D Coleman (T103) Warbird Museum features vintage WWII and Korean War planes, restored and flown by
members of museum. Inventory changes periodically. Open Mon-Fri 8-6 at Coleman Municipal Airport. Take US84
north to FM206, northeast to Airport Road.
TX035 D Columbus (T105) Mary Elizabeth Hopkins Santa Claus Museum has dozens of Santas old, new,
foreign and American, in various media.
TX036 D Cresson (T108) see TX007 (Fort Worth) for info.
TX037 D Crosbyton (T108) Silver Falls Park is one of the finest roadside parks in Texas highway system, about
four miles eats on US82, where White River crosses the route. Picnic tables, scenic views of rolling canyon features,
plus intriguing hiking paths along river.
TX038 D Dickens (T113) Croton Brakes region, nearby, is a scenic area of colorful canyons, buttes, and small
creeks, Inquire locally for directions.
TX039 D Dimmitt (T113) Dimmitt is the home of the only corn-wet milling plant in Texas and the Southwest,
American Fructose. The plant produces 42% and 55% high fructose corn syrup. Major by-products are dry starch and
livestock feed. Tours of plant and area feedlots are available.
TX040 D Eastland (T115) is site of the Kendrick Religious Museum, designed and built especially for the
purpose, the museum contains 30 diorama scenes from the Holy Bible with special sound and lighting effects. Open
daily 10-4. Admission. Has 360-foot stage adjacent to museum as site of famed Easter Sunrise Pageant, as well as
presentations of Biblical events Thurs & Fri nights at 9pm mid-June thru mid-August. Four miles west of Eastland on
US80. Admission.
Texas Points-of-Interest
TX041 D Fort Davis (T119)
A) Davis Mountains State Park (T119 & 120) is 1,869 acres in a sloping basin and hosts more than 155,000
visitors annually. Free interpretive center open in afternoon, June thru Aug. Camping, hiking, dining room,
trailer facilities, restrooms, nature study. Six miles west of Fort Davis, TX118, Park Road 3. Admission.
B) Neill Museum (T120) has antique toys made in Texas, 300 antique dolls, bottles, furniture. Located in historic
1898 Truehart House seven blocks east of courthouse. Museum open June-Labor Day, daily 10-5; admission.
915-426-3969 & 915-426-3838.
C) Scenic Drive is a 74-mile loop through Davis Mountains (from and back to Fort Davis) leads to a host of
choice mountain landscapes. Two miles south on TX17 take TX166 west to intersection with TX118, then
southeast back to TX17 and Fort Davis. Features include nine scenic roadside parks, Mount Locke topped by
McDonald Observatory, beautiful Madera Canyon, and Davis Mountains State Park.
TX042 D Fredericksburg
A) Admiral Nimitz Museum (T123) Weve been here! Consists of: 1) the restored Nimitz Steamboat Hotel,
famous frontier hostelry (circa 1852), which houses the Museum of the Pacific War; 2) the Garden of Peace,
gift form the people of Japan; 3) History Walk, lined with rare aircraft, tanks, and guns. Fleet Admiral Nimitz
was born in Fredericksburg in 1885. At his request the center was dedicated to all who served with him during
WWII. At 304 E. Main Street, open daily 8-5. Admission (under 6 and over 65 are free).
B) Bauer Toy Museum (T123) has toy soldiers, fire trucks, airplane replicas, character and smaller toys recall
bygone days. Also included is a handcrafted village with toy cars and trains and a 35-ft long diorama depicting
Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Open Wed-Mon 10-5 (CLOSED TUESDAY). Donation. 233 E. Main
Street.
C) Enchanted Rock State Park (T123) Massive dome of solid granite famed Indian legend; said to be site of
human sacrifices, some tribes feared to set foot on it; others used height as rallying point; all held it in awe
and reverence. A National Natural Landmark, the dome is about 640 acres; 500 feet high. Open year round.
Hiking, rock climbing and rappelling, picnicking, primitive camping in designated areas (reservations
accepted). 18 miles north off RM965. Admission.
D) Gem site National Museum of the Pacific War (A39, A100 and p242) highlights the men & women who
served in the Pacific and on the home front during WWII. It is located in the restored steamboat-shaped hotel
built by Admiral Nimitzs grandfather. Also visit the Vereins Kirche, a small octagonal building that was first a
church. The old country courthouse has been renovated into the Public Library, and the Pioneer Museum
offers a look at domestic life in Fredericksburg.
TX043 D Gail (T125) Scenic Drive: FM669 north Post ascends the Texas High Plains which are southernmost
extension of Great Plains of the US. In immensity beyond comprehension, Great Plains sweep north more than 1,600
miles, thrusting deep into Canada, through heartland of America that produces nations abundance of grain, meat and
fiber. The road climbs the abrupt edge through panoramas of steep cliffs and colorful canyons.
TX044 D Kerrville (T141) Classic Car Showcase and Wax Museum is a collection of perfectly restored classic
cars such as Duesenberg, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Delahaye, Isotta Franchini and others. Lifelike wax figures of
Hollywood film greats. Open Wed-Mon 10-5 except open Sun just noon-5. (CLOSED TUESDAY). Located at FM783
(Harper Rd., exit 505). Admission.
TX045 D Kilgore (T142) East Texas Oil Museum Every aspect of oil boom days of he 1930s is re-created
through dioramas, films, mementos of the oil fields, and from the daily lives of the people. Also has inside street
scene, old oil drilling rig, geological exhibits, simulated 3,800-foot elevator ride to oil formations within the earth. Open
Tues-Sat 9-4; Sun 2-5 (CLOSED TUESDAY). US259 at Ross St. 903-983-8295. (On Kilgore College campus)
Admission.
Gem site East Texas Oil Museum (A40, 120) tells of pioneer oil industry in Texas, has audio-visual
presentations and photographs, off US259 at Kilgore College is a tribute to the pioneer Texas oil industry. Contains
exhibits, AV presentations, a re-created boomtown (in full-scale). $5.
TX046 D Killeen (T142) Fort Hood covers 339 square miles. Visitors welcome at two museums on the post: 1)
The First Cavalry Division Museum exhibits more than 150 years of cavalry uniforms, equipment, arms, etc. At
Texas Points-of-Interest
Building 2218 on Headquarters Ave. 2) The Second Armored Division Museum features unit history from 1940 to
today. Many exhibits that would be especially interesting to Grampa, as he may have trained at this fort and
been in this unit. Located at Building 418 on Battalion Ave. Both museums open Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat & Sun noon-4.
(Closed only Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, and Easter.) Visitors stop at main gate entrance from US190 west
of Killeen.
TX047 D Kountze (T144) Big Thicket Information Station details about the Big Thicket National
Preserve,interpretive panels, information on trails and boating. Open daily except Christmas. 7 miles north of Kountze
on FM420.
TX048 D LaGrange
A) Kreische Brewery State Historic Site (T145) Ruins of stone brewery & home built by stonemason Heinreich
L. Kreische who came to LaGrange in 1840s. Brewery was one of the first to make over 700 barrels per year.
Guided tours tell story of this German immigrant and details of his brewing process. Brewery is part of
adjacent Monument Hill State Historic Site (see below). May be viewed form overlook; tours on Sat & Sun
only at 2 & 3:30pm.
B) Monument Hill State Historic Site (T145) Final resting place of many men killed in battle with Mexico.
Monument is 48 feet high of stone, bronze and polychrome. Visitor center; self-guided tours, interpretive trail,
nature trail, etc. Open daily 8-5. Two miles south off US77, Spur 92. Admission (includes Kreische Brewery
Tour when offered).
TX049 D Lajitas (T145) El Camino Del Rio, Spanish for The River Road (locally known as FM170), stretches
from Lajitas northwest to Presidio offering one of the most spectacular drives in Texas. An excellent paved route, its
one of the most spectacular dives in Texas, plunging over mountains and canyons along the sun-drenched Rio
Grande. Drivers are cautioned that the route encounters steep 15% grades, sharp turns, occasional loose livestock,
and low-water crossings; special alert for large RVs and vehicles pulling large trailers.
Big Bend River Tours (A122) provides 1/2 to 21-day river tours through the Rio Grande River canyons of
Big Bend national Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. 1/2-day trips are $62, full-day are $110-155, and overnight
are $250-350 per person.
TX050 D Livingston (T151)
A) Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation is home of Alabama and Coushatta Indians, part of Southern forest
tribes, in dense, wooded area know as the Big Thicket. Excellent visitor program today features Living Indian
Village where tribal members employ traditional skills to make jewelry, baskets, and leather items. Big Thicket
tours via swamp buggy and miniature railroad; museum & crafts shop; colorful tribal dances. And Inn of 12
Clans Restaurant offering customary fare plus pit-cooked barbecue and traditional Indian foods. Scenic
camping areas. June-Aug open Mon-Sat 10-6; Sun 12:30-5 (Mar-May & Sept-Nov open weekends). Closed
entirely Dec-Feb. Tour fee.
B) Lake Livingston State Park is 640 acres on the east shore line of Lake Livingston among pine and
hardwood forest. Facilities include multi-use campsites with hookups, restrooms, showers. About 7 miles
southwest of Livingston; US59 via FM1988 southwest; FM3126 north to Park Road 65. Admission.
TX051 D Longview (T152)
A) Cargill Long Park has 2.5-mile walking, jogging, and bike trail flanked by towering pines and native flora.
Open daily 6am 11pm on Hollybrook Street one block west of US259; northeast edge of city south of Loop
281.
B) Gregg County Historical Museum has exhibits devoted to local East Texas history, agriculture,
communications, and military collections. Reproductions of early rooms: bankers office, parlor, kitchen, and
interior of log cabin. Audiovisual historical program, Open Tues-Sat 10-4. (CLOSED SUN. & MON.) Housed
in historical-marked 1910 bank building, 214 N. Fredonia. Admission.
TX052 D Memphis (T159) Scenic Drive: Texas256 west traverses rolling country often cut by tributaries of Prairie
Dog Town Fork of Red River. It threads among the jumbled, broken remnants of the High Plains, then ascends the
Cap Rock in a spectacular drive amid colorful cliffs and canyons.
TX053 D Midland
Texas Points-of-Interest
A) Confederate Air Force Flying Museum (A127) (T161) Museum remains dedicated to acquisition,
restoration, and preservation in flying condition of vintage military aircraft. A 30-minute documentary film of the
story of the Ghost Squadron is shown daily at the museum. Wide diversity of aircraft on display. Open Mon-
Sat 9-5 and Sun and holidays 1-5, at Midland International Airport, 8 miles west on I-20 Business Route.
Admission.
B) Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame (T163) Despite the museums title, the
variety of collections, exhibits and interpretation of the oil industry make sit an outstanding visitor site. See
article for extensive details of this attraction.
C) Gem site The Petroleum Museum (A40, 128) has artifacts, interactive exhibits, and works of art telling
story of oil and gas industry in Permian Basin of western Texas.
TX054 D Monahans (T164) Monahans Sandhills State Park has 4,000 acres of wind-sculptured sand dunes like
classical landscape of the Sahara. Park has modern museum and interpretive center, picnicking, camping and sand
surfing. Huge sandhills area, only part of which is in park, was formidable obstacle to pioneer travelers and wagon
trains. Also contains one of the largest oak forests in the nation, with Havard Oaks only standing around 3-foot-high,
yet they send down roots as far as 90 feet. Located on I-20 / US80 five miles east. Admission.
TX055 D Moscow (T165) the Moscow Trail meanders beside Long King Creek, named for an Indian chief. Two
trail segments, 1.5 and 0.5 miles, explore an area of exceptionally tall pines and other forest growth. Entrance to trail
8.5 miles west of Corrigan on US287. (Corrigan is 5 miles north of Moscow on US59.)
TX056 D Paint Rock (T173) Paint Rock Excursions guided tours to site where earliest paintings date from
prehistoric times; succeeding pictographs continued until last quarter of 19
th
century when Comanche Indians still
hunted in the area. Weekend tours include boat ride down Concho River where visitors often see deer, wild turkey
and other native wildlife along with approximately 1,500 markings; weekday tours travel to site in cars. Open June-
Aug, Mon-Sat 9-noon, Sun noon-5. Other tours by appointment. Call 915-732-4376 or 915-732-4418. Office on west
side of US83 in town.
TX057 D Panhandle (T175)
A) Scenic drive: FM293 west to TX 136 north provides views of modern High Pins agriculture contrasted with
traditional ranch lands unchanged for centuries. See article for extensive details of this attraction. Fascinating
historical markers beside TX136, some 10 miles north of FM293, marks portion of trail that wound from Fort
Smith, Arkansas, to Santa Fe, NM. Though now covered with grass, wagon ruts are still visible. TX136 leads
north to Lake Meredith and popular federal recreational areas around it.
B) Square House Museum is one of the most attractive small museums in the state. See article for extensive
details of this attraction. Open daily. Pioneer Park on TX207.
TX058 D Presidio (T183)
A) Fort Leaton State Historic Site and A Big Bend State Natural Area, is one of Texas most unusual historic
sites a massive adobe fortress built by frontiersman Ben Leaton in 184 immediately after Mexican War at a
strategic site on Chihuahua-San Antonio Trail in arid West Texas by the Rio Grande. See article for extensive
details of this attraction. Open daily 8-4:30, closed Dec 25; 3 miles east of Presidio on FM170; admission.
B) Scenic drive: El Camino del Rio (The River Road), local name for FM170, stretches from Lajitas northwest
to Presidio and beyond into the Chinati Mountains. An excellent paved route, its one of the most spectacular
drives in Texas (for details of road conditions, see TX049 Lajitas (above).
TX059 D Quitaque (T183, 184) Caprock Canyon State Park covers 13,960 acres in one of the states most
scenic regions. See article for extensive details of this attraction. Some primitive campsites, some with hookups.
Located 3.5 miles north of Quitaque on FM1065. Admission.
TX060 D San Angelo
A) Concho River Walk: (T189) over 6 miles of jogging/walking trails. Flowing fountains and water treatments;
outdoor stage, small amusement park, 9-hole golf course. Downtown.
B) Fort Concho (T189) is among the best preserved of Texas frontier military forts, 40-acre National Historic
Landmark is comprised of 23 original and restored buildings within the city limits near downtown. See article
for extensive details of this attraction.
Texas Points-of-Interest
C) E. H. Danner Museum of Telephony (T189) features models of telephones form Alexander Graham Bells
Gallows Frame Phone (only five ever built) through wooden phones and pushbutton phones of the 1880s to
present models. Open museum hours; in Officers Quarters No. 4.
D) Robert Wood Johnson Museum of Frontier Medicine (T189) contains instruments, medicines, surgical
kits, hospital furniture. Located in North Ward of Pos Hospital.
E) San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts (T189) is varied and has changing exhibits of different media from many
eras. Open Tues-Sat 10-4; Sun 1-4. Fort Concho Quartermaster Bldg, Burgess St. at E. Ave. G. Admission.
F) San Angelo Nature Center (T191) located in former Lake Rangers Headquarters building at Lake
Nasworthy, built by Works Progress Administration. Natural science and history museum emphasizing
understanding of Edwards Plateau region. See article for extensive details of this attraction. Open Sat 9-7;
Sun noon-5, in Mary Lee Park on Knickerbocker at Lake Nasworthy. Admission.
TX061 D Silverton (T195) Scenic drive (T196) See article for exact route and sites to be seen.
TX062 D Stonewall (T202) Lyndon Baines Johnson National Historical Park features replica of four-room
birthplace of the late president and is operated by the National Park Service as part of National Historic Park that
includes Johnson Boyhood Home (see JOHNSON CITY). Free Park Service tour buses operate from LBJ State Park
headquarters 10-4 (5pm in summer). Tour includes the birthplace, LBJ Ranch, one-room Junction school, and the
Presidents grave in Johnson family cemetery. Park Road 49, which leads to those sites, is closed to all vehicles
except tour buses 8:30am to 5:30pm (6:15pm in summer).
TX063 D Study Butte (T202) Scenic drive (same as TX049): El Camino Del Rio, Spanish for The River
Road (locally known as FM170), stretches from Lajitas northwest to Presidio offering one of the most spectacular
drives in Texas. An excellent paved route, its one of the most spectacular dives in Texas, plunging over mountains
and canyons along the sun-drenched Rio Grande. Drivers are cautioned that the route encounters steep 15% grades,
sharp turns, occasional loose livestock, and low-water crossings; special alert for large RVs and vehicles pulling large
trailers.
TX064 D Sonora (T197) Caverns of Sonora, called unbelievable by cave authorities. Chris & Sally have visited
these caves and found them to be the most beautiful caverns; described by past president of the National
Speleological Society, This is the most indescribably beautiful cavern in the world. It s beauty cannot be
exaggerated, even by Texans! Guided tours regularly each half hour cover about 1.5 miles under ground. Extensive
walking up and down. West of Sonora about 8 miles, exit I-10 on Caverns of Sonora Road (RM1989); drive south
about 7 miles. Camping area with hookups available. Admission is worth it!
Gem site Caverns of Sonora (A41, 152) have cave tours.
TX065 D Teague (T203) Burlington-Rock Island Railroad Museum, in old two-story 1906 brick depot is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places and is now a museum with varied relics from the golden age of railroads, plus
county historical items. Famous log house also on property. Open Sat-Sun 1-5pm. 208 S. Third Ave. Admission.
TX066 D Tyler
A) Goodman-LeGrand Home (T208) Once a stately mansion is now a city museum housing artifacts of
antebellum years, 18
th
-century dental & medical tools, medicines, antique dressers, and period furniture.
Open Wed-Sun 1-5pm. Closed holidays. 624 N. Broadway.
B) Municipal Rose Garden (T208) 22-acre garden is nations largest showcase, featuring 38,000 rose bushes
representing nearly 500 varieties. Roses are at their floral peak May-Nov. Many commercial growers in this
area. Open daily. W. Front Street.
C) Tyler State Park: 994-acre scenic playground is in one of finest forested sections of Texas. Facilities include
camping, restrooms, showers, etc. Ten miles north via FM14, Park Road 16. Admission.
TX067 D Vanderpool
A) Lost Maples State Natural Area (T209) See article for extensive details of this attraction. Park has
campsites with water & electricity, restrooms and showers, plus 11 miles of hiking trails. Park is 4 miles north
on RM187. Admission.
B) Scenic drives: While the Hill Country is laced with scenic drives, the east-and-west route of FM337 is
unquestionably among the most spectacular massive wooded steeps enfolding tiny, secluded valleys.
Texas Points-of-Interest
FM187 north of Vanderpool climbs to the surface of the Edwards Plateau (2,300 ft) as it joins Texas 39.
Sinkholes, porous basins that feed rainwater into the deep Edwards Aquifer, abundantly dot the Hill Country.
A textbook example lies immediately at the west edge of FM187 exactly 8. miles north of Lost Maples State
Park.
TX068 D Waco (T212)
A) Dr. Pepper Museum is housed in the original 1906 bottling plant, now listed on the National Registry of
Historic Places. Features a restored, operating soda fountain along with other Dr.Pepper memorabilia with
interesting audio-visual displays. Open Mon-Thurs 10-4:30, Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun noon-4:30. Located at 300 S.
Fifth St. Admission. For info: 817-757-1024.
B) Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum at Fort Fisher replica of original Texas Ranger fort established
1837. Displays commemorate history and heritage of Texas Rangers. Famous gun collection with other
weapons from Old West; Indian artifacts and Western art. In 35-acre park along I-35 at University Parks Drive
on Lake Brazos. Camping, picnic sites. Open daily 9-5. Admission.
TX069 D Washington (T214) Star of the Republic Museum In Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, museum
is dedicated to presenting the history of the Texas Republic through exhibits, publications, and media presentations.
Open daily Mar-Aug; and Wed-Sun during Sept-Feb. 10-5.
TX070 D Weatherford (T216) First Monday is a trash & treasures, produce, and even some livestock kind of flea
market. Held on Sat & Sun preceding the first Monday of every month. At US80/180, three blocks east of courthouse.
TX071 Abilene (A54) 621-acre Abilene State Park may have camping - - see AAA South Central Campbook.
Abilene Zoo compares animals of North American Plains with those of similar habitat in Africa. Admission is $3.
TX072 Big Bend National Park (A38, 65) Gem site Mountain and desert scenery supplement unusual
geological structures in this adventurist wonderland. 13 (HT) Outstanding mountain and desert scenery.
TX073 Harlingen (A39, 106) Gem site The Iwo Jima War Memorial displays the original sculpture of Iwo Jima
flag raising and displays of battle artifacts.
TX074 LaPorte
o
Gem site San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is where the battle for Texas
independence from Mexico was fought on this 1200-acre site in April 21, 1836. The Battleship
Texas is moored off this location and can be toured for $5.
o
Gem site San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History is a 570-foot limestone obelisk with
observation deck providing spectacular views. A multi-image, digital show depicting the Battle of
San Jacinto and the Texas revolution is offered. Elevator is $4, digital show is $4.50, and
combination ticket is $7.50.
TX075 Richmond The George Ranch Historical Park is a 500-acre living history site located on a 23,000
working ranch. Trams take visitors to 3 areas 1830s stock farm, 1890s Victorian mansion, and 1930s ranch house.
$9.
TX076 Warrenton (A41, 157) Gem site Sterling McCall Old Car Museum boasts more than 80 restored
automobiles from 1908-1960.
TX077 Brownsville (A69) Gladys Porter Zoo has > 1500 animals at 26-acre zoo, $7.50.
TX078 Johnson City (A120) A scenic overlook at Pedernales Falls State Park provides view of 3,000-foot
limestone canyon through which the Pedernales River has carved steps, cascades, and pools.
TX079 Lubbock (A124)

American Wind Power Center features more than 80 American-style windmills from 1868 to present. The
28-acre grounds have working windmills on towers up to 55 feet high. Picnicking permitted. $2.

National Ranching Heritage Center is 16-acre exhibit including more than 35 relocated structures from
early days of ranching. Donations.

Silent Wings Museum (A125) in old Lubbock Airport terminal. Chronicles the history of US military glider
program.
Texas Points-of-Interest
TX080 Bracketville (p238) site of Alamo Village used in making western movies, and a full replica of the Alamo,
also used in movies.
TX081 Concan (p239) Garner State Park is site of excellent swimming and unparalleled tubing. Camping is
mentioned but only cabins are described. Should consider calling ahead for reservations as cabins are usually
booked a year in advance!
TX082 Bandera (p239) The Frontier Times Museum , est. 1933 by publisher of Frontier Times magazine, has
some 30,000 displays including a map of Texas crafted from rattlesnake skin, a fireplace of fossil snails, etc. A small-
town rodeo takes place here every Tuesday & Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day (admission was $4 several
years ago).
TX083 Guadalupe Mountains National Park (p248, 249) El Capitan bluff is here, along with the highest point in
Texas, 8,749-foot high Guadalupe Peak. Hiking is the only way to see the interior of the park. A short side road
leads to the mouth of McKittrick Canyon, the parks most popular trail.
TX084 Carlsbad Cavern National Park, NEW MEXICO (p249) located about 40 miles from Guadalupe Peak
(Texas), the Caverns has the largest underground chamber in the world 255 high and as big as 14 football fields.
Texas Points-of-Interest