Best Things To Do In Lampasas TX

What are the best things to do in Lampasas, TX?

You’ve probably wondered this when traveling through town on your way to Fredericksburg, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, or Waco.

Or, if you’re an outdoor aficionado when you visit Colorado Bend State Park.

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Lampasas is strategically located at the crossroads of three major arteries: highways 281, 183, and 190 (Central Texas Highway.) It is around 27 miles from Fort Hood, the Central Texas military base.

Most likely, you’ve stopped in town for lunch or to get some gas. We also did it.

In addition, after visiting Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet, we stopped at Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden in town. One of the free things to do in Lampasas Texas.

Recently, we had to spend the night in Lampasas since we couldn’t find a spot for our teardrop trailer in Colorado Bend State Park or the surrounding campgrounds. One of the reasons why people stay in Lampasas.

After hiking to the famous Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend with my dog, we went to downtown Lampasas, seeking the cool things to do in town.

Based on our most recent weekend visit, here are our picks for the best things to do in Lampasas, TX.

But first, are you looking into a car rental from Austin? I recommend Discover Cars. It compares local, national, and international companies, so you get the best rates.

14 Things To Do In Lampasas TX

Lampasas is a small city with most attractions concentrated around the courthouse plaza. Except for breakfast the following morning, we completed all the town’s activities in the afternoon.

You will learn that you can complete several attractions in about an hour. Then you can continue to your destination and return to finish doing the things in Lampasas, TX, on your next visit. Or, when driving through town, do whatever interests you from the list.

1. Visiting Lampasas County Courthouse

In the center of Lampasas’ downtown square lies the historic Lampasas County Courthouse. The three-story structure, built in 1883, is Texas’ third oldest continuously operating courthouse.

Like Texas courthouses built in the late 19th century, the Lampasas County Courthouse is designed in Second Empire style with Italianate elements. It used native limestone featuring tall, vertical windows, mansard roofing, a central bell, and a four-clock faces clock tower.

W.C. Dodson, who also designed the Hill County Courthouse in Hillsboro and Coryell, McLennan, Denton, and Parker counties, built the courthouse.

Unfortunately, we came on Saturday. We could only observe outside of the building and read the eight historical markers scattered around the courthouse’s grounds.

Some historical markers tell the story of the county’s beginnings, Hanna Springs, 19th-century gunfights in Lampasas, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

If you visit during the week, you can go inside the courthouse. The County Judge will take you for a tour when his schedule permits.

In addition, visitors may schedule a courthouse tour through the Lampasas County Historical Commission. Contact Clydell Wallace at 512-564-0255.

Don’t forget to check out the courthouse clockwork on the third floor of the building and the county courthouse’s safe, which has a painted vault door. On the first level, you can still observe a water stain from the flood of 1957.

Address: 501 E. 4th St., five blocks east of US-183.

2. Time Travel at Lampasas County Museum

A visit to the Lampasas County Museum introduced us to the area and its people from its inception to the present day.

The numerous artifacts in the museum taught us information about Indians, outlaws, natural springs, a nearly disastrous flood, and more. Residents and businesses contributed these artifacts, which tell a little piece of the Lampasas’ story.

A wicker body basket used to transfer deceased persons from the location of death to the funeral home piqued my interest. You can find it in a short hallway that leads to the back exhibition, near the restroom.

There are also stories and pictures from the 1957 flood, where water was seven feet deep in Lampasas County Courthouse.

Of course, you will find information about the discovery of the mineral springs and the healing power that brought people to Lampasas. Eventually, it turned Lampasas into “the Saratoga of the South.”

You can find the museum in downtown Lampasas at 303 S. Western St., just two blocks west of the county courthouse.

It is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will accommodate special groups and tours upon request.

After asking the museum docent, we got to take our dog Snoopy into the museum. I do not know if they will always let dogs into the museum. Snoopy is a well-behaved dog, and he’s not very big.

Obviously, a visit to the museum is one of the things to do in Lampasas, TX that you can’t miss.

The Lampasas County Museum is also known as the Keystone Square Museum.

Across the museum, there’s a building with vintage cars inside. My husband wanted to go there, but too bad they were closed.

3. Walking Tour to Keystone Hotel & Little Hotel

The historic Keystone Hotel is a short distance from the County Museum. It was a former inn for stagecoaches that had hosted numerous guests over the years.

The hotel was known as The Star when it was first owned and run by the Gracys in the 1870s. Some locals referred to it as The Gracy Hotel.

Over time, the hotel’s owner and purpose changed. In 1927, after J.R. Key bought it, he changed the name to Keystone Hotel. In the mid of 1960s, the hotel turned into a law firm and a savings and loan company in the 1970s.

In 2017, it returned to serving as a hotel.

However, when we arrived, the hotel was locked, and nobody was in the area. From the window, it appears that it is currently a function room. However, we are unsure.

The Little Hotel at the corner used leftover limestone and other materials from the large hotel. The Gracys have a private apartment above and accommodations for travelers downstairs. Prices were half those of the large hotel.

Both are just a few yards apart and close to the County Museum. You can also see a retro gas station just around the corner.

Keystone Hotel address: 404 E. 2nd

Little Hotel address: 208 S. Western

4. Hunting for Murals Around Town

Lampasas began a series of mural projects around town in 2008. Currently, the city has 14 murals.

The first in the series was the Boot Roundup, and the final was the Lampasas Eclipse 2024.

Actually, we didn’t look for the murals; instead, as we drove around town, they gradually started to show up one by one.

Some of the murals, in my opinion, require new paint, like the Postcard From Lampasas and Boots Roundup murals.

Each mural has a marker in the corner depicting the mural and the year of the creation.

5. Art Hopping at Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden (Campbell Park)

Art installations can also be found outside in the park in Lampasas. Visit Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden to see them.

Some of the sculptures are permanent collections, while others are rotating ones. It indicates they are for sale and will be moved out after a year if not purchased.

When we went, it was the day of the Boots & Blazers Ball, during which new sculptures for the park were unveiled. However, we did not get to see what was new in the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden.

But, I noticed the Tractor from the permanent collections has a new paint.

The sculpture garden was an original idea by local artist Nancy Gray. She participated in its early creation.

While the city owns the park, LAFTA (Lampasas Associations for the Arts) promotes and runs the garden.

All of the sculptures are the work of Texas artists. They worked with wood, metal, marble mosaic, fiberglass, and limestone.

The Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden is a family-friendly place to visit. Dogs are welcome there as well.

In the middle of the park, there lies Hanna Springs. One of the natural springs in the city attracted people to Lampasas a long time ago.

If you’re looking for the first things to do in Lampasas, TX, Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden is one of them.

Address: Between East North Avenue and Hackberry Street at Campbell Park.

6. Posing in front of the World’s Largest Spur

When driving into Lampasas from the south on US Highway 281, look for the World’s Largest Spur on the left. It is outside of Texas Real Estate Sales and the Rusty Spur gift shop, owned by Abe and Leah Caruthers.

It is 8 feet, 8.5 inches broad, more than 21 feet long, and 33 feet, 10.75 inches tall.

On February 3, 2017, Guinness World Records certified the enormous metal sculpture as the largest spur.

Whether or not it still holds the record (there is one in Hico), it is a fun place to visit when in town. One of the cool stops on your drive from Ft. Worth to Fredericksburg.

7. Checking out Historic Hancock Springs Park

One of the cool things to do in Lampasas TX is visiting Historic Hancock Springs Park on US Highway 281. There are three things you can’t miss here.

1. Hancock Springs Bathhouse

When rumors about the mineral springs and their medicinal powers began to draw travelers to Lampasas, developers rushed to construct hotels and tourist amenities.

The Lampasas Springs Company built a bathhouse featuring changing rooms for men and women, hot and cold baths, and bathing pools for men and women.

The facilities’ roof, however, was washed away by the flood of the 1920s. The limestone wall and the pool’s turquoise-clear water are what you can see right now.

2. Historic Hostess House

The historic two-story limestone structure was built in 1929 and was used as a dance hall, changing area, live entertainment venue, and reception hall.

The lower and upper balconies on the front and back of the building are highlighted with black wrought iron railings, giving the structure a lovely appearance.

It is still a popular location for weddings, bridal showers, business meetings, reunions, and other events in Central Texas and Lampasas today.

Too bad the Hostess House was closed when we stopped there.

3. Hancock Springs Free-Flow Pool

An artesian spring supplied Hancock Springs pool. As a result, the water stays at a constant cool 69 degrees year-round. Free flow refers to the spring’s water filling the pool and exiting to the other side into Sulphur Creek.

When you visit in the summertime, don’t forget to dip into the Hancock Springs pool. One of the spring-fed swimming pools in the state.

During the pool season, the hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Adult admission is $3.50, while students and seniors pay $2.50.

Address: 1600 281 South.

8. Eating at Eve’s Cafe

Guide to Lampasas magazine convinced us to eat at Eve’s Cafe, and we were not disappointed at all.

Eve’s Cafe is a German eatery known for its schnitzel. They serve a variety of schnitzel, like wiener schnitzel, bauern schnitzel, paprika schnitzel, schnitzel a la Holstein (topped with fried eggs), and even schnitzel salad. Every plate comes with a fresh tossed salad with homemade German house dressing and a choice of Spatzle or French fries.

Burgers, sandwiches, and bratwurst are also available. Dessert options include cheesecake and various pastries.

After browsing the menu, my husband chose Bauern Schnitzel with Spatzle, and I picked Paprika Schnitzel with French fries. My husband’s schnitzel included bacon, grilled onions, and mushrooms on top. Mine had red bell peppers and a somewhat spicier sauce. Everything tasted excellent!

Because I don’t eat chocolate, we let the waitress choose a fruit-based cheesecake for us for dessert. She brought a slice of delicious strawberry cheesecake with her. I’m sure we’ll be returning when we’re traveling through Lampasas.

Therefore, if you’re traveling through or visiting Lampasas, stop here. But before they can find you a table, expect a line.

Eve’s Cafe’s hours of operation are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 521 E. 3rd St., at the corner of the Courthouse.

9. Visit Langston Gallery

While waiting for our food, I browsed Moonie’s Hemporium and Langston Gallery next door. Moonie’s has lots of adorable items, but Langston caught my attention. I guess I didn’t expect to see an art gallery in Lampasas.

Sandra Langston’s paintings, ceramics, and sculptures fill the gallery. I wish I could afford one of her paintings or little sculptures. They are beautiful!

The Moonie’s owner told me that the artist lives in Italy for six months and spends another six months in Austin, Texas.

If you like art, you must stop here before or after you eat at Eve’s.

Their hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Address: 515 E. 3rd St.

10. Hiking to Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend is one of the Texas state parks near Lampasas. It is approximately 27 miles west of town.

Some visitors to Colorado Bend opt to stay in Lampasas. Others stayed in town since they couldn’t get a campsite in the park as we did.

I took my dog Snoopy on a hike to Gorman Falls in the park. One of Texas’ most well-known waterfalls. Gorman Falls looks beautiful in the spring, making this hike one of the most popular in Colorado Bend.

Gorman Falls Trail is a three-mile out-and-back hike. It is very rocky, has a little shade, and includes a steep and slippery descent near the falls. If you are physically able, I recommend hiking this trail.

After the hike, we drove around the park before returning to Lampasas.

Address: 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend.

11. Breakfast at the Donut Palace

They said that Donut Palace is the best spot to get donuts in Lampasas. So, before leaving Lampasas, we went there.

Our son ordered a chocolate glaze donut and a pig in a blanket, and he said they were both tasty. I had apple strudel, while my husband had an apple fritter. Both were delicious and not overly sweet.

Stop here for a quick breakfast if you’re in the city in the morning.

They open from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday.

Address: 102 W 9th St.

Other Restaurants in Lampasas

Here are a few restaurants you should try the next time you’re in the city, in addition to Eve’s Cafe.

– Storm’s Drive-In

Storm’s is a classic drive-up restaurant in town. It opened in 1950 and was known as The Dairy Cue. Employees still cut fresh potatoes for the French fries and grind beef daily for the classic burgers. 

Menu items include chicken fried steak, catfish, and shrimp baskets. However, it’s difficult to top the Storm’s Special, which comes with double patties and a shake.

Elvis Presley, the famed King of Rock ‘n Roll, was a frequent visitor here when stationed at neighboring Fort Hood. The burger and strawberry shake were two of his favorite meals. When you are in the area, try these.

Besides Lampasas, there are Storms in Burnet and Hamilton. We ate at the one in Burnet before.

Hours: Open daily from 6.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on Friday and Saturday from 6.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address: 201 N Key Ave

– Alamo Coffee Cafe

A gourmet coffee store where the owner roasts beans and ships them from his warehouse (coffee shop) in Lampasas. Each blend bears the name of a significant Texas event or landmark: Brazos Breakfast Blend, San Jacinto Light Roast, San Antonio Mission Medium Roast, Gonzales Garrison Bold Dark Roast, and Victory Or Death Espresso.

Sounds intriguing, right? I’m planning to stop here next time we drive to Fredericksburg. I don’t drink caffeine, but they offer decaf drinks.

Hours: Monday thru Friday from 5.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 301 S Hwy 281 Suite E.

– The Cherry on Top

A charming old-time ice cream parlor and a DIY ceramic painting studio under one roof.

Hours: Monday 2-4.30 p.m., Tuesday thru Thursday 2-6 p.m., Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

– Alfredo’s Mexican Restaurant                                                                               

One of the Lampasas restaurants was featured in “The Daytripper” television show. They serve Mexican, Tex-Mex, and American food.

Hours: Monday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. 

Address: 2202 US-281 South

Other things to do in Lampasas, TX

Following are a few other things to do in Lampasas, TX, that we haven’t got to do yet.

12. Sipping Wine at the Wineries and Vineyards

Lampasas is proud of its wineries and vineyards. There are four of them on the west side of town.

You will find Fiesta Winery and Stoneledge Winery & Vineyard in Lometa, between Lampasas and Bend. Visit these places at the same time you visit Colorado Bend. However, be sure to do it after the hike rather than before.

And you can find Texas Legato Winery and Pillar Bluff Vineyards around FM 1478.

Although I haven’t been to one of these wineries, you can view these locations online before traveling there. Just click the highlighted links above.

13. Hiking at Cooper Spring Nature Park

Cooper Spring is a city park where you can go on nature hikes, take in the wildflowers, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

It is named after a natural spring on the site and is completely free.

Address: between Hackberry St., East 3rd St., and East Ave A. Main entrance off Hackberry.

14. Picnic at W.M. Brook Park

Every time we passed through this park, I saw people strolling through, fishing, or watching kids enjoying the playground. It seems like a lovely location for a picnic.

W.M. Brook Park is also a place for annual events in Lampasas, such as Spring Ho and Christmas Lights.

Address: bordered by U.S. Hwy 281 S, Central Texas Expressway, and Western Ave. Parking is available off Key Ave, Riverview Dr., and Vine St.

Where to Stay in Lampasas

As mentioned above, we traveled with our teardrop trailer. My husband found a space available at Little Lucy RV Resort on the north side of town.

The campground is large, and the spot is roomy. However, throughout our stay, the bathroom facilities were pretty terrible. The flush in one bathroom wasn’t working and plugged in the other room. Both bathrooms smelled awful. They may be experiencing sewage issues.

Other RV Parks in town that you might check are Lampasas RV Ranch and Boone RV Park.

If you are looking for a hotel, check a website like Booking.com.

I hope this list of things to do in Lampasas, TX, will help you make a decision next time you drive through town.