17 Best Things To Do In Hillsboro Texas

Why don’t you take the Hillsboro exit the next time you travel on I-35W between Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco?

Now there are more fun things to do in Hillsboro, Texas, which was once a destination for outlet malls.

My family and I live about an hour north of Hillsboro. When we take the I-35 to Waco, we like to take a detour through the town in search of day trip attractions.

Learning about the history of Texas cities, visiting antique stores, and enjoying local cuisine are a few of the things you can do in Hillsboro, Texas.

Hillsboro is a fun weekend destination from Fort Worth that is less than a 2-hour drive away. Of course, also from Dallas.

Without further ado, I will share with you all the best things to do in Hillsboro, Texas.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Best Things To Do In Hillsboro Texas

Most of these fun activities in Hillsboro are situated around Courthouse Square. You can walk from one place to another place. Just park your vehicle in the parking around the Courthouse. It makes your visit more enjoyable.

Tour Hill County Courthouse

As you approach the Square, you can view the courthouse’s top. It is ideal to stop by the Hillsboro Courthouse first because it is the tallest structure and the focal point of the Square.

Hillsboro Courthouse started with an elm-log courthouse, and in 1854 it was replaced by a frame building. In 1870, they constructed a two-story brick building.

Like most of Texas’ historic courthouses, a fire destroyed the building on September 18, 1872. A two-story brick courthouse replaced the structure and remained in operation until 1889.

Architect W.C. Dodson designed the present courthouse. It was built in 1889-1890 using Bell County limestone. It is a modified French Second Empire styling.

The three-story courthouse is topped by a seven-story clock tower.

The historic courthouse suffered a major fire on January 1, 1993, and it underwent six years of rehabilitation before being rededicated in 1999.

You can take a self-guided tour of the courthouse if you’re in Hillsboro during the week. When court is in session, keep your voice quiet and avoid entering the courtroom.

The courtroom is beautiful, but don’t forget to go to the basement and up the wrought iron stairs where the stained glass windows are. It’s a beautiful spot.

Out on the courthouse lawn is the old Hill County Courthouse Bell. McShane Bell Foundry from Baltimore, MD, made it in 1891. Don’t forget to see it when you are checking out things to do in Hillsboro Texas.

Address: 1 N Waco St., Hillsboro, TX 76645.

Experience Texas Through Time

A small fossil museum specialized in fossils from Texas, although they have specimens from around the world.

Reptiles, amphibians, sharks, ammonites, dinosaurs, mammals, and petrified wood are a few of the significant fossils in the museum.

Additionally, the museum provides classes on a wide range of Paleontology-related topics for adults and kids.

Thanks to the generous donations from their supporters, Texas Through Time is free of charge to everyone.

Texas Through Time is housed in the Historic Grime’s Garage, dubbed “The Most Famous Garage in the World,” in Hillsboro’s historic downtown. It is on 110 North Waco St., a block from the courthouse.

Hours of operations are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Next fall, they will move to a spacious, new location, the historic Hill College building. This information was provided to me by Andre Lujan, the Museum Director on our recent visit.

Hill College was Texas’ first municipal junior college, in case you didn’t know.

Besides guided museum tours, Texas Through Time also offers lab tours, classes for adults and children, story time sessions, a fossil dig box, a gift shop, and a few more.

For the aspiring paleontologist in the house, the Texas Through Time Museum is quickly becoming one of the great things to do in Hillsboro, Texas.

Hill County Cell Block Museum (Temporarily Closed)

The old county jail in Hillsboro County also served as living quarters for the sheriff’s family, just like other old county jails in Texas. Most living quarters at the old prison took place on the first floor. But here, it was at the front of the building. The back side housed the cell blocks, kitchen facilities, and sheriff’s office.

Prisoners were kept here until April 1983. Then the county converted it into a museum.

In the museum, you can find memorabilia from throughout Hill County, original cell blocks, medical equipment, an early Texas kitchen, a cotton industry exhibit, and more.

The most popular exhibit items are Willie Nelson’s personal items collection. It includes some of his platinum albums. Willie Nelson was born and raised in Abbott, a few miles south of Hillsboro.

From April through October, the Hill County Cell Block Museum is accessible to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Although it’s free, donations are accepted.

Address: 120 N Waco St., a block from the courthouse.

Looking for Gargoyles at the Old Post Office (Hillsboro City Library)

A block to the south of the courthouse is the old post office (now it’s the Hillsboro City Library). One of the most beautiful buildings in Hillsboro, and my favorite architecture in town.

The construction process started in 1912 and was completed in 1915. It was designed as an adaptation of the Foundling Hospital for Children in Florence, Italy, which was executed in 1419 by the Italian architect, sculptor, and painter Brunelleschi. That building is regarded as one of the first of the High Renaissance.

Additionally, the building is decorated with terracotta medallions in bas relief, done in the style of the Robbia.

When you look up at the corners of the building, you will see gargoyles holding the flagpoles.

I didn’t see the inside because the library was closed during our visit.

When you stop here, don’t forget to take a selfie with a sculpture of a grandfather reading a book to his granddaughter. The location is on the sidewalk in front.

Address: 118 S Waco St.

Stroll through Hillsboro Main Street

If you enjoy looking at historic architecture, downtown Hillsboro has plenty of it. Take a stroll around the courthouse and a few blocks away.

The structures were now home to businesses like restaurants, shops, and offices.

You can’t miss a few historic buildings around the plaza, including the Rusted Chandelier, the Citizen’s National Bank building, the Grime Garage, and the old gas station.

On your walk, keep an eye out for historical markers. They provide you with the fascinating past of Hillsboro’s residents and landmarks.

Visit MKT Railroad

The MKT Railroad was closed during my visit. From the marker outside, it says they built the depot to serve the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Rail Line, which reached Hillsboro in 1882. Completed in 1902, the station features elements of the Eastlake, Victorian, and Prairie styles.

Early MKT trains carried materials for the growing town. Also, it brought early residents and such notables as presidents Woodrow Wilson, William Taft, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman.

The building was moved from its original site in 1978 to North Covington Street, just north of courthouse square. It is now the office of the Chamber of Commerce.

On the yard is a Hillsboro signage, where you can stand as an I when taking pictures.

Address: 115 N Covington St.

Check Out Roadside America Museum

Roadside America Museum is another time machine in Hillsboro. But at this museum, you won’t go back millions of years. Only several years ago, back to the 40s and 50s.

You may see Carroll Estes’ collections of vintage automobiles, nostalgic Americana, and advertising artifacts at the Roadside America Museum.

You will see Big Boy with his Eagle Scout stash, the largest Grapette soda collection in the world, a 1950s soda fountain, and many other things.

Roadside America Museum has been featured in The Day Tripper and visited by Robert Wolfe Picker from American Picker. After filming an episode of Pawnstars at the Texas Through Time, Rick Harrison and crew came to RAM for lunch and a tour. And even a film crew from the UK came to film at Roadside America Museum a few months ago.

I believe we have valid reasons to include the Roadside America Museum on our list of things to do in Hillsboro, Texas.

The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 212 E Elm St.

Antiquing at The Hillsboro Antique Mall

One of the best places to find antiques in town. The Hillsboro Antique Mall has extensive collections of furniture, quilts, linens, china & dinnerware, signage, jewelry, vintage Hillsboro images, and many more.

It is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 114 S Waco St., a block south of the courthouse square.

Shopping at Farmers Market

Starting in 2014, Hillsboro Farmers Market opens every Saturday from May through October. They run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until sold out. It takes place on the west side of the Hill Country Courthouse square.

You can find fresh produce, preserves & jams, hot sauces, local honey, baked good, and more at the farmers’ market.

On one of the visits, we got to buy rutabaga, a bottle of honey, and a bottle of mango jalapeno jam. They were fresh and delicious!

Dig Into Texas Heritage Museum

It is the best place to learn about Texas and Texans during wartime and how those experiences affect the people today.

The museum showcases collections and personal stories of native Texans from the Texas Revolution & Republic War, the Civil War, Weapons Gallery, WW II, and the Vietnam War.

A theater room presents short films about Texas and Texans, such as Texas Heritage Museum – Remembering Our Texas Heritage, The Best – Hood’s Texas Brigade, and Audie Murphy – American Soldier.

Texas Heritage Museum is free to visit, but they accept donations.

They are situated on the east side of Interstate 35W. Before heading to the courthouse square, you can always make a stop here.

Hours of operations are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed from Friday to Sunday.

Address: 112 Landmark Dr.

Stop at Barking Mutt Bakery

Are you visiting Hillsboro with your four legs friends?

Don’t forget to stop at Barking Mutt Bakery. It’s our dog Snoopy’s favorite place.

We like to stop at Barking Mutt Bakery to reward Snoopy for his good behavior while strolling around town.

Your dog will love the yummy treats they have to offer. While there, you can always add a bandana or a toy to your dogs’ collections.

You can find the store a block away east of the courthouse.

Hours of opening are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 117 E Franklin St. Unit A.

Enjoy Lake Whitney

Lake Whitney is the place to be if you enjoy being outside. Due to the wide range of water sports and activities available, it is a popular destination all year round.

You may enjoy the water in several locations along the lake. Lake Whitney State Park is where I prefer to hang out.

There, my neighbors enjoy fishing, but I enjoy trekking and stargazing.

Additionally, people enjoy swimming, boating, skiing, and even cliff jumping in the area throughout the summer.

At Lake Whitney State Park, they offer plenty of water-only, water and electricity, or full hookup sites if you enjoy camping. A family’s preferred summertime location is one of their screened shelters near the water.

The Texas Legislature named the Lake Whitney region the Gateway Capital of Texas in 2005.

Fishing at Lake Aquilla

If fishing is your thing, Lake Aquilla is for you. Here, there are three boat ramps and six access areas.

Largemouth bass fishing can be good on Lake Aquilla. There are some big ones, but you must work to get them. You can also find crappie, channel, and blue catfish.

Lake Aquilla sits just west of downtown Hillsboro, around a 15-20 minutes drive.

Join In One of Hillsboro Texas Events

In downtown Hillsboro, there are so many exciting events that take place every year. Check out their calendar of events to make your visit more exciting:

• AutumnFest, Saturday before Halloween.
• Shop Small Saturday, Saturday after Thanksgiving.
• Christmas Under the Stars, the first Saturday in December.
• Fire & Ice, Saturday before or after Valentine’s.
• Churrofest, Saturday after Cinco de Mayo.

Taste Local Food at Restaurants in Hillsboro

We ate at Branded Burger Co. on our recent trip to Hillsboro courthouse square. My Shroom Burger was juicy, and I could tell the ground beef was fresh. My husband liked their Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich, which reminded him of Philly cheese chicken.

Branded Burger Co. is located on W Elm St., directly across from the courthouse.

R & K Cafe II, located at 103 N Waco St, has long piqued my interest. But every time we visited the city, it was always full. Many people gave this eatery positive reviews.

You can visit Cilantro’s or YaYa’s for Mexican food and Frenkie’s Pasta & Pizza for Italian food. They are within walking distance of the courthouse.

During our recent visit, people were line-up at a taco food truck in front of Fleming Lumber Hardware Store. It’s something to consider when you are in town.

Searching for Old Churches

Additionally, the local churches in communities like Hillsboro can teach you about the history of the locals.

So far, I’ve visited two old churches in Hillsboro, but only from outside: the First Baptist Church of Hillsboro on 300 E Franklin St. and First United Methodist Church on 315 E Elm St.

Central Christian Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church (then St. Helen) are three other historic churches in town worth seeing.

Bond’s Alley

Every town has a dark area, no matter where you travel. So was in Hillsboro.

There is an alley across the courthouse on the south side where bad-weather revelers enjoyed fistfights, cockfights, and whittling. However, it was also a venue for peddler’s exhibitions and politics.

An auto assembly shop and a Chinese laundry were among the early neighbors.

Bond’s Drug Store, which has been there since 1881, inspired the naming of the lane.

Today, it is a road where locals and visitors can park.

You can find the Bond’s Alley Marker on the front wall of the Overflow Coffee Co.

Address: 60 W Elm St.

A sliced history of Hillsboro Texas

Hill County was established in 1853 by the Texas Legislature. They named the new county after Dr. George Washington Hill. He was a physician who served in the Republic of Texas House of Representatives, as Secretary of War in the Republic of Texas, and later in the Texas Senate of the State of Texas.

After the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and other lines arrived in the town in the early 1880s, the city expanded rapidly like any other community in the region.

Cotton became the mainstay of Hillsboro’s late 19th-century economy. The industry produced a building boom between 1890 and 1910. As proof, you can still see Queen Anne Homes intact today and the noted 1890 Hill County Courthouse.

In 1923, the community established the Hillsboro Junior College which later became Hill College.

Hillsboro has produced several influential political figures in Texas, including Congressman Joseph Abbott and Texas Lt. Governor Bob Bullock.

In 1981, Hillsboro became one of the Texas Historical Commission’s five original Texas Main Street Cities.

Hotels in Hillsboro

I haven’t stayed the night in Hillsboro because I live nearby. You may check out the Airbnbs and chain hotels available in Hillsboro on Booking.com.

Conclusion on things to do in Hillsboro Texas

Hillsboro is a fun weekend destination from the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. Here the clock is ticking slowly. There are no crowds, traffic, or tension. Enjoy your day when exploring things to do in Hillsboro, Texas!