12 Must-Visit Small Towns in Texas
Texas, the Lone Star State, got its name from the native American Language, Caddo. The original Caddo word for Texas is Tayasha, meaning “Friendship.” It is no wonder the state of Texas is known for its outstanding Southern Hospitality. The beautiful state of Texas has a unique landscape that shares some similarities between the Southern and Southwestern regions of the United States.
Being the second largest and most populous state in the US, Texas is home to many big and popular cities. If you are an adventurer or traveler on a vacation in Texas, then you are in luck. Here are 12 must-visit small towns in Texas that reflect the deep Texan history with a perfect mix of fun and adventure. Get your backpack ready for this one.
Gruene, Texas
Have you ever wondered what a German and Texan mix looks like? Welcome to Gruene, a German-Texan town in the Comal County of Texas. History has it that the earliest settlers in this town were from Germany in the 1840s. The town is named after one of the earliest German settlers, Ernst Gruene, who, together with his sons, built the small town and made it their home.
Ernst purchased the land along the Guadalupe River, where he built the first house in the town using the Early Fachwerk style. His Second son, Henry, followed in his footsteps and built his own house. Henry was the first to plant cotton in the town. Seeing as cotton was a lucrative crop, it attracted 30 other families to Gruene. The small town of Gruene grew to become the largest cotton-producing town along the Guadalupe.
Gruene is one of the must-visit small towns in Texas because it offers a perfect mix of history and fun to visitors and new settlers. If you ever find yourself in Gruene, Texas, you should go dancing in one of the oldest dance halls in Texas, or you can try out the cotton gin from Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar.
Luckenbach, Texas
If you have ever felt out of place or miniature, you should visit Luckenbach, a town where “Everybody is Somebody.” A town created as a trading post in the 1840s that has now become a popular attraction to tourists. The town has a rich German-Texan history, as the early settlers were German farmers. Originally called the Grape Creek by locals, the town was later named after Carl Albert Luckenbac, one of the town's early settlers.
Luckenbach is a must-visit small town in Texas for travelers who are big fans of quiet spaces and country music. The town has maintained a ghostly demeanor since the 1960s, making it a perfect place for retirees looking to spend the rest of their lives in a tranquil environment. As a visitor, you can enjoy the endless play of beautiful country music and dance your way into the night on weekends.
Laredo, Texas
Laredo is the town with the second-largest Hispanic population after Puerto Rico. This Texan town has seen a lot of violence in the past, from the Indian wars to the rowdyism of adventurers on the Californian Goldfields. After the breakout between Texas and Mexico, Laredo became “No man’s Land” and the capital of the Republic of Rio Grande for a short while.
Today, the flag of the Republic of Rio Grande is the flag of the city, and the building that served as the Capitol has been converted into a museum. Laredo is the choicest destination for adventure seekers yearning for a quiet vacation. During your stay here, you should visit the Rio Grande Museum to understand Laredo's history better.
Marfa, Texas
A city created as a “RailRoad Waterstop” in the 1800s has become a popular tourist site for minimalist art. If you are a lover of the art, you are sure to have a great time at Marfa. Marfa is located far west of Texas between the Davis Mountains and the Big Bend National Park.
There is so much to see and do in Marfa, Texas. This small Texas town is the perfect location for those looking for a quiet retirement location and people looking to enjoy a quiet vacation.
You can enjoy watching the mysterious Marfa light at night or visit some of the artworks of outstanding artists like Donald Judd and Fort D.A Rusell.
Lockhart, Texas
Welcome to Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital and the seat of Caldwell County. This small Texan town is home to several historical sites significant not only to the town but the whole state of Texas. Before it was renamed Lockhart, the town was called Plum Creek. It later became the victory site of Texas over the Comanche in the Battle of Plum Creek in 1840.
With an average population of less than 15000 people, Lockhart provides retirees with the perfect sub-urban feel for their retirement. For tourists, Lockhart has a lot of popular sites to visit to make your visit worthwhile, from Dr. Eugen Clark Library, the oldest operating public library in Texas, to the Brock Cabin, the oldest wooden cabin in Caldwell County. While in Lockhart, you should attend any festivals and Chilli competitions organized by the locals to have fun with a plate of the nicest barbecue in the state.
Alpine, Texas
With a population of barely 6000 residents, Alpine is the best location for anyone looking for a small town for either a weekend getaway or a quiet settlement away from the daily hustle and bustle of big cities.
This small town in Texas is home to the Sul Ross State University. Although small in size, this small town provides visitors and locals with many activities, from hiking to dancing late into the night. There is not a dull moment in Alpine, Texas. While in Alpine, you should hike at Big Bend Mountain Park or visit the Big Bend Museum at the Sul Ross State University.
New Braunfels, Texas
Named in honor of a German town by Prince Carl, New Braunfels is a Texan town with a rich and well-preserved German history. The town is in Comal County and part of the Guadalupe County of Texas.
It is a popular site for tourists and college students during summer because of its closeness to the canyon lake.
New Braunfels has several museums, parks, and other historic sites. Most of its Old German houses have been converted into museums. While in New Braunfels, you should visit the Sophienburg Museum and archives to learn more about the German roots of the town or attend the Wurstfest festival and experience German tradition in the US.
Comanche, Texas
Comanche is a small Texan town with barely a population of 5000 people. This small town acts as the county seat of the Comanche County. Despite its size, Comanche provides visitors with a wide range of activities to do. There is never a dull moment. Downtown Comanche is a site to behold. You can go on a date night at Harvest to enjoy state-of-the-art meals from culinary chef Todd Sanders.
You can also go shopping for souvenirs at the Courthouse Square Antique Mall for quality gifts at pocket-friendly prices for your family at home.
Shiner, Texas
Shiner, Texas, is a small town named after Henry Shiner, who donated 250 acres of land for a railroad right-of-way. Shortly after the town was incorporated in 1890, there was an influx of Czech and German emigrants. The town’s population was heavily dominated by the Czech community. This affected the culture of the town.
Shiner town is home to the Spoetzl brewery the earliest independent brewery in Texas. You should try out their unique Shiner beer, a rare combination of Czech and German bear styles. With a total population of less than 3000 people, it is the perfect place to raise a family and a great retirement option.
Brenham, Texas
Only an hour's drive from the busy city of Houston is Brenham, home to the finest creamery in the entire state of Texas. If you love ice cream, you should definitely add Brenham to your list of must-visit small towns in Texas. If you are looking to get a break from the daily hustle and bustle of Houston city, this Texas small town is the right place to be.
The town welcomes ice cream lovers, Art enthusiasts, and People looking to have some good Texan fun. From watching beautiful art carousels downtown Brenham to roaming the wildflower fields, there is a lot in store for you when you visit Brenham.
Weatherford, Texas
Are you in Dallas? If you are in Dallas, Texas, and you are looking for an afternoon or two away from the busy city, you should visit Weatherford, a small town only 20 minutes drive away from Dallas. The town was named after Congressman Thomas. J. Weatherford. In the 1800s, this small Texas town saw a lot of Indian raids, which stunted its growth.
You can spend the afternoon at Chandor Gardens for a fun-filled day at Weatherford. This garden was constructed by Douglas Chandor for his Weatherford bride. It represents a perfect mix of English and Chinese culture. After that, you can spend the evening window shopping at the antique shops downtown Weatherford where you can buy souvenirs and memorabilia.
Terlingua, Texas
What started as a booming mining town has now become one of Texas' most famous ghost towns. Terlingua, also known as Terlingua Ghost Town, is a small Texas town located southwest of Texas. The discovery of Cinnabar brought tons of miners and their families into the town, but after the closure of the Chisos Mining Company, many of these miners lost their homes and had to move out of the town. Gradually, the town became a ghost town.
Despite its status, the town is at the top of the to-do list of many tourists on their way to the Big Bend National Park. Here are some exciting things to do in this Ghost Town. You can take a stroll to see the ruins of the town. While at it, you should visit the unique Terlingua Cemetery and St. Agnes Catholic church. Once you are done, you can enjoy a delicious dinner of burgers and steak at Starlight Theatre and Saloon.
In Conclusion
The Lone Star State, Texas, is home to small towns, each telling their unique story of colonization and freedom. Without a proper guide, you could miss out on some of the amazing adventures the state offers. This list of must-visit small towns in Texas will ensure you have the full experience of the unique Texan culture. So pack your bags and hop on the next available flight to Texas, the perfect vacation spot for travelers and adventurers.
