Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Cleburne, TX

  • Published 2022/10/05

The city of Cleburne can be found in Texas’ Johnson County.

It was previously named Camp Henderson and served as a Civil War outpost for Johnson County soldiers.

Cleburne was incorporated into a city in 1871.

It used to be known for its agricultural assets; when Santa Fe Railroad opened a massive facility in 1898, many people moved into the area leading to a population boom and urbanization.

This city is also dotted with huge parks, interesting museums, farms, malls, and other attractions.

Take a look at some of the best things to do in Cleburne, Texas!

Be Ready for an Afternoon Getaway at Cleburne State Park

View of Cleburne State Park

NPF Photography / Shutterstock.com

Cleburne State Park is a 528-acre park on Park Road 21.

This is where you can hike or bike while enjoying beautiful green scenery.

There are easy pathways and high-intensity trails for you to choose from.

You may also set up your tent conveniently equipped with water and electricity at its campsites.

View of Cleburne State Park at daylight

NPF Photography / Shutterstock.com

Aside from that, you will also enjoy water activities at the 116-acre Cedar Lake inside Cleburne State Park.

It is perfect for fishing, swimming, and no-wake boarding.

You can also bring your own kayak and paddleboard, but rentals are available.

Cherish a Unique Experience at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum can be easily located along Chisholm Trail.

This outdoor museum is famous for its 80-foot stone wall with cattle drive silhouettes.

Photography enthusiasts flock to this destination for its impressive landmarks and picturesque displays.

This is also home to Big Bear Native American Museum, where children and adults can learn interesting information about Native Americans.

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum features displays from Leonard’s “Big Bear” Beal.

One of its best attractions is a blacksmith shop where you can find a 150-year-old anvil and a vise used over 200 years ago.

The museum is also a go-to destination for those curious about the city’s history.

Go for a Fishing Trip at Lake Pat Cleburne

Lake Pat Cleburne is the city’s water reservoir.

This 1,500-acre lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities.

It was formed through damming of the Nolan River.

Lake Pat Cleburne is home to aquatic vegetation like lotus, water willow, cattle, and buttonbush.

The most common fish species you can find here are largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and various types of catfish.

There is also a park area on Lake Pat Cleburne’s eastern bank of the river where you can chill and appreciate the surrounding.

Take a Trip down Memory Lane at Layland Museum

Layland Museum is located on Caddo Street.

Inside, you can look at more than 500 ethnographic items collected by William J. Layland during the early 1900s.

Layland Museum’s exhibitions include The First Peoples Gallery, The Settler’s Gallery, and The 20th Century Gallery.

You will be amazed by displays that depict the life of Native Americans in the region.

A total of 50,000 artifacts, as well as 100,00 photographs that show the city’s history, can also be viewed here.

Spend Some Time at Hulen Park

Hulen Park is located on Hillsboro Street.

It features basketball, tennis, baseball, softball fields, covered areas, and pavilions.

Picnic tables are scattered around the vicinity, where you can hang out and enjoy your food after a long tiring game with friends.

Children will also enjoy this Hulen Park’s play area.

It is also home to Steam Engine 3417, a train that ran on the Santa Fe Railroad during the 1900s.

Visit the Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum

The Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum on East 2nd Street houses an extensive collection of the Gone with the Wind movie memorabilia.

Vicky Lynn Rogers collected these items from across the globe over the past 30 years.

This museum is a must-see place, especially if you’re a movie fan.

There is much to see at the Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum.

From dresses, props, and even an original theater seat from the movie’s premiere night are displayed here.

Tickets and autographed items are also featured at the museum.

Be Thrilled with Fun Rides at Mainstay Farm Park

Little girl at Mainstay Farm Park

Alissala / Shutterstock.com

Mainstay Farm Park is a 70-acre adventure park on West Bethesda Road.

It’s guaranteed to give the whole family a memorable and thrilling adventure.

Its famous attractions include Texas Big Wheel, Turbin’ Hill Slide, Dipsy Doodle Coaster, Jumping Pillow, Pedal Karts, and Yee Haa Express.

There are also farm animals kept and taken care of at Mainstay Farm Park, which you can see up close.

This attraction also has a market where you can buy souvenirs.

Food stalls that sell cheeseburgers, sandwiches, chicken, pizza, and drinks are also available.

Mainstay Farm Park is also a go-to place for corporate events and birthday parties.

Beat the Heat at Splash Station

Splash Station is a water park located on Hillsboro Street.

You and your loved ones can enjoy this place all year round.

Its variety of pools, diving boards, and two 120-foot winding slides will make your trip here exciting and enjoyable.

You can also try out Splash Station’s interactive spray pad, lazy river, and concessions.

They also offer swimming lessons, perfect if you’re just beginning to build confidence in the water.

This facility also features lap pools suited for swimming competitions and training.

Private events and birthday parties are also hosted at Splash Station.

Learn about the City’s Railroad History at the Cleburne Railroad Museum

The Cleburne Railroad Museum is located on Main Street.

Here, you will get the opportunity to learn about Cleburn’s railroad history and the people who established it.

The Cleburne Railroad Museum was opened in November 2016 to let the locals and tourists see over 2,000 collections of railroad artifacts from hundreds of years ago.

It also contains information about Cleburne’s Santa Fe shops, where you can see a variety of model trains that run throughout C&JC Railroad.

There is also a studio inside this family-friendly museum that serves as a multipurpose space for events and programs.

Watch Some Sports at The Depot at Cleburne Station

The Depot at Cleburne Station on Brazzle Boulevard is a baseball park that opened on May 18, 2017.

You can watch some exciting baseball games here with your friends or families.

The Depot at Cleburne Station features 1,750 seats with bleachers and grass berm seating.

This multipurpose facility also hosts youth sports, fun runs, concerts, and car shows all year round.

No need to worry if you ever feel hungry while having a good time since food stations are scattered around the area.

This place is wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can have a great time at The Depot at Cleburne Station.

If you’re searching for an entertainment destination for all family members, this is the one you’re looking for!

Witness a Performance at Plaza Theatre Company

Plaza Theatre Company is a 276-seater theater on South Main Street.

This is where you can watch some of the best musicals and comedies in the city.

Plaza Theatre Company is open all year round, so you can come to this place anytime you need to destress and have a good time.

You may also enroll your little ones at the theater company’s Plaza Academy, a fine art discipline program for those ages two to 18.

Your kids will be taught acting techniques, voice control, musical theater acts, ballet dances, and more.

Plaza Academy’s goal is to engage the youth in performing arts and expand their knowledge about the craft.

Buy Antique Items at Red Horse Antique Mall

Red Horse Antique Mall on East Henderson Street has been named the number one antique store in Johnson County on multiple occasions.

This three-story mall offers assorted antique items and treasures waiting for you to discover.

You’ll surely be excited about Red Horse Antique Mall’s antique jewelry, vinyl, flower vases, and magazines.

Other cool items, such as furniture, glassware, and car accessories, are available here.

If you’re a sentimental person who appreciates old yet timeless items, Red Horse Antique Mall is the one for you.

Listen to Good Music at Songbird Live

Songbird Live is located on East Henderson Street.

This cozy music venue was built to give locals and tourists a closed-room listening experience.

You will surely enjoy this intimate and relaxing experience with drinks and delicious snacks.

Songbird Live features an unobstructed view of its 10×20-foot elevated stage.

Every performance lasts for 45 minutes with intermission and breaks in between.

Time to Buy New Books at The Published Page Bookshop

The Published Page Bookshop is an old-school bookstore on East Chambers Street.

It is located in a 140-year-old building in a historic business district.

You will never run out of choices from the shop’s 400,000 books about American history, biographies, science fiction, children’s books, journals, periodicals, and magazines.

The Published Page Bookshop’s owner, Jim Hart, was the president of the Independent Online Booksellers Association.

He is now a member of the American Booksellers Association and The Mountain and Plains Independent Booksellers Association.

Unleash Your Inner Child at Central Station Toys

Central Station Toys is an indoor toy store on South Main Street.

Kids and those kids at heart are welcome here.

Feel free to choose from model kits, legos, puzzles, stuffed toys, collectibles, costumes, and more.

Magic tricks, props, and tutorial books can also be bought here.

Central Station Toys is not just a store but is also an event room for tabletop games, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

Make sure to visit the store’s brickyard, where you can play and build different characters and objects using thousands of lego bricks.

Feel the Yuletide Spirit at Whistle Stop Christmas

Whistle Stop Christmas on West Henderson Street is the right place to go if you want to feel an exciting and jolly Christmas atmosphere.

You’ll be mesmerized and captivated by the colorful and entertaining light shows.

This place hosts a Christmas lights parade, Christmas-themed plays, and a fun photoshoot with Santa Claus.

You can also watch orchestra performances, join train rides, and tour historic homes here at Whistle Stop Christmas.

Of course, these activities are Christmas-themed.

Final Thoughts

Cleburne is truly an exciting place with a rich historic value that can be appreciated even in the modern era.

Its parks, museums, and shops are perfect for a chill yet fun weekend getaway.

So what are you waiting for?

Pack your bags, call your friends, and try the best things to do in Cleburne, Texas.

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