Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Coryell County, TX

  • Published 2023/01/29

Coryell County is located on the Edwards Plateau in the state of Texas.

It was named after James Coryell, a frontiersman and Texas Ranger killed by Caddo Indians.

James Coryell is just 210 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and is bordered by Hamilton, McLennan, and Lampasas counties.

Gatesville is the county’s seat.

Coryell County was first occupied in 4500 BC.

The Kiowa, Lipan Apache, Tonkawa, and Comanche were among the first tribes to live in this area.

Centuries have passed and Coryell County grew into one of the best places to live in Texas.

Its peaceful and homey atmosphere attracts people from nearby communities and counties.

Aside from that, this county is also dotted with exciting attractions.

Here are the best things to do in Coryell County, Texas:

See the Coryell County Courthouse

Exterior of Coryell County Courthouse

Steve Jordan / Shutterstock.com

Coryell County Courthouse is on East Main Street in Gatesville.

This historic building was built from 1897 to 1898, designed by architect Wesley Clark Dodson.

He changed the usual cross-axial plan to give access to the erection of a central tower in this courthouse.

Facade of Coryell County Courthouse

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One feature of Coryell County Courthouse that sets it apart from surrounding buildings is its massive classical porticos.

The south portico of Coryell County Courthouse has two corner columns, while the one in the north only has single columns.

Don’t miss out on the chance to visit and take photos of this unique building!

See Exotic Animals at Topsey Exotic Ranch

If you’re looking for a destination where you can see and bond with exotic animals, Topsey Exotic Ranch in Copperas Cove is the one for you.

This family-friendly zoo features three main sections: The Safari, The Walkaround, and The Petting Zoo.

The Safari will let you meet different animals from across the world, such as camels, gazelles, antelopes, and more.

You can experience feeding some of these amazing animals in this section of Topsey Exotic Ranch.

The Walkaround is home to species that require an enclosed shelter, such as monkeys, kangaroos, and bobcats.

The Petting Zoo, on the other hand, is where you can encounter cute animals like sheep and goats species.

You can also feed the animals in this section of Topsey Exotic Ranch.

Before you leave Topsey Exotic Ranch, make sure to buy some souvenirs in its gift shop that sells magnets, t-shirts, stuffed animals, and more!

Watch Your Favorite Movie at the Last Drive-in Picture Show

The Last Drive-In Picture Show is located in Gatesville.

This classic drive-in theater was established in 1950.

It was originally known as the Circle Drive-In and the Town & Country Drive-In.

The Last Drive-In Picture Show offers double features of first-run movies and a snack bar.

This movie theater shows movies that are suitable for the whole family.

It has both indoor and outdoor screenings.

If you want to experience a more romantic movie night with your loved one, you can choose the outdoor screening where the movie’s audio can be delivered straight to your car through an FM radio.

Feel Closer to Nature at Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park is on South US-281, Evant.

This attraction promises a memorable experience amid nature and fantastic wild animals.

Its facilities were designed to allow the animals to live freely and safely.

If you want to feel closer to nature, book one of Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park’s cabins and stay for a day or two.

You’ll also get to bond with more than 250 animals and catch some fish at the fishing pond.

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park also offers an RV Park equipped with Wifi, cable hook-ups, firepits, and more.

Other activities you shouldn’t miss out on here are swimming in its splash-size pool, petting some cute animals, and playing sports in its open fields and courts.

Explore the Outdoors at Hidden Valley RV Getaway

Hidden Valley RV Getaway is a natural oasis in Gatesville.

This is the perfect place if you want to spend the day, or night, outdoors while enjoying the perks of your RV.

Hidden Valley RV Getaway is a unique place that also offers a relaxing view of the lake.

This 63-acre land has trails surrounded by towering and lush trees perfect for a hiking adventure.

In your downtime, why not sit back and relax while reading a book or go fishing with friends and family?

Hidden Valley RV Getaway also allows barbequing, so you can cook your food and enjoy a fantastic time amid nature.

Enjoy the Homey Atmosphere at Camp Caylor

Camp Caylor is a wine and beer yard situated in Copperas Cove.

Here, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of wine or a pint of cold beer while playing games with loved ones.

Camp Caylor also has a tasting room where you can saample meticulously made wines and beers.

You and your friends can also gather around the fire and roast some s’mores while sharing exciting and fun stories.

Other camp activities offered here are arts and crafts, yard dominos, and Jenga.

Aside from drinks, you can also order burgers, fries, bacon, and omelets.

Pass Some Time at Gatesville Public Library

Gatesville Public Library is located on North 8th Street in Gatesville.

It was established in 1970.

Gatesville Public Library has a collection of 46,550 volumes and it circulates 77,972 items annually.

It also provides a wide variety of services to the locals of Gatesville as well as other communities.

It offers summer reading activities and free internet service so you can further research the topic or assignment that you’re doing, wireless connections for your devices, and even downloadable audio and electronic books.

It is one of the best places to pass the time especially if you want take a break from park and museum tours.

Go Camping at Faunt Le Roy Park

Faunt Le Roy Park is an outdoor destination on South 7th Street in Gatesville.

It features playgrounds with fun and safe play equipment and picnic tables with grills.

This is a highly recommended park to spend the day and catch up with your family and friends.

You can rent Faunt Le Roy Park’s large pavilion that can accommodate up to 140 people.

It also has RV spots with full hookups of water and electricity where you can enjoy nature in the comfort of your own mini-home.

Faunt Le Roy Park is also connected to Raby Park via a walking trail, making it truly worth the visit.

Get Active at Gatesville Fitness Center

Gatesville Fitness Center is situated on North 34 Th Street in Gatesville.

This fitness center aims to promote and encourage locals and visitors to get active and be cautious of their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Who says you can’t stay active and fit while traveling?

Here at Gatesville Fitness Center, you can participate in various exercise activities.

It has two regulation racquetball courts, an aerobics studio area, cardiovascular exercise equipment, Icarian selectorized weight machines, weights, and an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub.

Gatesville Fitness Center also has shower rooms with locks.

No need to worry if you’re just starting with your fitness journey as Gatesville Fitness Center provides activities and programs for its customers.

Play with Friends at Hills of Cove Golf Course

Hills of Cove Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course on Golf Course Road in Copperas Cove.

Copperas Cove City owns and facilitates it.

It was built in 1972 with nine holes only and expanded to 18 in 1999.

Hills of Cove Golf Course is a par 71 that winds its way toward the beautiful rolling terrain of Northeast Copperas Cove.

You’ll enjoy its four exuberant Par 5’s, five challenging par 3’s, and nine magnificent Par 4’s.

Hills of Cove Golf Course is perfect for professionals and those just starting their golfing journey.

You can take golf lessons here and buy exciting products in its full-service pro shop.

Practice Your Shooting Skills at Hicksville Gun Range

Hicksville Gun Range is located on Dusty Lane in Gatesville.

This 200-acre destination is highly popular among shooting enthusiasts.

No need to worry if it’s your first time, as Hicksville Gun Range welcomes shooting beginners.

Here, you’re guaranteed to get only the best and safest experience while being guided by professionals.

Hicksville Gun Range offers classes where you can learn the proper techniques in shooting.

The gun and bullets are also already provided by Hicksville Gun Range, so all you have to do is show up and have the best time.

Experience Farm Life at Peacock River Ranch

Peacock River Ranch is a 32-acre natural oasis on South Street in Gatesville.

This Texas gem boasts 20-acre hayfields, six long-horn cows, and other nature-loving attractions and activities.

Explore Peacock River Ranch’s walking trails and enjoy the picture-perfect views of the river, a rustic barn, and surrounding beautiful buildings.

Each corner of Peacock River Ranch is picturesque and eye-popping.

You’ll see cows, deer, peacocks, and more.

It also has a pond open for canoeing.

Peacock River Ranch is also filled with different kinds of colorful flowers.

Just keep in mind not to disturb the animals and collect only memories.

Relax at South Park

South Park is a humble park located on Copperas Cove.

Your kids will enjoy this place as it has a large play area with lots of play equipment and two youth soccer fields.

You can also hike or bike on Copperas Cove’s paved trails beside a local creek.

Aside from that, South Park also features a .7-mile trail suited for exercising and other fitness activities.

If you want cool off and beat the summer heat, South Park also has you covered.

You can use its swimming pool with a splash pad for kids.

Have a Lovely Time at the Rabbit Fest with Your Best Buddies

Rabbit Fest is held on Robertson Avenue in Copperas Cove.

This festival is well-known for its fun carnival rides fit for all members of the family.

You’ll enjoy choosing your favorite food and drinks from the over 100 food and market vendors in this event.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll spend your day here riding fun and thrilling rides.

Rabbit Fest also features live entertainment and other fun activities run by Crabtree Amusements.

If you want to bring your family and friends to a place where you can all enjoy and fill your stomachs with good food, make sure to spend time at Rabbit Fest.

Final Thoughts

Coryell County is undeniably one of the best places to destress and recharge.

From parks, museums, ranch, zoos, and more, this county is a gem.

Whether you’re alone or with loved ones, you’ll have fun exploring the county.

On your trip, use this guide on the best things to do in Coryell County, Texas.

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