Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Lampasas, TX

  • Published 2022/10/10

Lampasas showcases its gorgeous natural features in a spectacular manner, with beautiful gardens and nature parks.

It’s known for its seven mineral springs.

One of its springs, Hancock Springs, is the oldest spring-fed pool in Texas, established in 1883.

Visit this small yet characterful city and enjoy the outdoor adventures it offers.

If you’re planning a trip to the area, check out the list of the best things to do in Lampasas, Texas.

Marvel at the Architecture of Lampasas County Courthouse

Exterior of Lampasas County Courthouse

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

A historic architectural marvel, the Lampasas County Courthouse, built in 1884, has been ravaged by time.

It features a Second Empire and Italianate style, with arched windows and a mansard roof.

Since it was built, it has been an iconic venue in the town, hosting local festivals and activities.

Daytime view of Lampasas County Courthouse

Travis K. Witt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It was also the victim of floods in 1936 and 1957.

However, it still stands, and it is the third-oldest courthouse in Texas that is still used as a courthouse.

The courthouse also has a central clocktower with a beautiful Seth Thomas clock.

Observe the Sculptures in the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden

Invite the whole family, including your trusted pet, to explore Hanna Springs Sculpture, which abounds with unique sculptures displayed all around the area.

It’s located in Campbell Park, a 19-acre natural landmark dotted with trees.

The park also contains 2,800 feet of walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, a pool, and a picnic area with a grill.

During the Art in the Park Event, sculptures from a small group of artists are featured here, and those that are purchased will remain after.

There are activities perfect for family bonding during the event as well.

Some of these sculptures are also for sale, which can be great additions to your collection.

Pose for a Photo beside the World’s Largest Spur

When you’re driving off Highway 281, look out for a large brown arch with a star on top, named the World’s Largest Spur.

Created by Leah Caruthers and Abe Caruthers, it’s a tourist attraction made to bring in more tourists to the town.

It was verified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2017.

The spur stands at 10.33 m, is 6.44 m long, and is 2.65 m wide.

If you want to stop for pictures, you can get off and leave your car in the parking lot nearby.

Taste the Award-Winning Wines in Texas Legato Winery

A family-owned and operated establishment, Texas Legato Winery is a great place to get together with friends and family and bond over a glass of aromatic, award-winning wine.

It’s situated just outside Lampasas.

For a fun experience, visit their tasting room and patio, where you can munch on some snacks too.

The wine tastings are available from 12nn to 6 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12nn to 5 pm on Sundays.

For fabulous perks and discounts, you can get yourself a membership in their wine club for free.

You can browse through their selection, order, and check out information about events and more at their website.

Not only that, but it also hosts an annual Crawfish Boil event, packed with delicious food, exciting activities, and, of course, quality wines.

Learn about the Area’s History in the Lampasas County Museum

If you want to know more about the area and its history, head to Lampasas County Museum, founded in 1976.

Delve into different studies about Lampasas County.

There are exhibits about banking and business, natural history, education, and more.

You can see how life was in the early years of the settlement and how its culture progressed.

There are special exhibits that are available from time to time as well.

If you love to cook, you can also find a cookbook filled with great local recipes at the museum store.

Check out their website for details on the exhibits and for more important information.

You can visit the museum from 10 am to 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admire the Natural Scenery in Cooper Spring Nature Park

Cooper Spring Nature Park is a 23-ac natural haven that features a sanctuary for birds and butterflies.

It is a community park with free access, and the locals take good care of the park, removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species.

Follow the walking trails and surround yourself with beautiful plants and flowers.

There are benches around the area, so you can stop, sit, and just admire the scenery.

Have a relaxing afternoon watching the spring (from which the park is named) or Burleson Creek, which also flows through the area.

The park is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

Just remember to keep your pets on a leash, and that alcoholic beverages need a permit.

Play Games with the Whole Family in Putters and Gutters

Bond with the whole family in Putters and Gutters, offering games and recreational activities.

Put on your game face and roll some strikes on the bowling alley.

Clear your mind and take a swing at the putt-putt golf.

Feel the breeze as you encircle the skating rink.

Try out the arcade games and have loads of fun with the kids.

For a more laid-back time, you can also pan for gemstones and fossils.

When you get hungry, you get a meal, snacks, and drinks at the on-site dining area and bar.

There are party packages if you want to bring along your friends too.

The opening times may be different for certain parts of the family center, but you can check their website for the schedules.

Search the Town for the Lampasas Murals

The Lampasas Murals are made and displayed by Vision Lampasas, a nonprofit organization.

These murals can be found all around town and depict multiple scenes.

Some murals occupy whole walls, while some only take up a part of the wall.

Their themes include music, nature, culture, and much more.

There is no particular order to viewing the murals, and each has a meaning independent of the others.

You can read the descriptions found near the murals to learn why and for whom they were made.

Fish in the River in WM Brook Park

WM Brook Park is a Greenbelt park that is traversed by a river.

You can walk alongside the river and relax while having wonderful nature views.

The park is 12 ac large and offers recreational facilities.

The kids can run around and play in the playground.

Bring along some snacks and have a picnic.

Get your fishing gear and cast your hook in the river.

Take note, however, that swimming and kayaking are not allowed.

Go on a hiking trip with your friends or ride a bike if you want to exercise.

There’s a suspension bridge, too, if you’re up for a thrill.

For fans of theater, you can watch productions at the Ruth Eakin Outdoor Theater, also located in the park.

For the preservation of the park, remember that alcoholic beverages need a permit.

Also, pets must be kept on a leash.

If you want to visit, the park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

Catch a Sports Event at the 580 Sports Complex

The 580 Sports Complex is huge; it is a 173-ac community park that hosts a plethora of sports events.

Among the facilities here are a soccer field, a softball field, and an open-air basketball court.

There’s a large parking area that can contain up to 300 cars.

For snacks to munch on while watching an event, you can head to the concession stand.

In addition to sports facilities, the park also has 900 ft of walking trails, so you can immerse yourself in nature here too.

There’s also 3 ac of wetlands, and you can observe the area from the viewing platform.

You can visit the park daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

However, during summer, the softball fields are reserved on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Remember to keep pets on a leash and to bring a permit if you plan to bring alcoholic beverages.

Test Your Golf Skills at the Hancock Park Golf Course

If you’re looking forward to practicing your swing, head to Hancock Park Golf Course, a municipal golf course established in 1945.

When it opened, it was only a 9-hole golf course.

However, in 1996, it was upgraded into an 18-hole golf course.

Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your whole gear, as it comes with a fully-stock pro shop.

As it is just beside Sulphur Creek, you’ll need to take the winds into consideration.

The course is also beautified by native trees that can be found all around.

It’s a great place to test your skills, with the #2 hole providing a significant challenge.

Swim at the Hancock Springs Park

A vast pool awaits travelers at Hancock Springs Park, a 3-ac community park.

Wear your favorite swimming clothes and jump in the free-flowing, spring-fed pool.

If you are coming with kids, they will enjoy the playground.

You can also bring snacks with you to the picnic area.

If you want to get some exercise under the sun before swimming, there’s a volleyball court as well.

Right in front of the pool is the town’s Historic Hostess House, a beautiful two-story building made out of limestone.

It is a popular choice for events such as parties, weddings, and more.

Next to the house and the pool is Sulphur Creek, providing a gorgeous backdrop.

Drink Exquisite Wines amid Nature in the Pillar Bluff Vineyards

For exquisite wines and delicious pizza to pair them with, drive to Pillar Bluff Vineyards, located just outside Lampasas.

Their wine tastings allow you to appreciate their quality wines amid nature.

They have a large circular outdoor area with seating and cover.

The area is surrounded by flowers and plants, creating the perfect setting.

You can learn about the wines and the wine-making process as well.

If you want to visit, you can do so from 10 am to 5 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays and from 12:30 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

Browse for Antique Finds in The Trading Post

If you want to add to your antique collection, The Trading Post is a great place to visit.

You can get everything from dishware, earrings, shirts, and more.

Also, you’ll find quirky décor to stuff your place with.

You can check out the store from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.

It’s located in Downtown Lampasas, close to Courtyard Square, so you can grab a bite to eat from the many restaurants nearby after shopping.

Gift Your Loved Ones Flowers from The Shoppe on Key Avenue Floral and Gifts

Pay a visit to The Shoppe on Key Avenue Floral and Gifts and smell the flowers.

They offer numerous bouquets with different styles and lots of different kinds of flowers, including roses, tulips, orchids, and much more.

If you can’t decide, you can check out their website, which offers flower choices for various occasions.

Whether it be for a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, they’ve got an option for you.

You can also add extras to your gifts, such as a teddy bear, balloon, and candy.

Aside from flowers, you can get plants that are perfect for decoration as well.

If you want a unique gift, you can get gourmet baskets too.

There are those with fruits and those with chocolates and candy.

If you’ve made your pick, you can order online as well for faster transactions.

The Shoppe on Key Avenue Floral and Gifts is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Mondays, 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesdays to Fridays, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays.

Shop for Texas-Themed Décor at Rustler’s Junction

Lampasas sits in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where you’ll find Rustler’s Junction, a family-run business.

One of the best places to shop in Lampasas is Rustler’s Junction.

Almost an entire city block serves as parking; our inside area is more than 17,000 square feet.

It has various western and rustic items, like cowboy boots, western-style clothes, Texas-themed yard signs, and more.

You’ve found the right location if you’re looking for some rustic western or farmhouse furniture or accessories.

The paintings, wall hangings, vases, and toys made out of wood are equally impressive.

Celebrate Local Culture at Spring Ho Festival

Since 1972, Lampasas has celebrated the annual Spring Ho Festival.

If you’re wondering, this festival does not pay tribute to a season since the second week of July is not spring.

Instead, the locals celebrate it as a homage to its famous curative sulfur springs.

A visit to Lampasas Springs during this month will treat you to a memorable experience.

Catch fun events, including parades, barbecue cook-offs, and beauty pageants throughout the week-long celebration.

This event is perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.

Another fun event is the Spring Ho Dance, held in the Town Square.

Grab Local Produce and Crafts at Lampasas County Farmer’s Market

Square in Lampasas, Texas, is home to the Lampasas County Farmer’s Market & Crafts.

The products offered here come from the local agricultural and craft communities.

Aside from fresh produce, the farmers’ market sells baked goods and other quick bites.

You may also find plants for sale here!

There are also many one-of-a-kind handcrafted items in this community-oriented market.

Bring the kids and your pets to hang out with the locals!

Stop by, stock up, or look for gifts for your loved ones.

Hang out with Your Friends at Lampasas Beer Market

The Lampasas Beer Market lies in an old structure on Lampasas’s famous Pecan Street.

Aside from its extensive cuisine, it also features 20 different beers on tap.

Family owned and run for three generations, Lampasas Beer Market has strong roots in the community.

It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy watching the game on one of the many televisions.

You are welcome to use the billiard tables and video games as well.

Go to a bar and enjoy an ice-cold beer while listening to live music.

Taste King of Rock and Roll’s Favorite Strawberry Shake at Storm’s Drive-In

William Washington Storm first established the location as a stagecoach stop in 1873, when the current Storm’s Drive-In opened.

Locally known as Dairy Cue, when it opened in 1950, the owners renamed it “Storms” 20 years later.

Storm’s Drive-In has achieved legendary status.

It wasn’t uncommon in 1958 for residents of Lampasas to catch a glimpse of the legendary rocker Elvis Presley as he cruised through town in his Cadillac.

Try out some of Elvis’s favorite snacks!

One of his go-to meals consists of a classic strawberry shake and burger.

If you’re an Elvis fan or just looking for a historic location to visit while in Lampasas, you should go here.

Final Thoughts

Lampasas is known for its spring-fed pools, but it offers much more than just that.

It’s filled with natural sceneries, beautiful local art, and amazing attractions.

In addition, you can get sumptuous local delicacies and perfect trinkets to take home or gift to your loved ones.

If you ever find yourself in this charming town, make sure to read the list of the best things to do in Lampasas, Texas, mentioned above.

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