Blake Walsh

17 Best Things to Do in Seguin, TX

  • Published 2021/12/03

Seguin, Texas, is a laid-back city with a smattering of whimsy in the Texas Hill Country.

It is named after Juan Segun, a Tejano-Texas independence hero and a staunch supporter of the Texas’ Republic.

One of the earliest settlements in Texas, Seguin came into existence only 16 months following the Texas Revolution in 1836.

An hour’s drive towards the eastern part of San Antonio, the town is home to the world’s most extensive nutcracker collection, a historic archeological dig that unearthed Mammoth bones dating back more than 6,000 years, and the oldest saloon in Texas.

Seguin is home to some of the most beautiful rivers and streams in the country.

Because the terrain is so fertile, the location is ideally suited for both ranching and farming.

Guadalupe River and the Guadalupe River’s gorgeous blue-green waters make this historic town appealing to visitors of all ages.

Families will be able to choose from a wide range of activities and accommodations.

If you want to experience authentic Texan hospitality, check out our list of the best things to do in Seguin, Texas.

Admire the Architecture and Pottery in Sebastopol House Historic Site

Front View of Sebastopol House Historic Site

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Joshua W. Young built Seguin, Texas’s Sebastopol House Historic Site, a concrete antebellum home in Greek Revival style, for his sister Catherine LeGette, between 1854 and 1856.

Seguin has the country’s highest density of early 19th century residences, with 20 still standing, including this stunning historic home.

Its builders used unreinforced concrete to construct the home.

Front View of Sebastopol House Historic Site

Darrylpearson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Due to its age and size, the structure became part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Sebastopol is now under the management of the city of Seguin.

In September 1989, it reopened as a historic home museum after being refurbished to its 1880s appearance.

Front View of Sebastopol House Historic Site

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

Learn the Importance of Agriculture at Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center

The center aims to teach the general public, particularly the youth, about agriculture and the city’s history.

When it comes to the location, it’s on an 1850s-era farm in Guadalupe County, Texas.

There are a variety of exhibits and activities available at the center that allow visitors to get a taste of the rural lifestyle.

A forge, smokehouse, one-room school, and a primary store are all part of the community.

The “Big Red Barn” features antique agricultural tools and equipment you can rent for weddings and other special occasions.

In addition to the Ag Educational Wing, a barn exhibits carriages and vintage agricultural equipment.

There are also several farm animals here, like chickens and bees.

Have a Blast at ZDT Amusement Park

View of ZDT Amusement Park

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ten-acre ZDT’s Amusement Park is a famous family amusement park in Seguin.

A video game arcade and three water rides are among the park’s 12 current attractions, which were offered to the public in 2007.

In 2015, the park opened its first roller coaster, Switchback.

In 2008, the park featured multi-level go-karts and the Mad Raft Water Coaster.

The land and buildings that now house the amusement park were formerly an agricultural and food hub.

A former grain warehouse houses the park’s attractions.

For instance, the Silo Climb climbing wall is on top of what used to be grain silos, while the GoKart racing takes place in a former grocery store.

The old railroad rails now serve as a promenade leading to the water park.

Enjoy the Outdoor Adventure at Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center

Irma Lewis, a physical education instructor with expertise in outdoor education, had the vision and inspiration for the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center.

Your team or group will gain a lot from the challenge course.

To make sure the center promotes trust, cooperation, leadership, communication, and camaraderie, the facilitators have undergone training and gained extensive experience.

Groups of many kinds, including corporations, sports teams, fraternities, sororities, scout groups, school courses, and more, can participate in its challenge course program.

To ensure that each group has the most enjoyable experience, the facility creates a unique program depending on the needs of the group.

It’s a great place for field excursions with the kids.

Visit the Haunted Magnolia Hotel

View of Haunted Magnolia Hotel

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Magnolia Hotel had been abandoned for over two decades, making it a part of the “2012 Most Endangered Places in Texas” list.

Squatters, drug addicts, vermin, and vandals all had easy access to the building.

The once-vibrant Magnolia Hotel has devolved into Seguin’s most egregious eyesore and most dangerous criminal hotspot.

The Ghedi family noticed the building’s grandeur and decided on taking the responsibility of restoring it, even though doing so was considered a massive undertaking and a significant financial strain for every new owner.

After its restoration to its former 1850s splendor, more and more visitors have been coming to the Magnolia Hotel.

It has become a popular destination for paranormal researchers, investigators, and TV shows due to several inexplicable events.

Relax at Walnut Springs Park

View of Walnut Springs Park

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

Walnut Branch, a branch of the Guadalupe River near Seguin, Texas, is the site of Walnut Springs Park, a network of pathways and bridges.

In 1838, a few blocks away from the springs, Seguin was established.

Walnut Branch, which offered clean water for livestock, laundry, and cleaning in the 19th century, was home to many of the first residences built in the area.

View of Walnut Springs Park

Answir, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Several small springs supply water to the stream.

Although the major one near Court Street now serves as parking after being filled in, water continues to leak out of the ground beneath the fill.

Enjoy the fresh air of Seguin and the sound of the park’s stream.

In addition, there are several walking and jogging pathways along the banks of the river.

View of Walnut Springs Park

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bring Your Wheels at MTR Skatepark

Seguin, Texas, local skaters and residents are raving about the much-anticipated Michael Thomas Raetzsch (MTR) Skatepark.

The MTR Skatepark in Seguin, Texas, is just a short drive from San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, making it a popular destination for skaters in the area.

The skatepark honors the memory of local skater Michael Thomas Raetzsch, who died tragically in 2009 at 22.

Bring your board, bike, or ice skates to the park and have some fun!

Take Photos With the Old Stagecoach Road Mural

You may find Seguin’s magnificent new city hall painting on the side of the Traveling Gypsy Antique Mall on W Donegan Street.

Brent McCarthy painted the Old Stagecoach Road mural, which depicts the pioneers and milestones of the 1800s stagecoach route.

The Old Stagecoach Road painting is a must-stop for everyone on a history tour of Seguin.

The picture depicts Seguin’s cultural variety while also recognizing the city’s history and legacy.

Catch a Performance by the Mid-Texas Symphony Society

Front View of Jackson Auditorium

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1978, a piano professor at Texas Lutheran University dared to create a symphony that many thought unachievable.

Seguin can support a professional orchestra, according to Anita Windecker, a talented pianist dedicated to music education.

The Mid-Texas Symphony, which performs seven performances a year in the Jackson Auditorium on the Texas Lutheran University campus and has a box office in downtown Seguin, is always ready to leave you speechless.

Mid-Texas Symphony has provided free concerts for children in Seguin since 1988, its tenth year of operation.

For many of these youngsters, these well-attended performances are their only chance to see live music.

Over 100,000 children have enjoyed a free Mid-Texas Symphony Children’s Concert over the past few decades.

Bike Along Park West’s Trails

The Park West was part of a bond package authorized in 2013.

In 2015, it officially opened its doors as a tourist attraction.

The park’s 48-acre layout features an MTR Skatepark, a hiking and biking trail, ADA-accessible playscape, off-road bicycle trail, three multipurpose fields, a basketball court, and pavilions.

The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for anyone who wants to cool off from Texas weather.

Its regular operating season lasts from spring through October.

Appreciate Mexican-American Heritage at Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin

Three visionaries came up with the idea of Teatro to provide Seguin’s youth with an outlet for their passion for the arts.

In addition, many others from the local community helped pave the path for Teatro.

Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin aims to foster more extensive knowledge of Mexican-American culture by educating, studying, practicing, and performing the arts.

A wide variety of educational opportunities are available for adults, youths, and children.

It is the goal of Teatro to offer something for everyone interested in cultivating their creative side or exploring their cultural curiosity.

See the Extensive Nutcracker Collection at Pape Pecan House

Front View of Pape Pecan House

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

Check the Pape Pecan House if you want to see the largest pecan ever.

Visit the museum, pose for a photo next to the giant nut, and have a great day.

The Pape Pecan House also has the world’s most extensive nutcracker collection.

Be amazed by the nearly 8,000 different figurines in diverse forms and sizes on display in this exhibition.

The nutcracker museum’s staff is kind and eager to share their knowledge of the collection’s history with you.

Check Out the Historic Moore House

The Moore House has existed since the 1900s.

It stands on a.73-acre lot in Seguin.

John Moore, a newspaper publisher, civic leader, and one of Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting buddies, commissioned the construction of this Queen Anne-style residence.

It has similar characteristics to Roosevelt’s famed mansion, Sagamore Hill.

This house is presently privately owned and has a historical monument on the outside.

The house’s wraparound porch, hardwood flooring, pocket doors, picture rails, antique fixtures, and wainscoting are still in good shape.

Hop in an Art Class at Seguin Art League

The Seguin Art League’s goal is to bring together local and regional artists to inspire and promote excellence in the arts.

It also aims to develop an appreciation for the arts through offering seminars, exhibitions, and other special events.

It also provides training and hands-on experience for people of all ages.

The organization also envisions providing adequate facilities for artistic endeavors.

Explore the City’s Past at Seguin Guadalupe County Heritage Museum

View of Seguin Guadalupe County Heritage Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The museum took into completion in 1898.

The building belonged to Harold and Ethyl Baenziger, whose family had held it for several generations before that time.

The Red and White Grocery Store once occupied this space.

The Opera House, on the second story, hosted numerous events.

Here, you may find John Wesley Hardin’s gun.

John Hardin was one of the area’s most infamous gunfighters.

There is a lot of history to be seen at the museum.

It also displays various items ranging from fossilized remains of early settlers to the earliest salt-glazed pottery made by Wilson family members.

It also depicts Mexican and Texans’ farming and household tools, Tejano citizens, slaves, and Texas rangers’ memorabilia.

Swing Your Clubs at Starcke Park Golf Course

Take a step back in time in this golf course.

One of the few remaining “parks” type golf courses in Central Texas, this 18-hole par 71 course is carved out of a riverbank pecan grove.

Slowly meandering Guadalupe River golf courses transport you to simpler times.

Thanks to the many gently sloping fairways, a stray shot isn’t a problem on this open course.

There is just the right amount of difficulty in the form of elevated greens and small bunkers.

While strolling or cycling, there is usually a tall pecan tree nearby to provide some much-needed shade and refreshment.

Playing at Starcke Park Golf Course is a fantastic experience because of its layout, condition, and staff.

Go Glamping at Son’s Island

Located in Seguin, Texas, Son’s Island is an actual island transformed into a resort.

Rent a lakeside Cabana for the day, go paddleboarding and kayaking, or try glamping (glamor camping) on this island!

Thatched roof cottages and tropical foliage make you feel like you’re on a secluded tropical island in the middle of the ocean.

Play beach volleyball, swim, fish, and more with your loved ones on a sunny day!

Final Thoughts

There’s much to do in Seguin, Texas, a short drive from San Antonio, including a visit to a well-known haunted home, as well as historical landmarks.

Plan your itinerary today with our list of the best things to do in Seguin, Texas.

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