{"id":94765,"date":"2022-11-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-taylor-county-tx\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T19:02:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T19:02:21","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-taylor-county-tx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-taylor-county-tx\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Taylor County, TX"},"content":{"rendered":"
Texas\u2019s Taylor County is a thriving community with a rich history, attractions, and things to do.<\/p>\n
It’s named after the Taylor brothers, who died at the Battle of the Alamo, and it is the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in knowing a large chunk of Texas history.<\/p>\n
This country is known for its many museums and art galleries.<\/p>\n
This county has no shortage of showcasing its rich culture.<\/p>\n
As the county seat, Abilene features the majority of attractions you’ll see in Taylor County.<\/p>\n
However, other cities and towns nearby also promote the arts and give visitors a taste of the local culture.<\/p>\n
While it may not be as massive as other Texas counties, Taylor County has enough cities and attractions to keep you on your heels throughout your stay.<\/p>\n
And if you’re wondering what spots to go and what things to do, here are the 15 best things to do in Taylor County, Texas. <\/p>\n
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Wirestock Creators \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
The great outdoors awaits at Abilene State Park<\/a>, where you can do almost any type of activity you can think of!<\/p>\n From camping, fishing, backpacking, and hiking, anything and everything are possible in this massive 529-acre park.<\/p>\n If you plan to camp for a day or two, there are numerous tents and RV sites that you can book in advance.<\/p>\n That way, a spot will be ready to occupy once you arrive.<\/p>\n You can also swim in the lake or take a quick dip in the historic swimming pool to cool off during those hot summer days.<\/p>\n The swimming pool, in particular, is one of the most eye-catching structures within the Abilene State park.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n mr_t_77 from WV, USA<\/a>, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n This historic swimming pool was built way back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.<\/p>\n But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it isn’t well-maintained.<\/p>\n The pool is regularly cleaned and is open to the public for a small fee.<\/p>\n The Abilene State Park is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.<\/p>\n With so many things to do, it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.<\/p>\n When you visit Taylor County, you will only leave if you learn something new about the region or Texas as a whole.<\/p>\n There’s no better place to learn about the history of Texas than the Taylor County History Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n This facility is located in a historic frontier town complex known as the Buffalo Gap Historic Village.<\/p>\n The building that houses the museum was built during the 1880s.<\/p>\n It features an art gallery, an exhibit filled with different artifacts, and a gift shop.<\/p>\n Every exhibit features something interesting about the history of the state or the County.<\/p>\n For example, one of the exhibits is about the Great Depression and how it impacted Taylor County.<\/p>\n With over 10,000 artifacts on display, there’s much to see and learn at the Taylor County History Center.<\/p>\n So if you want to understand Texas history better, this is the place to go.<\/p>\n Speaking of kids, another great place to take them while in Taylor County is the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature<\/a>.<\/p>\n This center is dedicated to showcasing illustrations in popular children’s literature.<\/p>\n Established in 2000 in Abilene, Texas, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature is the first museum in the country to feature illustrations from children’s books as its primary focus.<\/p>\n This museum collects, preserves, and promotes original art from well-known children’s literature.<\/p>\n They promote children’s literature through art exhibitions and educational programs.<\/p>\n The museum has a rotating exhibit, so check their website to see what’s on display during your visit.<\/p>\n They even host seasonal exhibitions that showcase a particular writer or illustrator’s works.<\/p>\n For instance, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature is set to present the works of Matthew Cordell this month.<\/p>\n Matthew Cordell is a popular author and illustrator of children’s books.<\/p>\n He is best known for his works like “Wolf in the Snow,” “Cornbread & Poppy,” and “Bear Island”\u2014all of which are showcased in the exhibition.<\/p>\n So if you want to expose your kids to some of the best children’s literature, check out the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n mr_t_77<\/a>, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Zoos have always been popular tourist attractions, and the Abilene Zoo<\/a> is no exception.<\/p>\n This zoo houses over a thousand animals that are found all over the world.<\/p>\n You’ll see over 250 different species of animals, such as lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and more.<\/p>\n The Abilene Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs for both kids and adults.<\/p>\n These programs are designed to teach people about the importance of conservation and the different ways we can help protect endangered species.<\/p>\n There are also multiple concession stands and picnic areas throughout the zoo, so you can take a break and grab a bite to eat when needed.<\/p>\n The Abilene Zoo is great for spending the day, especially if you’re traveling with kids.<\/p>\n Catch some sun and some fish at Lake Abilene<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can access this lake through the Abilene State Park, a great place to go for a day trip.<\/p>\n Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, Lake Abilene is a great place to fish.<\/p>\n The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and crappies, so you can guarantee that you’ll get some regardless of your fishing skill level.<\/p>\n If you’re just a novice, the staff at Abilene State Park will be more than happy to give you some tips and help you get started.<\/p>\n You can also go boating and relax on a beautiful day in the middle of the lake.<\/p>\n Just bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as it can get pretty hot in Texas.<\/p>\n “Creating fun times and great memories” is the motto of PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n And they live up to it!<\/p>\n PrimeTime is a family-friendly entertainment center that has something for everyone.<\/p>\n The kids have an arcade room filled with all the latest games, a laser tag arena, go-karts, and a climbing wall.<\/p>\n As for the adults, they have a full-service bar and restaurant, a casino, ax throwing range, and a golf simulator.<\/p>\n So whether you want to relax or have fun, PrimeTime got you covered.<\/p>\n There’s also a bowling alley where all the family members or friends can get together and have some fun.<\/p>\n There are also concessions and a full bar to refuel in between games.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Real Window Creative \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Historic Downtown Abilene<\/a> is filled with historic buildings, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants.<\/p>\n Even better, you can walk to all of them!<\/p>\n Start your day by grabbing coffee at one of the downtown cafes. Then, explore the different shops and boutiques. You’ll find everything from clothes and jewelry to books and art.<\/p>\n You can also walk through the Grace Museum in a beautiful historic building.<\/p>\n The museum has three floors of exhibits that focus on art, history, and culture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Flofor15<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Best of all, admission is free!<\/p>\n After exploring the museum, grab lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants.<\/p>\n There’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a burger or something a little more upscale.<\/p>\n Finally, end your day with a walk through Heritage Plaza.<\/p>\n This park is located in the heart of downtown and is a great place to relax and people-watch.<\/p>\n The best place to learn about Abilene and Taylor Country is Redbud Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n As the county seat of Taylor County, Abilene showcases everything there is to know about this region.<\/p>\n From its humble beginnings as a small frontier town to its present-day status as a bustling city, Abilene has something for everyone.<\/p>\n It\u2019s your typical city park with all the bells and whistles\u2014a playground for the kids, a walking trail for the adults, and a pond for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n But what makes this place special is the opportunity to meet and socialize with the Abilene locals.<\/p>\n On a typical day, Redbud Park is filled with people going for a jog, walking their dogs, or just enjoying a day out.<\/p>\n You can also use some of the amenities this park has to offer.<\/p>\n It has a baseball field, multiple benches, a picnic area with tables, a playground, a prairie dog town, well-maintained restrooms, a walking path, and a splash pad for the kids.<\/p>\n Wine and nature are two unexpected things that match well with each other.<\/p>\n Nothing is more relaxing and refreshing than enjoying a glass of wine surrounded by beautiful scenery.<\/p>\n And that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Winery at Willow Creek<\/a>.<\/p>\n Located south of downtown Abilene, this family-owned winery is the only craft winery specializing in sweet and dry wines.<\/p>\n If you’re a wine connoisseur, this place is worth checking out.<\/p>\n But even if you’re not a wine drinker, the Winery at Willow Creek is still a great place to visit.<\/p>\n The property is right beside a large creek that features all of the beautiful sceneries of nature.<\/p>\n You can experience all of its beauty and bounty in its outdoor seating.<\/p>\n From large willow trees to wildflowers, there’s something for everyone to see and enjoy.<\/p>\n The best time to visit the Winery at Willow Creek is during the spring and fall.<\/p>\n But you’re bound to have a great time, regardless of the time of year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n August Zett \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Kirby Lake<\/a> is another great fishing spot that you can check out.<\/p>\n But unlike Lake Abilene, this artificial reservoir has some fantastic scenery.<\/p>\n Kirby Lake is located south of Abilene and is a great place to spend time with the family.<\/p>\n In addition, you can go fishing or boating in this massive 740-acre lake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CoreBurn from Abilene, TX, USA<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n There’s plenty of wiggle room for multiple boats, so you don’t have to worry about getting cramped up.<\/p>\n If fishing or boating doesn’t interest you, you can have a picnic or take a nature hike instead.<\/p>\n Either way, you’re bound to enjoy the views that Kirby Lake has to offer.<\/p>\n Even at just 919 square miles, Taylor County is still pretty massive and has a lot of attractions nearby and wide.<\/p>\n To get the full scope of this region, here are some other things you can do nearby:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Barera<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Learn about the rich history and culture of frontier life at Frontier Texas!<\/a> Museum.<\/p>\n This museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the settlers who bravely moved west during the 1800s.<\/p>\n Frontier Texas! Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that uses high-tech exhibits and displays to bring the past to life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Barera<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n You’ll get to see what life was like back then and what conditions settlers had to endure.<\/p>\n This museum is perfect for both adults and children. The exhibits are interactive and engaging, so even the little ones can learn and have fun at the same time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Barera<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Center for Contemporary Arts<\/a> in Cypress Street, Abilene, is a great place to witness beautiful art pieces.<\/p>\n In addition, it has a wide variety of exhibits throughout the year that is worth checking out.<\/p>\n The Center for Contemporary Arts also offers a variety of art classes and workshops for children and adults.<\/p>\n Since it showcases contemporary art, you can expect to find a lot of modern and abstract pieces.<\/p>\n Local and international artists make some of these art pieces, so you can get a glimpse of multiple talents coming together to create a beautiful display.<\/p>\n Whatever your taste in art, you’re bound to find something you’ll appreciate.<\/p>\n Admission is free for all visitors, so take advantage of that and drop by today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Larry D. Moore<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Grace Museum<\/a> in the historic downtown area is a must-see for anyone visiting Taylor County.<\/p>\n This museum is composed of three different museums under one roof.<\/p>\n The first is the Historical Art Museum, which features a vast collection of art pieces from different periods.<\/p>\n The second is the Children’s Museum, which is perfect for the little ones.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Barera<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n It has a variety of interactive exhibits that will teach them about the world around them in a fun and engaging way.<\/p>\n And finally, the third museum is the Frontier Village, a recreation of a frontier town that will take you back in time.<\/p>\n You can explore the different buildings and see what life was like back in the day.<\/p>\n Admission is free, but they do accept donations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Michael Barera<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Jacob’s Dream Sculpture<\/a> is a massive bronze statue that stands 40 feet tall.<\/p>\n It is located inside the campus of Abilene Christian University, depicting the biblical story of Jacob’s dream.<\/p>\n The sculpture shows Jacob lying on the ground with angels flying overhead.<\/p>\n Jack Maxwell, an art professor at the University, created Jacob’s Dream.<\/p>\n It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taylor County and is undoubtedly something you would want to check out while in Abilene.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Billy Hathorn<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\nLearn Something New at the Taylor County History Center<\/h2>\n
Take Your Kids to the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature<\/h2>\n
See Different Kinds of Animals at the Abilene Zoo<\/h2>\n
Go Fishing at Lake Abilene<\/h2>\n
Have the Best of Fun at PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center<\/h2>\n
Take a Walk Through the Historic Downtown Abilene<\/h2>\n
Spend Some Time at Redbud Park<\/h2>\n
Enjoy Nature and Wine at the Winery at Willow Creek<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the Sceneries at Kirby Lake<\/h2>\n
Other Things to Do Nearby<\/h2>\n
Explore Frontier Texas! Museum<\/h2>\n
Visit the Center for Contemporary Arts<\/h2>\n
Visit the Grace Museum<\/h2>\n
Witness Jacob’s Dream Sculpture<\/h2>\n
Check Out the 12th Armored Division Memorial<\/h2>\n