Your Go-To Guide To Exploring The Best Landmarks In Texas Hill Country

Central Texas is a prime spot to explore rolling hills and wide-open skies. There’s plenty of trails and places to venture through that give you a real understanding of the Texas beauty that everyone talks about. The city of Lampasas, TX is a small city with big energy, offering plenty of historical landmarks and museums to explore. It’s truly a great stomping ground for all the adventures that Texas Hill Country has to offer.

From its historic courthouses and forts, or quirky local finds, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in the area, all within 45 minutes of our campground.

Lampasas County Courthouse

In the heart of Lampasas is their county courthouse, a true anchor to the historic downtown. Built in 1884, the courthouse is a great starting point on your Texas architectural journey. As you walk around the square, you’ll also find several locally owned shops and historic markers that help to add much needed context to the area’s past. A stroll here is filled with glimpses of the past, present, and years to come.

After you leave the courthouse, head on over to the Keystone Square Museum nearby. It goes into great detail on the history of Lampasas County, providing key detail on different events that helped to shape the region. Located in a former general store from the early 1800s, it features exhibits on pioneer life, Native American artifacts, and mineral springs that once drew health seekers into the area.

Keystone Square Museum

Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden

Now that you’ve explored two historical stops, you might find yourself craving something a little different. That’s where the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden comes into play. This space is free to visit, and shows the creativity of local Central Texas residents. It’s a great spot to go for an afternoon walk, and is often the backdrop for all community events and festivals. 

If you head about 30 minutes outside of Lampasas, you’ll come across Colorado Bend State Park, one of the standout landmarks in the area. Beyond the normal hiking, the park is home to Gorman Falls, a gorgeous 70-foot waterfall. Caves, rivers, and guided tours can be added to the list of experiences, giving you and your group plenty of chances to connect with the land.

Colorado Bend State Park

Fort Hood and the 1st Cavalry Division Museum

Roughly 40 minutes east in the city of Killeen, you’ll stumble across Fort Hood, one of the largest U.S. military installations. There you can explore the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, where you can learn the stories of this historic unit, as told through artifacts, uniforms, and even actual tanks on display. It’s a great stop for any military buffs, showing details of those who served both past and present.

Out towards Temple, Texas, there’s the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum. It’s set inside a restored 1911 depot, showing the importance of the railroad system in Central Texas. Exhibits include model trains, railroad artifacts, and stories about the people who kept it all running. 

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum

Wrapping it up back in the city of Lampasas, Hancock Springs Park might just be one of the best things to do in all of Texas Hill Country. It’s among the oldest spring-fed pools, where you can swim in the naturally cold waters, picnic under trees, or explore nearby walking trails. The springs have been a gathering place for over a century, and for good reason: it’s a refreshing way to spend an afternoon.

Hancock Springs Park

You could be asking yourself right about now, “Why do any of these spots matter?” It’s a fair question, but here’s some insight. Exploring local museums and landmarks not only adds to your itinerary, but it helps connect you to the culture of the places you are visiting. The courthouse square, for example, shows how communities were built and governed. Museums like Keystone Square preserve our stories that otherwise might’ve been forgotten. 

Outdoor sites like Colorado Bend and Hancock Springs highlight the natural resources that make this part of Central Texas so special. All in all, these stops create a fuller picture of what life here has been, and what it’ll continue to be like for generations to come.

Why These Places Matter

Plan Your Stay At Our Friends Campground

When you’re ready to start your Lampasas adventure, stop by Our Friends Campground. We offer a convenient location to all the sights and sounds of Texas Hill Country, making us a great spot to set up camp. Our RV sites come with full hook-ups, giving you everything you could need for your family hauler. Did we mention that we also have a swimming pool and on-site dog grooming? You won’t believe the amenities we’ve got here, all designed with your comfort in mind.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay today, and see for yourself why once you vacation in Texas, nothing else will compare.