Clifton TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clifton, Texas.
1. Bosque Museum
PIONEER HISTORY AND ARTIFACTS
The Bosque Museum in Clifton showcases a rich collection of artifacts from pioneer days and Confederate history. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of the region's past and cultural heritage. The museum offers a comprehensive look at local history through its carefully curated displays and historical items.
2. Red Caboose Winery
WINE TASTINGS AND EVENTS
Red Caboose Winery offers wine tastings for $15 featuring six one-ounce samples of their locally produced wines. Visitors can enhance their experience with cheese trays available for purchase during their tasting sessions. The winery hosts various events throughout the year that can be found on their webpage calendar or Facebook page.
3. The Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
The Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge features a distinctive wooden floor that adds to its historical charm. Due to its unique design, visitors cannot see across to the other side when viewing the bridge from either end. This historic structure serves as both a functional crossing and a preserved piece of engineering history.
4. Bosque Arts Center
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Bosque Arts Center is a beloved cultural showplace serving Clifton and Bosque County with diverse artistic programming. The center hosts live theater performances as well as area One Act Play competitions throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy visual arts exhibitions in addition to the performing arts offerings at this community hub.
5. Our Saviors Lutheran Church
HISTORIC CHURCH AND CEMETERY
Our Saviors Lutheran Church offers visitors a glimpse into the region's religious heritage through its historic architecture and grounds. The scenic drive to the church features hilly landscapes that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the area. Visitors can explore both the church structure and the adjacent cemetery which contains notable local historical graves.
6. Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
The Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum houses a unique collection of vintage automobiles that showcase automotive history. The museum presents these classic vehicles in their preserved glory, though visitors note the grocery store-like lighting makes capturing the uniqueness of these vehicles challenging. The collection is curated by Terry, who also maintains additional automotive treasures beyond the main exhibits.
7. L A Thompson Gallery of Fine Art
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
L A Thompson Gallery of Fine Art is considered a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in Clifton. The gallery is conveniently located right off 5th Street on Avenue D in the heart of downtown. Visitors can explore the works of An Thompson and other artists in this cultural gem that contributes to Clifton's designation as one of Texas' 48 Cultural Districts.
8. Art Alley
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ART
Art Alley is a vibrant outdoor art installation in downtown Clifton that showcases the town's creative spirit. Visitors can take memorable photos with the various murals and art pieces that adorn this unique public space. Free and accessible from dawn to dusk, this attraction reinforces Clifton's status as one of Texas' 48 Cultural Districts.
9. The Corner Drug Cafe
HISTORIC PHARMACY TURNED EATERY
The Corner Drug Cafe operates in a charming former pharmacy building in downtown Clifton. Under its distinctive bead board ceiling, the cafe serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items along with barista coffee specialties. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere while dining in this repurposed historic space that maintains connections to the town's past.
10. Downtown Clifton Shopping
BOUTIQUES AND ANTIQUES
Downtown Clifton Shopping offers a delightful experience with Norwegian gnomes guiding visitors along Avenue D and 5th Street. Travelers will discover a collection of antique shops with vintage finds alongside art galleries and boutiques that showcase local creativity. The distinctive character of the shopping district reflects the town's unique cultural heritage and artistic focus.
11. Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory
STARGAZING AND ASTRONOMY
The Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory offers night sky programming for astronomy enthusiasts in the dark skies outside Clifton. Located in the Turner Research Station at 14801 FM 182, the observatory is operated by the Central Texas Astronomical Society. Star parties are held on Saturdays once a month, giving visitors opportunities to explore the cosmos with guidance from knowledgeable astronomers.
12. Market at Mill
BOUTIQUE IN HISTORIC BUILDING
Market at Mill sells boutique items and vintage pieces in the historic Dansby Feed Mills building. Located at 317 W. 3rd St., this shop combines contemporary retail with historic architecture. Shoppers can discover unique items while appreciating the preserved industrial character of this repurposed mill building.
13. Waco Mammoth National Monument
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL DISCOVERIES
Waco Mammoth National Monument preserves the fossil remains of Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals discovered in Waco. Visitors can view the in-situ fossils through guided tours of the climate-controlled dig shelter that protects these ancient treasures. This National Monument offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric Texas and the megafauna that once roamed the region.
14. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
SAFARI AND CONSERVATION
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers drive-through safari experiences where visitors can observe and feed exotic and endangered animals from their vehicles. Spanning 1,800 acres, the center focuses on conservation efforts and breeding programs for threatened species. Visitors can choose from guided tours or self-driving options to encounter wildlife including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and numerous antelope species in a natural setting.
15. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the history and heritage of the legendary Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. Exhibits showcase authentic artifacts, weapons, and memorabilia that tell the story of this iconic organization from its frontier beginnings to modern operations. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collections and learn about famous Rangers and significant cases throughout Texas history.