Cross Plains TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cross Plains, Texas.
1. Robert E. Howard Museum
HOME OF CONAN'S CREATOR
The Robert E. Howard Museum is housed in a historic single-story wood-sided farmhouse where the famous author lived from 1919 until his death in 1936. Howard is best known for creating the character Conan the Barbarian, a classic character that has transcended generations. The museum has been restored to reflect how it would have appeared when his family lived there and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
2. Woody's Classic Cars & Baseball Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILES AND MEMORABILIA
Woody's Classic Cars & Baseball Museum offers visitors a unique combination of automotive history and America's favorite pastime. The museum showcases an impressive collection of classic cars and baseball memorabilia that appeals to enthusiasts of both interests. Located at 500 SW 5th Street, this attraction is consistently rated as one of the top things to do in Cross Plains.
3. Treadway Park
HISTORIC CAMPING GROUNDS
Treadway Park is situated on the banks of Turkey Creek where Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant once camped with their troops in a grove of live oak trees. This historic site offers visitors a connection to America's military past while providing recreational opportunities. The park serves as a reminder of Cross Plains' significance during the pre-Civil War era when stagecoaches and military roads crossed in the area.
4. Caddo Peaks
ANCIENT NATURAL LANDMARKS
East and West Caddo Peaks are natural landmarks located 5 miles west of Cross Plains that served as important navigation points throughout history. These distinctive geological formations were used by early Native Americans, soldiers, and government surveying crews as geographic reference points. The peaks continue to offer visitors impressive views of the surrounding Texas landscape and a connection to the region's past.
5. Jean's Feed Barn
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Jean's Feed Barn is a popular local restaurant known for serving hearty, home-style Texas cuisine. With a strong rating of 4.2 based on 42 reviews, this establishment has earned its reputation as a community favorite. Visitors can experience authentic local flavors and warm hospitality that embodies the small-town charm of Cross Plains.
6. Mexico City Cafe
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Mexico City Cafe offers authentic Mexican dishes in the heart of Cross Plains. With a solid rating of 3.9 based on 35 reviews, this restaurant provides a taste of south-of-the-border flavors. The cafe serves as a cultural culinary outpost in this small Texas town, offering a diverse dining option for locals and visitors alike.
7. Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ
TEXAS-STYLE BARBECUE JOINT
Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ delivers traditional Texas-style barbecue to hungry patrons in Cross Plains. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats prepared according to time-honored regional techniques. Visitors can sample authentic Texas barbecue culture while enjoying a casual dining experience in this small-town establishment.
8. Howard Days Festival
ANNUAL LITERARY CELEBRATION
Howard Days is an annual festival celebrating the life and work of author Robert E. Howard, taking place in his hometown of Cross Plains. Literary enthusiasts, scholars, and fans gather for presentations, tours, and social events centered around Howard's influential contributions to fantasy and pulp fiction. This cultural event attracts visitors from across the country who share an appreciation for Howard's literary legacy, particularly his creation of characters like Conan the Barbarian.
9. Barbarian Festival
COMMUNITY CULTURAL EVENT
The Barbarian Festival is an annual community celebration that pays homage to Cross Plains' connection to Robert E. Howard's most famous creation, Conan the Barbarian. The event typically features food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. This festival highlights the town's unique literary heritage while bringing together residents and visitors for a day of community spirit.
10. Annual Fourth of July Fest
PATRIOTIC TOWN CELEBRATION
The Annual Fourth of July Fest in Cross Plains brings the community together for a patriotic celebration of American independence. The festival typically includes parades, food vendors, games, and other family-friendly activities reflecting small-town America at its best. The event culminates with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky over this historic Texas community.
11. Annual Hunters Feed
SPORTSMAN'S GATHERING TRADITION
The Annual Hunters Feed is a traditional community gathering that celebrates the region's hunting heritage and culture. This event brings together local sportsmen and their families to share hunting stories, techniques, and of course, wild game dishes. The feed represents an important cultural tradition that connects Cross Plains residents to the land and outdoor lifestyle that has defined this region for generations.
12. Callahan County Pioneer Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Callahan County Pioneer Museum preserves the history and cultural heritage of Callahan County, including Cross Plains and surrounding communities. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's settlement, development, and notable citizens. Visitors can gain insight into the rural Texas experience through the carefully curated displays that highlight everything from Native American history to 20th-century rural life.
13. Lake Brownwood State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Brownwood State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and camping just a short drive from Cross Plains. The park encompasses more than 500 acres of scenic landscape along the shores of Lake Brownwood. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and well-maintained facilities that make this an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking respite from urban environments.
14. Frontier Texas!
INTERACTIVE WESTERN HISTORY
Frontier Texas! is an immersive museum experience that brings the Old West to life through state-of-the-art technology and exhibits located within driving distance of Cross Plains. Visitors can encounter historical figures of Texas frontier history through holographic displays and interactive exhibits that cover the period from 1780 to 1880. The facility serves as a visitor center for the Texas Forts Trail Region and provides context for understanding the historical significance of communities like Cross Plains.
15. The Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Paramount Theatre is a beautifully restored 1930s movie palace that now hosts films, live performances, and special events within a reasonable drive from Cross Plains. The venue's ornate Spanish-Moorish architecture provides a stunning backdrop for cultural experiences ranging from classic films to contemporary concerts. This historic landmark offers Cross Plains residents access to arts and entertainment in an atmosphere of vintage elegance and grandeur.
Cross Plains Restaurants
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Cross Plains Beaches
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