Woodson TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodson, Texas.
1. First Christian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The First Christian Church stands as one of Woodson's most notable landmarks with historical significance to the community. The church has been serving the small town's spiritual needs for generations and features distinctive architectural elements. Visitors often appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and historical context it provides in this small Texas community.
2. Woodson School
EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE SITE
The Woodson School represents an important piece of the town's educational history and community identity. This historic institution has served generations of local families since the town's early development. The school building itself stands as an architectural reminder of Woodson's commitment to education through the years.
3. Woodson Inn
CHARMING LOCAL LODGING
The Woodson Inn offers visitors a taste of small-town Texas hospitality in a charming setting. This local lodging option provides comfortable accommodations for those exploring the Woodson area. Guests appreciate the inn's connection to the community and its role as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
4. Woodson Water Tower
ICONIC TOWN SYMBOL
The Woodson Water Tower stands as a distinctive landmark visible from throughout this small Texas community. Rising above the town's skyline, it serves both a practical purpose and as an iconic symbol of the municipality. Visitors often photograph this structure as a representation of small-town Texas infrastructure and character.
5. Fort Griffin State Historical Park
FRONTIER MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Griffin State Historical Park preserves the ruins of a frontier military outpost that played a crucial role in Texas history. Visitors can explore the remains of the fort while learning about military life, Native American relations, and frontier development in the late 1800s. The park also features a reconstructed mess hall, interpretive displays, and opportunities to view the official Texas State Longhorn herd.
6. Fort Belknap
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Belknap served as one of Texas' most important frontier outposts during the mid-19th century. The restored historic site features original and reconstructed buildings including barracks, commissary, and powder magazine. Visitors can tour the grounds to learn about military history, Native American relations, and life on the Texas frontier.
7. Old Jail Art Center
ART IN HISTORIC SETTING
The Old Jail Art Center houses an impressive collection of art within a historic 1877 jail building. This unique museum features Asian artifacts, European paintings, and works by prominent American artists alongside contemporary exhibitions. Visitors appreciate both the diverse art collection and the fascinating architectural details of the repurposed jail structure.
8. Monument to Georgia Volunteers
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
The Monument to Georgia Volunteers stands as a tribute to soldiers from Georgia who fought in Texas during the Civil War. This historical marker commemorates the connection between these two southern states during a pivotal period in American history. Visitors interested in Civil War history find this monument a meaningful stop when exploring the region.
9. Lake Cisco
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Cisco offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The lake features historical significance as the site of what was once considered the world's largest concrete swimming pool built in the 1920s. Nature enthusiasts can observe the diverse wildlife mentioned in the Woodson area, including various bird species, deer, and aquatic life.
10. First National Bank Building
HISTORIC BANK ROBBERY SITE
The First National Bank Building in Cisco gained fame as the site of the notorious 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery. This historic structure, marked with a Texas Historical Commission sign, stands as a reminder of the infamous heist that captured national attention. Visitors interested in Texas outlaw history frequently stop to view this landmark and learn about the unusual crime that occurred there.
11. Conrad Hilton Hotel
HOSPITALITY EMPIRE BIRTHPLACE
The Conrad Hilton Hotel marks the birthplace of the world-famous Hilton Hotel empire. Conrad Hilton purchased this hotel in Cisco, launching what would become one of the most recognized hospitality brands globally. Visitors can appreciate the humble beginnings of this international hotel chain while experiencing a piece of American business history.
12. Old Rip Display
FAMOUS HORNED TOAD
The Old Rip Display commemorates the legendary horned toad that was sealed into the Eastland County Courthouse cornerstone in 1897 and reportedly found alive 31 years later. This unusual attraction features the preserved toad in a velvet-lined casket within the courthouse. Visitors are drawn to this quirky piece of Texas folklore that has captured imaginations for generations.
13. Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen
CRAFT BEER AND CUISINE
Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen offers a vibrant culinary experience featuring craft beers and creative food options. The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy local flavors and specialty drinks. Food enthusiasts appreciate the establishment's commitment to quality ingredients and distinctive menu offerings.
14. Brazos River Nature Area
RIPARIAN WILDLIFE HABITAT
The Brazos River Nature Area near Woodson showcases the region's diverse ecosystem with its massive pecan trees, hackberry, willow, and cottonwood groves. Visitors can observe local wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing opportunities for yellow catfish, bass, and other freshwater species in the slow-moving waters.
15. Woodson Community Center
LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
The Woodson Community Center serves as an important hub for social activities and events in this small Texas town. This facility hosts various community gatherings, celebrations, and meetings throughout the year. Visitors can experience authentic small-town Texas culture and potentially interact with locals during public events held at the center.