Buffalo Gap TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Buffalo Gap, Texas.
1. Buffalo Gap Historic Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is an award-winning living history museum that brings the West Texas Frontier alive with over a dozen original buildings from the 1880s to the 1920s. The museum features thousands of artifacts from the last 50 years of the West Texas frontier, offering an interactive experience for visitors. This open-air frontier-town complex showcases the pioneering spirit that built Buffalo Gap and preserves the rich history of the region.
2. Perini Ranch Steakhouse
LEGENDARY TEXAS DINING
Perini Ranch Steakhouse is a nationally acclaimed dining establishment located in the heart of Buffalo Gap. The restaurant is known for its exceptional steaks and authentic ranch-style cuisine that captures the essence of West Texas flavors. Visitors come from across the country to experience this iconic Texas steakhouse in its charming rural setting.
3. The Gap Café By Perini Ranch
CASUAL LOCAL EATERY
The Gap Café By Perini Ranch offers a more casual dining experience from the same family behind the famous steakhouse. The café serves up delicious comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that embodies small-town Texas charm. Visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch options that showcase local flavors and the same commitment to quality found at the Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
4. Silver Buffalo Saloon
HISTORIC WATERING HOLE
The Silver Buffalo Saloon is a historic establishment that offers visitors a taste of authentic Texas saloon culture. The venue features cold drinks, live music, and a rustic atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Old West. Patrons can enjoy the friendly local ambiance while experiencing a genuine piece of Buffalo Gap's social heritage.
5. Bar-B-Que Barn
TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE TRADITION
Bar-B-Que Barn serves up traditional Texas barbecue in a rustic, no-frills setting that highlights the region's smoking traditions. The restaurant specializes in slow-cooked meats with flavorful rubs and sauces that showcase West Texas barbecue styles. Visitors can enjoy an authentic local dining experience with hearty portions and home-style sides.
6. Abilene State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Abilene State Park offers year-round outdoor activities near Buffalo Gap including wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and hiking. The park's peaceful setting features beautiful natural landscapes and starry skies perfect for nature enthusiasts and families. Educational programs at the park help visitors connect with the local ecosystem while enjoying recreational activities in the Texas outdoors.
7. Callahan Divide
SCENIC NATURAL FEATURE
The Callahan Divide is a stunning natural ridge that cradles Buffalo Gap and provides the town with its picturesque backdrop. This geographic feature offers beautiful vistas, hiking opportunities, and a chance to experience the unique landscape that shaped the settlement of the region. Photographers and nature lovers particularly enjoy the scenic beauty of this distinctive Texas landform.
8. Taylor County History Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Taylor County History Center, previously known as Buffalo Gap Historic Village, tells the comprehensive story of the last fifty years of the West Texas frontier. The center houses important historical collections and documents that preserve the cultural heritage of Taylor County and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore the evolution of frontier life through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts.
9. Frontier Texas!
INTERACTIVE WESTERN EXPERIENCE
Frontier Texas! is an immersive museum located in nearby Abilene that brings the Old West to life through state-of-the-art technology and interactive exhibits. Visitors can experience the frontier through holographic figures of historical characters who share their stories of life on the Texas frontier. The museum serves as a visitors center and provides context for understanding the historical significance of Buffalo Gap and the surrounding region.
10. The Grace Museum
ART AND HISTORY
The Grace Museum in nearby Abilene houses five galleries of historic and contemporary art, photography, and artifacts in a beautifully restored 1909 hotel building. The museum features a children's museum, history galleries, and rotating art exhibitions that showcase both regional and national artists. Visitors from Buffalo Gap can enjoy this cultural center that preserves and celebrates the artistic heritage of West Texas.
11. Abilene Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
The Abilene Zoo is a short drive from Buffalo Gap and houses more than 1,000 animals representing 250 species from around the world. The zoo features engaging exhibits including a Giraffe Safari, Caribbean Cove, and the Elm Creek Backyard, which showcases native Texas wildlife. Families visiting Buffalo Gap often make the trip to experience this well-regarded regional zoo and its conservation programs.
12. National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
CHILDREN'S BOOK ART
The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) in Abilene celebrates the artwork of children's book illustrators through gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and special events. The center hosts rotating exhibitions featuring original artwork from acclaimed children's books and offers interactive activities for young visitors. This unique cultural institution makes an excellent day trip for families staying in Buffalo Gap who appreciate children's literature and art.
13. Fort Phantom Hill
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Phantom Hill is a historic site near Abilene featuring the ruins of a Texas frontier fort established in 1851 to protect settlers and travelers. The site preserves stone chimneys, a stone guardhouse, and a powder magazine, offering visitors a glimpse into frontier military history. This atmospheric location provides important historical context for understanding the settlement of Buffalo Gap and the surrounding region.
14. Abilene Cultural District
DOWNTOWN ARTS HUB
The Abilene Cultural District encompasses a walkable downtown area featuring museums, galleries, theaters, and public art installations just a short drive from Buffalo Gap. The district hosts regular events including ArtWalk, held on the second Thursday of each month, showcasing local artists and performers. Visitors from Buffalo Gap can enjoy shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in this vibrant urban center.
15. Paramount Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Paramount Theatre is a beautifully restored 1930s movie palace in downtown Abilene that now hosts films, live performances, and special events throughout the year. The theater features stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture, including a ceiling painted to resemble a night sky complete with twinkling stars. Visitors from Buffalo Gap can enjoy the vintage atmosphere while taking in classic films, concerts, and theatrical productions at this historic venue.