Covington TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Covington, Texas.
1. The Beaumont Ranch
WESTERN-THEMED ADVENTURE DESTINATION
The Beaumont Ranch offers visitors an authentic Texas ranch experience with horseback riding, rodeo activities, and western-themed accommodations. Guests can enjoy outdoor adventures including trail rides across the sprawling property that showcases the beauty of the Texas countryside. The ranch also hosts special events and provides dining options featuring Texas-style barbecue and traditional cuisine.
2. Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum
CLASSIC FILM MEMORABILIA COLLECTION
Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia and artifacts from the iconic 1939 film. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring original costumes, props, and promotional materials that celebrate this classic piece of American cinema history. The museum offers a nostalgic journey for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
3. Texas Through Time
PALEONTOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Texas Through Time is a museum dedicated to showcasing the rich paleontological and geological history of Texas. The exhibits feature fossils, minerals, and artifacts that tell the story of the region's natural history spanning millions of years. Visitors can engage with interactive displays and educational programs that bring prehistoric Texas to life.
4. Hill County Courthouse
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Hill County Courthouse stands as a magnificent example of Second Empire architecture and serves as the centerpiece of Hillsboro's historic downtown. Built in 1890 and beautifully restored after a fire in 1993, this landmark features ornate detailing, a striking clock tower, and a fascinating interior that reflects Texas judicial history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the courthouse's historical significance and architectural importance.
5. Historic Downtown Hillsboro
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Hillsboro invites visitors to explore its quaint streets lined with unique shops, local restaurants, and preserved historic buildings. The district features a variety of specialty stores offering antiques, gifts, home decor, and locally-made products that showcase Texas craftsmanship. Visitors can enjoy the small-town charm while discovering the area's rich heritage through various historical markers and preserved architecture.
6. Pecan Creek RV Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Pecan Creek RV Park provides a tranquil retreat for travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Texas countryside. The park offers well-maintained sites with full hookups, shade trees, and amenities designed for comfortable stays whether short-term or extended. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation in the surrounding area.
7. Cell Block Museum
FORMER JAIL TURNED MUSEUM
The Cell Block Museum transformed a former county jail into a fascinating historical attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into law enforcement history. Each cell and common area contains exhibits featuring original artifacts, photographs, and stories about prisoners and officers from decades past. The museum provides a unique and educational experience that combines local history with criminal justice themes.
8. Lake Whitney
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Whitney offers visitors 23,500 acres of crystal-clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs and rolling hills perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Known as the "Getaway Capital of Texas," the lake features multiple parks, marinas, and campgrounds that provide access to water activities and scenic views. Anglers particularly appreciate the lake for its abundant striped bass, catfish, and crappie populations that make for excellent fishing year-round.
9. Outlets at Hillsboro
DISCOUNT SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Outlets at Hillsboro present shoppers with opportunities to find brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. The shopping center features a variety of stores offering clothing, accessories, home goods, and specialty items in a convenient location just off Interstate 35. Visitors can enjoy a day of bargain hunting followed by a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
10. Roadside America Museum
NOSTALGIC AMERICANA COLLECTION
Roadside America Museum showcases a fascinating collection of vintage signs, gas station memorabilia, and roadside attraction artifacts from America's golden age of highway travel. The exhibits capture the nostalgic essence of road trips during the mid-20th century when unique roadside stops were an integral part of the American travel experience. Visitors can view neon signs, vintage gas pumps, and other historical items that tell the story of America's love affair with automobile culture.
11. Middlefaire
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Middlefaire transports visitors to a medieval fantasy world through its Renaissance festival grounds and special events throughout the year. The venue features permanent structures designed to recreate a medieval village, complete with stages for performances, artisan shops, and themed dining areas. During festival weekends, guests can enjoy jousting tournaments, musical performances, interactive games, and encounters with costumed characters.
12. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
SAFARI CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center spans 1,800 acres where visitors can embark on a drive-through safari to observe endangered species roaming in natural habitats. The conservation center is home to over 1,100 animals representing 50+ species, including cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and many exotic and endangered animals. Educational programs and guided tours provide insights into conservation efforts and the center's breeding programs designed to help preserve threatened species.
13. Country View Restaurant
HOME-STYLE TEXAS DINING
Country View Restaurant serves authentic Texas home-style cuisine in a welcoming, rustic atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town hospitality. Diners can enjoy generous portions of comfort food classics including chicken fried steak, barbecue, and homemade pies made from recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant provides a genuine taste of Texas culinary traditions and has become a gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
14. Brazos Point Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING DESTINATION
Brazos Point Vineyard offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience featuring varieties crafted from Texas-grown grapes. The picturesque setting includes rolling hills with vineyard views, a comfortable tasting room, and outdoor seating areas perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the scenery. Guests can learn about the winemaking process through guided tastings and special events hosted throughout the year.
15. Dinosaur Valley State Park
PREHISTORIC FOOTPRINT SITE
Dinosaur Valley State Park preserves authentic dinosaur tracks embedded in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River, where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of creatures that roamed the area 113 million years ago. The park encompasses 1,500 acres of scenic terrain offering hiking trails, camping facilities, and swimming areas along with its famous paleontological attractions. Educational programs and exhibits at the park's interpretive center provide context for the trackways and insight into the prehistoric environment of ancient Texas.