Hays TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hays, Texas.
1. Sternberg Museum of Natural History
EXPLORE THE GREAT PLAINS
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is part of Fort Hays State University and is dedicated to collecting and preserving plant and animal specimens pertaining to the Great Plains. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits featuring fossils, wildlife, and natural history of the region. The museum provides educational programs for all ages, making it an engaging destination for families and researchers alike.
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site
STEP INTO FRONTIER HISTORY
Fort Hays State Historic Site preserves the remains of a significant frontier military post that operated from 1865 to 1889. Visitors can explore original and reconstructed buildings that tell the story of military life on the Kansas frontier. The site offers guided tours and educational programs that bring to life the fort's role in the settlement of the American West.
3. Merci Boxcar
HISTORIC FRENCH GRATITUDE
The Merci Boxcar in Hays is one of the 49 gift-laden French railway cars sent to the United States as thanks for American aid following World War II. This historic artifact represents the gratitude of the French people and the bond between the two nations during a critical period in world history. Visitors can view this unique piece of international goodwill that serves as a reminder of post-war cooperation and friendship.
4. Hays Aquatic Park
FAMILY WATER FUN
Hays Aquatic Park offers a refreshing escape with multiple pools, water slides, and splash features for visitors of all ages. The park provides swimming lessons, water aerobics, and other aquatic programs throughout the season. Families appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable admission prices that make for a perfect summer day activity.
5. Frontier Park
RECREATION AND EVENTS HUB
Frontier Park serves as the main recreational area in Hays, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths for daily enjoyment. The park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the baseball fields, tennis courts, and other athletic facilities available to the public.
6. EVO Entertainment Kyle
MOVIES AND MORE
EVO Entertainment Kyle offers a premium movie-watching experience with state-of-the-art theaters and comfortable reclining seats. Beyond films, the entertainment complex features bowling, arcade games, and a full-service restaurant and bar for complete night out options. The venue regularly hosts special events and themed movie nights that appeal to visitors of all ages.
7. Rio Vista Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Rio Vista Park is situated along the San Marcos River, offering beautiful natural scenery and multiple recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, tubing, kayaking, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the river. The park features picnic areas, volleyball courts, and walking trails that make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
8. Jacob's Well Natural Area
MYSTERIOUS NATURAL SPRING
Jacob's Well Natural Area showcases a perpetual artesian spring that forms the headwaters of Cypress Creek in the Texas Hill Country. The main attraction is the deep blue underwater cave system that reaches depths of over 100 feet, attracting swimmers and divers during the warmer months. Visitors can hike the surrounding trails, participate in guided tours, and learn about the ecological importance of this unique natural feature.
9. Blue Hole Regional Park
NATURAL SWIMMING DESTINATION
Blue Hole Regional Park encompasses over 125 acres of natural beauty, centered around a beloved swimming hole fed by natural springs. The crystal-clear waters maintain a refreshing temperature year-round, making it a popular spot for cooling off during hot Texas summers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and bird watching opportunities throughout the expansive grounds.
10. Charro Ranch Park
TRANQUIL TEXAS TRAILS
Charro Ranch Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the iconic Texas Hill Country landscape through a network of scenic hiking trails. The park preserves native plants and wildlife in a peaceful setting away from urban distractions. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the quiet atmosphere and opportunities for bird watching and photography throughout the changing seasons.
11. Mercer Dancehall
AUTHENTIC TEXAS HONKY-TONK
Mercer Dancehall is celebrated as one of the best honky-tonks in Central Texas, offering an authentic Texas dance hall experience just south of Dripping Springs on RR12. The venue provides dance lessons on Saturday nights for those looking to perfect their two-step before hitting the floor. Live music regularly fills the newly built yet traditionally styled space that musicians like Jimmie Vaughan and Kevin Fowler have praised for its genuine atmosphere.
12. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
MAJESTIC PINK GRANITE DOME
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area features a massive pink granite batholith standing 425 feet tall and spanning over 640 acres, making it the nation's second-largest granite dome. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country landscape and enjoy activities such as rock climbing, camping, and stargazing. The park's Junior Ranger program offers educational opportunities for families to learn about conservation and the unique geological features of this natural wonder.
13. Wildseed Farms
VIBRANT FLORAL LANDSCAPES
Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the United States, offering visitors spectacular views of blooming fields that change with the seasons. Guests can stroll along walking trails through the vibrant displays of bluebonnets, poppies, sunflowers, and numerous other native Texas wildflowers. The on-site market center offers seeds, plants, gifts, and a biergarten where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the colorful surroundings.
14. The Springs
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRINGS
The Springs in Dripping Springs are natural water features located on private property near Mercer Street, marked by a granite monument. Visitors can access these historic springs by following stone stairs at 509 Mercer Street down to a natural limestone cathedral where cold spring water bubbles from the rock. These springs, which gave the town its name, create a peaceful retreat where guests can appreciate the natural beauty and geological history of the area.
15. Wimberley Market Days
ARTISAN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Wimberley Market Days is one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the Texas Hill Country, operating the first Saturday of each month from March through December. Hundreds of vendors offer unique handcrafted items, antiques, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and local food products across seven acres of shopping space. Visitors enjoy live music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere while browsing the diverse selection of goods produced by local artisans and entrepreneurs.