Strawn TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Strawn, Texas.
1. Possum Kingdom Lake
OUTDOOR PARADISE NEAR STRAWN
Possum Kingdom Lake is a magnificent body of water less than 30 minutes from Strawn, boasting over 18,000 acres of clear water and stunning cliffs. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including boating, fishing, diving, swimming, golfing, cycling, and hiking throughout the area. The lake is nestled in rolling hills, making it a perfect natural retreat for residents and tourists alike.
2. W. K. Gordon Center
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The W. K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas is a research facility of Tarleton State University that combines a museum and special collections library. Located at the site of the Thurber ghost town, the center features interactive exhibits exploring the birth and death of a company town. Visitors can stroll past reconstructions of the mercantile store, livery stable, town bandstand, 655-seat opera house, and the Snake Saloon with one of the largest horseshoe-shaped bars in the country.
3. Strawn Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Strawn Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich history of this small Texas town. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Strawn's development through the years. Visitors gain insight into the local culture, industry, and people who shaped this community.
4. Mary's Cafe
LEGENDARY CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
Mary's Cafe is renowned for serving what many consider the best chicken fried steak in Texas, available in three sizes with the large being enormous. The tender steaks are covered in delectable homemade gravy and paired with equally praised smashed potatoes. This popular eatery located at 119 Grant Avenue often has a full parking lot during peak hours, testament to its reputation and quality.
5. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
TEXAS' NEWEST STATE PARK
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is the newest state park in Texas, located in the Western Cross Timbers Ecoregion of North Central Texas. The park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region's unique landscape and ecosystem. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and natural scenery in this developing recreational area.
6. Hell's Gate Watercraft Rentals
LAKE ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT
Hell's Gate Watercraft Rentals provides equipment for visitors to enjoy Possum Kingdom Lake to its fullest. Customers can rent various watercraft options for exploring the lake's scenic shores and famous Hell's Gate formation. The rental service enables tourists and locals alike to create memorable experiences on the water without needing to own their own equipment.
7. Greystone Castle
OUTDOOR SPORTING RESORT
Greystone Castle offers premium fishing charters and nature wildlife tours near the Strawn area. This sporting resort combines luxury accommodations with outdoor experiences including hunting and fishing. The castle-like facility provides a unique backdrop for outdoor adventures in the Texas countryside.
8. Old Jail Museum Complex
HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE
The Old Jail Museum Complex is a well-preserved historic site showcasing the law enforcement history of the region. This specialty museum allows visitors to step back in time and experience the conditions of a frontier jail. The complex includes additional historical buildings and artifacts that tell the story of early settlement in Palo Pinto County.
9. Famous Mineral Water Company
HISTORIC HEALING WATERS
The Famous Mineral Water Company continues the tradition of serving the area's naturally occurring mineral water that once made Mineral Wells a health tourism destination. Visitors can sample the mineral water that was believed to have healing properties and learn about its historical significance to the region. The company maintains the heritage of the town's mineral water industry that flourished in the early 20th century.
10. Holiday Hills Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Holiday Hills Country Club provides a scenic golf experience near the Strawn area. The country club features well-maintained greens and fairways set against the backdrop of the Texas landscape. Members and visitors enjoy not only golf but also additional recreational amenities in a relaxed country club atmosphere.
11. Mineral Wells Fossil Park
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY SITE
Mineral Wells Fossil Park offers visitors the opportunity to discover and keep fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period, approximately 300 million years ago. The park contains the remains of ancient sea creatures from when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Amateur paleontologists and families alike enjoy searching through the earth for their own prehistoric souvenirs.
12. Clark Gardens Botanical Park
MANICURED GARDEN PARADISE
Clark Gardens Botanical Park is a stunning 35-acre oasis featuring beautifully designed garden spaces, water features, and seasonal plantings. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens including English, Japanese, and native Texas landscapes while enjoying the serenity of this meticulously maintained attraction. The gardens host various events throughout the year including weddings, educational programs, and seasonal celebrations.
13. Thurber Ghost Town
ABANDONED MINING COMMUNITY
Thurber Ghost Town is the remains of what was once a thriving coal mining community that virtually disappeared after operations ceased in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the few remaining structures and historical markers that tell the story of this once-bustling town that was home to thousands of miners and their families. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Texas industrial history and the boom-and-bust cycle of resource-dependent communities.
14. Lake Mineral Wells State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Mineral Wells State Park encompasses a 640-acre lake and surrounding natural areas offering multiple recreational opportunities. The park features excellent rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow, along with hiking, camping, fishing, and boating facilities. Visitors can also explore the 20-mile Trailway, a converted railroad right-of-way connecting Mineral Wells to Weatherford.
15. Baker Hotel
HISTORIC LANDMARK RENOVATION
The Baker Hotel is a grand historic structure currently undergoing restoration to return it to its former glory as a luxury destination. Once completed, this 14-story Spanish Colonial Revival building will once again welcome guests as it did during its heyday from 1929 to 1972. The massive renovation project aims to preserve the architectural significance while creating a modern resort experience that honors the building's storied past as a mineral spa destination for celebrities and visitors from across the country.