Valley Mills TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Valley Mills, Texas.
1. Valley Mills Vineyards
AWARD-WINNING TEXAS WINE
Valley Mills Vineyards is an award-winning winery set atop a picturesque hillside, offering exceptional wines in a serene setting. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while soaking in the beautiful scenery of the Texas countryside. The vineyard hosts regular tours, classes, and live music events, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts.
2. JDH Iron Designs
ARTISANAL METALWORK SHOWROOM
JDH Iron Designs in Valley Mills showcases exquisite handcrafted metal art and furnishings from local artisans. The showroom features a variety of unique pieces, from decorative home accents to custom furniture with a rustic Texas flair. Visitors consistently rate this attraction highly for its craftsmanship and distinctive designs.
3. The Historic Gristmill
MAGNOLIA TABLE FILMING LOCATION
The Historic Gristmill, built in 1900, now serves as the filming location for 'Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.' While tours of the interior aren't available, visitors can admire the exterior architecture and the greenhouse where much of the show's produce is grown. The restored gristmill stands as a testament to Valley Mills' rich historical heritage.
4. Bosque River
SCENIC WATERWAY RETREAT
The Bosque River once divided the town of Valley Mills and now offers stunning natural vistas for visitors crossing to reach local attractions. Its peaceful banks provide a tranquil retreat for fishers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the Texas heat. The river adds to the charm of Valley Mills and contributes to the area's natural beauty.
5. Santa Fe Train Depot Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
The Santa Fe Train Depot Museum, located adjacent to the city park, preserves and showcases Valley Mills' rich railroad history. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the impact of the railway on the development of the town and surrounding areas. The museum's authenticity is enhanced by the nearby active train tracks that continue to serve the region.
6. Valley Mills Mantel Shop
FIXER UPPER FEATURED ARTISANS
Valley Mills Mantel Shop, featured on HGTV's 'Fixer Upper,' is renowned for its exceptional woodworking craftsmanship. The shop is housed in a historic building dating back to 1900, showcasing both architectural heritage and artisanal talent. Visitors can marvel at the handcrafted mantels and woodwork that represent the town's commitment to quality craftsmanship.
7. Heart of Texas Equestrian Academy
PREMIER HORSE RIDING EXPERIENCE
Heart of Texas Equestrian Academy offers visitors a chance to experience horseback riding in authentic Texas countryside settings. The academy provides lessons for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced equestrians. Their well-trained horses and experienced instructors ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience for all guests.
8. Red Caboose Winery
SUSTAINABLE TEXAS WINEMAKING
Red Caboose Winery, located near Valley Mills, combines sustainable practices with exceptional winemaking to create distinctive Texas wines. The winery features a tasting room where visitors can sample their award-winning varieties while enjoying views of the vineyards. Their commitment to environmental stewardship includes a gravity-flow facility and geothermal cooling systems that enhance the quality of their wines.
9. Bosque Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Bosque Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of Bosque County and the surrounding areas near Valley Mills. Exhibits feature Norwegian pioneer artifacts, Native American collections, and local historical memorabilia that tell the story of the region's diverse past. The museum's Horn Shelter Exhibit showcases one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in North America.
10. Waco Mammoth National Monument
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL DISCOVERY
Waco Mammoth National Monument protects the fossil remains of 24 Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals discovered in Waco, near Valley Mills. Visitors can view the fossils in situ at the dig shelter, where paleontologists continue to study these remarkable discoveries. The site offers guided tours and educational programs that bring to life the prehistoric landscape of central Texas.
11. Cameron Park Zoo
NATURAL HABITAT WILDLIFE
Cameron Park Zoo in nearby Waco features a diverse collection of animals in naturalistic habitats, including bald eagles, black bears, jaguars, and cougars. The well-maintained grounds and dynamic exhibits make this zoo one of the best in Texas, captivating visitors for hours on end. The Brazos River Country section offers a particularly immersive experience of regional wildlife.
12. Dr Pepper Museum
ICONIC SODA HISTORY
The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco chronicles the evolution of one of America's favorite sodas, displaying early bottling equipment and classic marketing materials from throughout the decades. Visitors can hear vintage jingles from the 1930s and learn about the creation of this iconic Texas beverage. The museum experience culminates with an ice-cold Dr Pepper float served from an authentic soda fountain.
13. Homestead Craft Village
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS COMMUNITY
Homestead Craft Village near Waco offers visitors a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship through demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery, woodworking, and fiber arts. The village features a gristmill, forge, pottery studio, and other workshops where skilled artisans create handcrafted goods using time-honored techniques. Visitors can purchase unique handmade items at the various shops and enjoy farm-to-table dining at the on-site café.
14. Magnolia Market at the Silos
HGTV STARS' MARKETPLACE
Magnolia Market at the Silos, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame, has transformed downtown Waco into a shopping and dining destination not far from Valley Mills. The complex features retail spaces, food trucks, gardens, and a bakery housed in renovated silos and surrounding buildings. Visitors can shop for home décor, enjoy tasty treats, and experience the design aesthetic that made the Gaines couple household names.
15. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
LAW ENFORCEMENT LEGACY
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco chronicles the history and evolution of the oldest state law enforcement agency in the nation. Exhibits display authentic Ranger artifacts, weapons, and equipment spanning nearly 200 years of service to the Lone Star State. Visitors can explore the Ranger legacy through interactive displays, historical documents, and the Hall of Fame honoring distinguished Rangers.