Things To Do in Lampasas

Lampasas is a laid-back town, and the things you can do while you’re here are certainly a reflection of that. The Historic Downtown Square is the heart of the goings-on here, with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes ready to welcome you with open arms. Just beyond the city, in the greater Hill Country area, are some fantastic spots to spend an afternoon, so be sure to include them in your itinerary on your next trip. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to check out some of these things to do in Lampasas so you get the most out of your time here.

Play at the Park

Lampasas boasts several beautiful parks that encapsulate the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The best known is Hancock Park, site of the famous free-flowing sulphur springs that once drew visitors for their mythical healing properties. Today, the springs feed into the Hancock Park pool, where the water always remains at a refreshing 72 degrees. It’s the perfect place to cool down after playing 18 holes at the Hancock Park Golf Course.

Another local hotspot is W.M Brook Park, where you’ll find kids playing on the playground or fishing in the blue waters of Sulphur Creek, which runs through the park. Inside Campbell Park lies the celebrated Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden, Lampasas’ quirky open-air exhibit of permanent pieces and temporary works. Meanwhile, admire the local birds, butterflies, and carefully-cultivated native plants at Cooper Spring Nature Park in downtown Lampasas. But to really get into nature, make the short drive west out to Colorado Bend State Park to witness soaring bald eagles, fish for white bass, and gaze at the majestic 60-foot-tall Gorman Falls.

Explore Historic Downtown Lampasas

The city’s downtown area is a Nationally Registered Historic District, with dozens of homes and buildings that date back to the late 1800’s. The jewel of the district is the Lampasas County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses in Texas that is still in use. Along Third and Fourth Streets, a stretch of houses locals call “Silk Stocking Row” - elegant Victorian-style homes built by the wealthy land barons and lumber merchants who once called Lampasas home - is another highlight. A nice mix of shops are located in the courthouse square, where you can hunt for antiques or vintage books, pick up some new boots or jewelry, or take home some artwork. As you shop, you’ll want to be sure to stop and ...

Admire the Murals

The Lampasas murals are part of an award-winning community beautification project that have turned a walk through downtown into a stroll through an outdoor art gallery. Created entirely by local volunteers, each of the nine murals serves as an ode to the heritage and culture of Lampasas. “Boots” at Western and 4th Street, the first mural dedicated, honored the artistry of local bootmakers with a collage of pairs of the timeless Western footwear. “Postcard from Lampasas” is done in the classic city mural style, while "Hunt & Fish in Lampasas County!" and “Lampasas County Wildflowers" recognize the natural beauty of the area. All the murals are within easy walking distance of each other, so be sure to hit them all and don’t forget your camera.

Hit the Wine Trail

As wine continues to rival beer as the drink of choice for Americans, the Texas Hill Country continues to build its reputation as a producer of world-class reds and whites. Two wineries in Lampasas, and one nearby, are doing their part to bolster that image. At Texas Legato Winery, the Bledsoe family nurtures their malbec, merlot, petite sirah, and petite verdot grapes from planting to bottling. Guests sit on the patio and sip their award-winning wines like Family Reunion, a dry and smooth red made from a blend of the aformentioned grapes. On the adjacent property, in the tasting room at Pillar Bluff Vineyards, sommeliers pour premium cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, chenin blanc, and merlot for thirsty travelers.

If you’re willing to drive, Pilot Knob Vineyard in Bertram is about half an hour southeast of Lampasas. Housed in a lovely building on a ridge, Pilot Knob is owned by a fourth generation grape-grower and specializes in chardonnay and viognier wines. However, its specialty is the Franco Rojo, a medium-bodied red wine with a light oak flavor made with Spanish tempranillo grapes.