Things to Do in Cuero

There are countless things to do in Cuero, Texas, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation to experience quintessential small-town living. If you don’t have one, rent a convertible or Jeep Wrangler for a beautiful, breezy drive through the "Wildflower Capital of Texas" in the spring, when the countryside comes alive with brilliant Texas wildflowers. It’s truly breathtaking, and between the scenic roads and the Cuero Mural Tour, you’ll discover plenty of picturesque photo opportunities to capture your trip.

Pack your binoculars because two renowned nature trails intersect in Cuero: the Guadalupe River Paddling Trail and the Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Cuero is also known as the “Turkey Capital of the World,” and there’s no better way to experience that tradition than by attending Cuero Turkeyfest each October. With so much to see and do, Cuero offers something for every traveler—all just 90 miles southeast of San Antonio along the Guadalupe River. Check out this list of things to do in Cuero to start planning your unforgettable Texas adventure.

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Drive Through Vibrant Texas Wildflowers in the “Wildflower Capital of Texas”

In the springtime, Cuero and DeWitt County look like a painted postcard, with fields of bright yellows, flourishing fuchsias, and striking oranges. The Lone Star State is known for its abundance of wildflowers that bloom across Texas, but DeWitt County stands out for its remarkably high concentration and wide variety of blooms. In fact, the county is home to more than 1,000 species of wildflowers that bloom at various times throughout the year, which is one of the reasons the Texas Legislature designated DeWitt County the "Wildflower Capital of Texas" in 1999.

Cuero hosts wildflower tours from March through May and celebrates the official "Wildflower Month in DeWitt County" each April. Pick up a color-coded wildflower route map from the Cuero Chamber of Commerce and hit the road for spectacular views. If you prefer a slower pace, bring your bike and explore the routes while enjoying a little exercise.

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Attend Cuero Turkeyfest in the “Turkey Capital of the World”

Cuero’s long love affair with turkeys began when the first dressing house opened in 1908, and DeWitt County farmers began raising these big birds on a larger scale. Each fall, the farmers herded their turkeys through the city streets to the packing house, drawing locals and visitors alike to watch the spectacle. In 1912, the Chamber of Commerce named this annual event the “Turkey Trot,” and it soon began attracting journalists, cameramen, and spectators from far and wide. This tradition eventually evolved into what we now know as Cuero Turkeyfest, a three-day celebration held each October. During Cuero Turkeyfest, you can cheer on Ruby Begonia, Cuero’s famed turkey, as she races Paycheck, a turkey from Worthington, Minnesota, for the title of “World’s Fastest Turkey” in the annual Great Gobbler Gallop.

Be sure to pack your dancing boots because there’s always an impressive lineup of bands at Cuero Turkeyfest. When you need a break from swinging your hips, browse the arts and crafts market, sample fresh biscuits and cobbler at the Dutch oven and camp cooking demonstrations, or test your appetite in the jalapeño-eating contest (if you dare). Kick off Saturday morning with the Turkey Trot 5K before taking on the Guadalupe River in the afternoon canoe race. With family-friendly activities like a turkey egg hunt, carnival, and parade, Cuero Turkeyfest is one of the best things to do in Cuero and offers fun for visitors of all ages.

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Take the Cuero Mural Tour

Resting cowboys, puffed-up turkeys, and Little League baseball players are frozen in time in colorful murals throughout Cuero. For a town its size, Cuero has an impressive collection of murals, many within walking distance of one another. Bring your camera and follow the Cuero Mural Tour to some of the best photo spots in town. Be sure to check out the larger-than-life 1960s soda fountain scene on the side of KN Root Beer Drive In.

Grab some delicious homemade ice cream from Green Cow Creamery, then take a stroll through downtown and Art Alley to admire the many murals painted by local artist Rafael Acosta Jr., who specializes in interior and exterior decorative and realism art.

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Go Birding in Cuero

The Guadalupe Loop of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail passes through Cuero, and the rich grasslands and dense brush of DeWitt County make it a prime destination for birders. Wintering sparrows thrive in the area’s grasslands, and many South Texas thorn scrub species, including the least grebe, olive sparrow, and pauraque, have been spotted here. Cuero Municipal Park is one of the premier birding locations in the area, featuring an 8.5-acre lake and a creek that flows into the Guadalupe River.

Another great way to spot Texas birds is to rent a canoe and paddle down the Guadalupe River, where you just might see herons, kingfishers, egrets, and even a bald eagle. Birders have also recorded buntings, woodpeckers, kittiwakes, goshawks, and eagles in and around Cuero. During the spring and fall migration seasons, birding groups gather each Sunday for guided birdwatching adventures. If you find yourself in Cuero during migration season, be sure to keep your eyes open—you just might see something remarkable.

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Paddle the Guadalupe Valley Paddling Trail

There are three water access points along the paddling trail near Cuero. If you’re feeling adventurous, take on the full 13.8-mile trail, or plan ahead and paddle just a shorter section. You can even try your luck at catching catfish, bass, or sunfish, as long as you have a valid Texas fishing license. In addition to the excellent birdwatching along the trail, you might also spot raccoons, deer, squirrels, and feral hogs. Keep in mind that most of the land surrounding the Guadalupe River is private property, so you’ll need to stay on the water between public access points. Truly, this is a Texas gem you won’t want to miss when you visit Cuero.