finest surviving 19th-century “limecrete” structures in America. Exhibits feature unusual construction technolo- gy, a dungeon, historic inhabitants and rare Wilson Pottery artifacts. Free. 704 Zorn St. 830/379-4833.
www.visitseguin.com.
SEGUIN HERITAGE MUSEUM—This museum features the history of Guadalupe County, local artifacts, early settlers and photographic exhibits. Free. 114 N. River St. 830/372-0965.
www.theheritagemuseum.org.
WALNUT SPRINGS MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN— Stagecoach route down to the crossing on Walnut Branch is marked by fieldstone walls lined with roses. 317 W. Court St. In Walnut Springs Park.
ZDT’S AMUSEMENT PARK—Includes go-kart racing, climbing walls, games, rides and water activities. Admissions charge. 299 W. Kingsbury. 830/386-0151.
SHERMAN POP. 39,457
ALT. 728 MAP G-18/QQ-1
SHERMAN VISITOR CENTER: 118 W. Lamar St. 903/891-9379.
www.shermantx.org.
The city takes its name from Gen. Sidney Sherman, the Republic of Texas cavalry officer credited with the famous slogan, “Remember the Alamo!” The establishment of sev- eral colleges, as well as a drama club, earned Sherman the title of “The Athens of Texas.” Sherman has many cultural offerings, especially for a city its size, featuring the Sher- man Symphony Orchestra and the Sherman Community Players live theater troupe. The city is home to Austin Col- lege. Live music abounds, especially in the summer, with the Hot Summer Nights free concert series. Kelly Square offers shopping in a beautifully restored turn-of-the- century building at 115 S. Travis.
C.S. ROBERTS HOUSE—This Eastlake-style house was built in 1886. It is part of Heritage Row, an area of elegant Victorian homes along South Crockett Street. Maps are available from the chamber of commerce. 915 S. Crockett St. 903/893-4067.
www.shermanpreservationleague.org.
HAGERMAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE— On Lake Texoma. See WHITESBORO.
HARBER WILDLIFE MUSEUM—This museum displays examples of big-game animals hunted around the world, along with an extensive collection of African artifacts. Admissions charge. 4703 Texoma Parkway. 903/771-1134.
www.harberwildlifemuseum.com.
LAKE—Lake Texoma, see DENISON.
THE SHERMAN MUSEUM—Features the history of the county through pictures and artifacts. Museum is in an old Carnegie Library, which is in the National Register of His- toric Places, with preserved 1933 WPA murals. Free. 301 S. Walnut St. 903/893-7623.
www.theshermanmuseum.org.
SHINER POP. 2,110
ALT. 350 MAP R-18
SHINER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: In the historic Ehlers Cigar Factory. 817 Avenue E. 361/594-4180.
www.shinertx.com.
Shiner was named for the town-site donor, H.B. Shiner. The town grew as a trade center for Czech and German farmers.
EDWIN WOLTERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM—Displays include natural history and memorabilia of early Shiner history. Also see a farm shed, the 1870s Herder House, Old General Store and Shiner Jail on site. 306 S. Avenue I. 361/594-3774.
GASLIGHT DINNER THEATRE—Shiner’s 1895 opera house reopened in 1975 as a dinner theater. Three plays are presented each year in the spring, summer and fall. 207 E. Seventh St. 361/594-4180.
www.shinergaslight.org.
220 The Harber Wildlife Museum in Sherman displays big game from all over the world.
SPOETZL BREWERY—Home of Shiner beers, this is the oldest independent brewery in Texas, making beer since 1909. Even with a recent expansion that tripled brewing capacity, it is still one of the smallest breweries in the state. Gift shop. 603 E. Brewery St. (Texas 95). 361/594-3383.
www.shiner.com.
SMITHVILLE POP. 3,900
ALT. 324 MAP Q-17
SMITHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: At Main and NW First streets. 512/237-2313.
www.smithvilletx.org.
On the Colorado River, this city is on the eastern edge of the “Lost Pines of Texas.” The historic downtown is home to antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. Smithville’s picturesque small-town character has made it a location for several movies, including Hope Floats and Tree of Life. Smithville was recognized in the 2009 Guinness Book
of World Records for creating the World’s Biggest Ginger- bread Man, weighing more than 1,300 pounds and stand- ing 20 feet tall. The giant cookie stands near the chamber of commerce offices and is a popular photo subject. Annual events include Thunder on the Colorado biker
rally in March, Smithville Jamboree in April, Texas Photo Festival in October and Festival of Lights in December.
BUESCHER STATE PARK—This scenic park in the “Lost Pines” is connected to Bastrop State Park by a 12-mile road perfect for biking or a leisurely drive. Rent canoes or hike through the forest. Also enjoy camping and fishing in a small woodland lake stocked for anglers. Three cabins and a group facility are available for rent. Admission charge. Three miles north via Texas 71/95 and F.M. 2104. 512/237-2241.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/buescher.
JAMES H. LONG RAILROAD PARK AND MUSEUM— This museum depicts the history of the railroad in Smith- ville with memorabilia, real cabooses and a vintage motor car. Katy Depot is constructed from materials salvaged from the former station. The park has a gazebo, picnic ta- bles and a playground. Admission charge. 100 NW First St. At the chamber of commerce building. 512/237-2313.
RIVERBEND PARK—The Lower Colorado River Authori- ty’s park on the Colorado River has camping facilities, a fishing pier, picnic areas, disc golf course and a playground.
Free. Park entrance is off U.S. 71. 512/237-3282 x7.
SMITHVILLE VETERANS’ MEMORIAL AND SPLASH PARK—Memorial honors veterans of war and peacetime, while the splash park area reflects freedom, youthful ener- gy and joy. 311 NW Second St. 512/237-3282 x2109.
www.texasmemorialpark.org.
SOMERVILLE POP. 1,414
ALT. 250 MAP P-19
BURLESON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 979/596-2382.
www.burlesoncountytx.com.
The city is a gateway to Somerville Lake. There are four U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks, one city park and two state parks around the lake. Big Creek and Yegua Creek parks have a half-mile-long nature trail. Somerville lies on Texas 36, a segment of the Ports-to-Plains Highway con- necting the state’s heartland to coastal ports.
LAKE—Somerville Lake—This Army Corps of Engineers lake offers parks, marinas, boat ramps and camping. Lake Somerville State Park is on north and south shores. East of Somerville; also accessible from Brenham and Burton. 979/596-1622.
LAKE SOMERVILLE STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY— Roads and trails wind among meadows and woodland campsites, with the 13-mile Lake Somerville Trailway System connecting the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units of this park. The trailway is suitable for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, birding, photogra- phy and nature study. Nails Creek offers a swimming area, canoes for rent and equestrian trails. Birch Creek is known for its group-trailer area, fishing and lake access. There are wheelchair-accessible trails in both parks. Admission charge.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ lake-somerville. Birch Creek: North of Somerville via Texas 36 and
left on F.M. 60, at 14222 Park Road 57. 979/535-7763. Nails Creek: From U.S. 290, take F.M. 180 or F.M. 1697
north to 6280 F.M. 180 in Ledbetter. 979/289-2392.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lake-somerville.
SOMERVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM—This museum in Heritage Square is housed in an early-1900s building, for- merly a saloon. It features archaeological, local and pio- neer exhibits. Texas 36 at Eighth Street. 979/596-2383.
PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234 |
Page 235 |
Page 236 |
Page 237 |
Page 238 |
Page 239 |
Page 240 |
Page 241 |
Page 242 |
Page 243 |
Page 244 |
Page 245 |
Page 246 |
Page 247 |
Page 248 |
Page 249 |
Page 250 |
Page 251 |
Page 252 |
Page 253 |
Page 254 |
Page 255 |
Page 256 |
Page 257 |
Page 258 |
Page 259 |
Page 260