DEVILS SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA —This National Natural Landmark houses one of the state’s largest colonies of Mexican free-tail bats. This enormous vertical cavern—50 feet wide and about 140 feet deep—is thought to be the largest single-chamber cavern in Texas. From late spring through early fall, witness more than 3 million bats stream into the evening sky. The park is only accessible with pre- scheduled tours. Evening bat emergence tours are offered during the summer. Reservations required. Contact the Devil’s Sinkhole Society. Free. 101 N. Sweeten St. 830/683-2287 or 830/562-2342.
www.devilssinkhole.org.
SCENIC DRIVES —Most highways from Rocksprings are scenic routes through the rugged Hill Country, especially R.M. 674 south, U.S. 377 southwest and U.S. 377 northeast.
ROUND ROCK POP. 110,326
ALT. 720 MAP P-17/EE-14
ROUND ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 231 E. Main St., Suite 150. 512/218-7023.
www.sportscapitaloftexas.com.
The city was named for a large round rock in the bed of Brushy Creek. Several historic buildings here are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Old Settlers Park features more than 480 acres for
events and festivals. Events include the Daffodil Days Festival and the Three-Legged Willie 13K in March, Fiesta Amistad in May, Frontier Days in July and the Texas Outlaw 100 Cycling Tour in October.
DELL DIAMOND —This field is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. The team is owned by the legendary Nolan Ryan; his son, Reid Ryan; and former Houston Astros’ owner Don Sanders. Dell Diamond is 3.5 miles east of I-35 on U.S. 79, adjacent to Old Settler’s Park.
www.roundrockexpress.com.
PALM HOUSE MUSEUM —The restored home of Andrew and Caroline Palm sits on land purchased from a Swedish immigration agent. The house has authentic furnishings, an elegant parlor and Swedish kitchen. 212 E. Main St. East of Round Rock in the Palm Valley settlement.
SAN MARCOS POP. 55,527
ALT. 581 MAP Q-16
SAN MARCOS CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER: Exit 205 if traveling northbound or Exit 204B if traveling southbound. 617 Interstate 35 N. 512/393-5930 or 888/200-5620.
www.toursanmarcos.com.
Legend says Franciscan monks paddling up the Guadalupe River discovered the San Marcos River and chose the name because the discovery was made on St. Mark’s day. The town also was a resting point on a three-day stagecoach trip from Austin to San Antonio. The historic downtown, listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, features art, gift shops and restaurants. The restored Hays County Courthouse is at Hopkins Street and LBJ Drive. The Hays County Veterans Memorial is at Hopkins Street and Riverside Drive. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are offered in the historic district. The 1867 Charles S. Cock House (C.M. Allen Parkway and East Hopkins Street) is in the Tour of Homes event the first weekend in May. Shoppers find bargains on name brands at San
Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center south on I-35 at Centerpoint Road. The city is home to San Marcos Baptist Academy and Texas State University. The San Marcos River rises from mammoth springs
in the town. Scuba, snorkel, fish, kayak or tube this crystal clear river. Rio Vista Falls, a transformed dam, offers white water. Events include Texas Water Safari and BIGFest in June and PetFest in October.
BELVIN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT —Superb examples of 19th-century homes sit along tree-shaded streets. Drive or stroll the streets. All are private residences but some are open to the public for the Tour of Homes in May.
COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE CENTRAL TEXAS WING —Housed in a 1943 vintage wooden hangar, the Centex Wing is home to 12 airworthy vintage military aircraft. A Japanese “Kate” torpedo bomber replica— built for the movie “Tora, Tora, Tora”—is displayed with other vintage aircraft. Donation recommended. At the San Marcos Municipal Airport, follow the Perimeter Road along the fence to the Centex hangar. 512/396-1943.
www.cafcentex.com.
DICK’S CLASSIC GARAGE CAR MUSEUM —The collection of more than 80 American classics includes many of the finest cars made in the United States, with models dating to 1929. Admission charge. 120 Stagecoach Trail. 512/878-2406.
www.dicksclassicgarage.com.
LBJ MUSEUM OF SAN MARCOS —This museum focuses on this U.S. president’s formative years and how his early experiences as a college student and schoolteacher influenced San Marcos and the nation. 131 N. Guadalupe St. West side of the courthouse square. 512/353-3300.
www.lbjmuseum.com.
THE MEADOWS CENTER —(Formerly Aquarena Center) Take a glass-bottom boat or kayak ride to view the bubbling springs. The Endangered Species Exhibit provides an up-close look at species that live only in the San Marcos River. Just outside the park, the Wetlands Boardwalk offers birding opportunities. There is a fee for the boat ride. Admission charge. 951 Aquarena Springs Drive. 512/245-7570.
www.aquarena.txstate.edu.
SAN MARCOS RIVER WALKWAY —Connects five city parks along the picturesque river, accented by lush landscaping. Access from Juan Veramendi Plaza. C.M. Allen Parkway at Hopkins Street.
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