Estes Preserve guidebook
Sightseeing
Golfing
Play golf at the nine-hole golf course built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago.
Hiking/Biking
Walk or bike our trails to see the wild side of the park. Stroll the easy Clear Fork Trail for views of the creek, plants, wildlife, and check dams built by the CCC to create fishing holes. Or hike the short but challenging Persimmon Trail.
Fishing
Anglers catch sunfish, catfish and bass in Clear Fork Creek. You do not need a fishing license to fish here.
17 locals recommend
Lockhart State Park
2012 State Park RdGolfing
Play golf at the nine-hole golf course built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago.
Hiking/Biking
Walk or bike our trails to see the wild side of the park. Stroll the easy Clear Fork Trail for views of the creek, plants, wildlife, and check dams built by the CCC to create fishing holes. Or hike the short but challenging Persimmon Trail.
Fishing
Anglers catch sunfish, catfish and bass in Clear Fork Creek. You do not need a fishing license to fish here.
Gruene
A historic district. A great place to find music and good food.
Southwest Museum of Clocks & Watches
109 E San Antonio StA fun stop on the square in Lockhart.
The first Caldwell County Courthouse was erected on this site in 1848, when the county was organized and named for Mathew Caldwell, a Texas Ranger and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. It was replaced in 1858 by a 2-story limestone edifice, measuring 65 feet by 40 feet, with six offices and two rooms for storing records. By 1893, that building had become too small for a growing county. In April 1893, Judge George W. Kyser and commissioners J. H. Jolley, G. A. McGee, C. R. Smith, and R. A. Tiller approved plans for the present courthouse. The cornerstone was laid by Lockhart Lodge No. 690, A. F. & A. M., on August 15, 1893. Contractors Martin, Byrne, and Johnston completed the building on March 19, 1894. The 3-story structure is built of sandstone with red sandstone trim. It displays the fine workmanship and elaborate detail common to architecture of the period. The mansard roof is characteristic of the second empire style that was often used for public buildings. The courthouse is topped by a central clock tower, with additional towers at each corner and flanking the north and south entrances. When it was built, the structure was equipped with the latest conveniences of the day, including electricity. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976
Caldwell County Courthouse
110 South Main StreetThe first Caldwell County Courthouse was erected on this site in 1848, when the county was organized and named for Mathew Caldwell, a Texas Ranger and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. It was replaced in 1858 by a 2-story limestone edifice, measuring 65 feet by 40 feet, with six offices and two rooms for storing records. By 1893, that building had become too small for a growing county. In April 1893, Judge George W. Kyser and commissioners J. H. Jolley, G. A. McGee, C. R. Smith, and R. A. Tiller approved plans for the present courthouse. The cornerstone was laid by Lockhart Lodge No. 690, A. F. & A. M., on August 15, 1893. Contractors Martin, Byrne, and Johnston completed the building on March 19, 1894. The 3-story structure is built of sandstone with red sandstone trim. It displays the fine workmanship and elaborate detail common to architecture of the period. The mansard roof is characteristic of the second empire style that was often used for public buildings. The courthouse is topped by a central clock tower, with additional towers at each corner and flanking the north and south entrances. When it was built, the structure was equipped with the latest conveniences of the day, including electricity. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976
Organized in 1848, Caldwell County lost its original log jail in an 1858 fire, then kept prisoners in the Courthouse basement until 1873, when outlaws' activities called for a strong stone prison. In 1908 Caldwell countains voted 725 to 311 for a $25,000.00 bond issue to erect this castellated brick structure. The jailer's quarters occupy the ground floor, over a storage area in the basement. The upper floors contain fifteen cells of concrete and steel, with one cell rising from the center of the building. Gallows are said to have been removed from this jail in the 1930s. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
Location: In Lockhart on the corner of Brazos and Market St.
Caldwell County Museum
314 E Market StOrganized in 1848, Caldwell County lost its original log jail in an 1858 fire, then kept prisoners in the Courthouse basement until 1873, when outlaws' activities called for a strong stone prison. In 1908 Caldwell countains voted 725 to 311 for a $25,000.00 bond issue to erect this castellated brick structure. The jailer's quarters occupy the ground floor, over a storage area in the basement. The upper floors contain fifteen cells of concrete and steel, with one cell rising from the center of the building. Gallows are said to have been removed from this jail in the 1930s. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
Location: In Lockhart on the corner of Brazos and Market St.
John and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman in 1874 built gristmill and sawmill at this site, with stone dam across the San Marcos. Bob Innes, John Orchard, J. K. Walker, and Fritz Zedler, as Luling Water Power Co., bought mills (1884), adding cotton gin. A milling veteran, Zedler in 1888 bought all stock and made eldest son partner. The gin, soon burned, was rebuilt. Units were added. Sons Herman and Charles joined firm. In 1890 and later, the Zedlers furnished water to city; 1894 and later, city power. In time various mill units closed; operations ceased about 1960.
Location: Near the corner of SH 80 and S, Laurel St. in Luling
Zedler Mill
1170 S Laurel AveJohn and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman in 1874 built gristmill and sawmill at this site, with stone dam across the San Marcos. Bob Innes, John Orchard, J. K. Walker, and Fritz Zedler, as Luling Water Power Co., bought mills (1884), adding cotton gin. A milling veteran, Zedler in 1888 bought all stock and made eldest son partner. The gin, soon burned, was rebuilt. Units were added. Sons Herman and Charles joined firm. In 1890 and later, the Zedlers furnished water to city; 1894 and later, city power. In time various mill units closed; operations ceased about 1960.
Location: Near the corner of SH 80 and S, Laurel St. in Luling
Texas State Tubes
2024 North Old Bastrop HighwayA fun way to spend a warm day.
Jacobs Well
A beautiful natural swimming hole.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrA fun spot on a warm day.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
2102 Hunter RoadBeautiful natural swimming area. Check website for seasonal details.
275 locals recommend
Blue Hole Regional Park
333 Blue Hole LnBeautiful natural swimming area. Check website for seasonal details.
Rockin 'R' River Rides
1405 Gruene RdSan Marcos River
Canyon Lake
Texas Tubes
250 Meusebach StCircuit of The Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas BlvdOld Settler's Music Festival
1616 FM3158Annual Music Festival
Best Little Wine & Books
210 West San Antonio StreetUnique shop for all who like wine and books.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
400 N Liberty AveGreat water park!
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
6701 San Jose DrNeighborhoods
Get away from the city, enjoy good food and enjoy nature. In the Fall of 2003, the Senate passed a resolution proclaiming Lockhart to be The Barbecue Capital of Texas. Lockhart is the original home of Black's, Kreuz's, Smitty's and Chisholm trail Barbecue.
42 locals recommend
Lockhart
Get away from the city, enjoy good food and enjoy nature. In the Fall of 2003, the Senate passed a resolution proclaiming Lockhart to be The Barbecue Capital of Texas. Lockhart is the original home of Black's, Kreuz's, Smitty's and Chisholm trail Barbecue.
Food scene
Our favorite BBQ place. Walking in and ordering your food will be an unique experience. The fire pit is located just inside the door.
34 locals recommend
Smitty's Market
208 S Commerce StOur favorite BBQ place. Walking in and ordering your food will be an unique experience. The fire pit is located just inside the door.
Black's Barbecue
215 N Main StConsidered the oldest BBQ restaurant in the Lockhart.
A great place for BBQ. They also have a wonderful meat market if you want to cook your own.
25 locals recommend
Kreuz Market
619 N Colorado StA great place for BBQ. They also have a wonderful meat market if you want to cook your own.
A great place to pickup prepared small batch gourmet foods. They also have bakery and cute gifts.
101 East San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644, United States
7 locals recommend
The Culinary Room
101 E San Antonio StA great place to pickup prepared small batch gourmet foods. They also have bakery and cute gifts.
101 East San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644, United States
I very cute hole in the wall restaurant. You walk down a flight of stairs to the space below The Culinary Room. It is the basement of the old bank. This space has been turned into a unique dining experience. You must try their craft cocktails. If you hear music playing walk around the corner to the the space behind The Culinary Room.
11 locals recommend
Little Trouble
I very cute hole in the wall restaurant. You walk down a flight of stairs to the space below The Culinary Room. It is the basement of the old bank. This space has been turned into a unique dining experience. You must try their craft cocktails. If you hear music playing walk around the corner to the the space behind The Culinary Room.
This small grocery store specializes in the local, gourmet and special diet foods. They also have a smoothie and coffee bar.
6 locals recommend
Good Things Grocery
110 South Commerce StreetThis small grocery store specializes in the local, gourmet and special diet foods. They also have a smoothie and coffee bar.
Henry's Restaurant
215 S Commerce StGuadalajara Mexican Restaurant
1710 South Colorado StreetMr Taco
831 South Colorado StreetLoop & Lil's Pizza
107 N Main StLoad Off Fannys
202 E Market StGreat spot for music and food.
The PEARL
110 N Main St