Dripping Springs got its name from the bubbling aquifer, which can be found by the Milk House Branch of the Edwards Aquifer. The town celebrates its Wild West history, as seen through some tours that are conducted by guides in period clothing, making guests feel as though they are pioneers out to discover the new world. Take a look at our full list for the best ways to spend your time in Dripping Springs.
1. Stroll along the Historic Mercer Street
Mercer Street is only one of the spots in town where you feel like you are in the Wild West, as many of the buildings retain their appearance, from the time they were built in the 1870s. Some establishments are used by businesses, while others allow tourists to enter and explore so that they can feel like they have traveled back in time.
One of the must-visit places in the area is Mercer Street Dance Hall, which is actually a barn that was converted into an authentic Texan dance hall. Lessons are offered for those who are not familiar with the style of dancing. A country band plays every Thursday.
Mercer Street Dance Hall
Address: 332 Mercer Street, Dripping Hills, TX
Opening Hours: Country dancing on Thursdays: doors open at 6 pm, music plays at 8 pm. Dance lessons are offered Thursdays, 6 pm – 11 pm; Fridays, 7 pm – midnight; and Saturdays, 7 pm – 1 am
Contact: +1 5128584314
Website: Mercer Street Dance Hall
2. Discover the history of Dripping Springs by visiting the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead
If you still have not sated your hunger for history, drop by the Dr. Pound Historical Homestead, which features two log cabins restored so that its interiors and exteriors mimic how life was back in 1854, when the town was founded. The property was owned by Dr. Pound, one of the forefathers of Dripping Springs. The house is now recognized as a national and state historic landmark.
Aside from the two log cabins, the homestead features amenities from that period, including a smokehouse, a windmill, a rainwater collection cistern, an outhouse, and a hothouse. It also boasts of gardens, one of which serves as the home of a 500-year-old oak tree.
Dr. Pound Historical Homestead
Address: 570 Founder’s Park Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
Price: No entrance fees, but 5 USD donations accepted
Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays, 12 pm to 3 pm. However, appointments can be made for a tour beyond this schedule
Access: The homestead is located at the northeast corner of Founder’s Park
Contact: +1 5128582030
Website: Dr. Pound Historical Homestead
3. Go horseback riding at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Events Center
Those who have internalized the Wild West vibe of Dripping Springs can indulge their inner cowboys and cowgirls in Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Events Center, where they can go horseback riding. Other activities that they can do while there are picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.
Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Events Center
Address: 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX
Contact: +1 5128584725
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4. Rest and relax at one of the parks of Dripping Springs
Charro Ranch Park, a 64-acre (26 hectare) property, was originally owned by the Hibberds. However, Lucy Reed Hibberd donated it to the city in December 2008. The property is marked with several attractions including trekking trails, picnic spots, and even areas where cross-country and track athletes can train. There are also reflection spots for those looking for some peace and quiet, or simply to commune with Mother Earth. Nature lovers may be interested to note that the trees are labeled to identify their species.
For those who prefer active activities, they can instead go to the Sports and Recreation Park, where various outdoor adventures await them. Within the park’s vicinity is soccer, baseball, and softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, walking trails, and a horseshoe area. Picnickers are also welcomed here, although there are also concessionaire stands within the area for those who were not able to bring food with them.
Another option would be Founder’s Memorial Park, which has its own campground for those who want to experience living outdoors for a night or so. Also found within the area are a football field and a playground.
Charro Ranch Park
Address: 22690 W. FM 150, Dripping Springs, TX
Sports and Recreation Park
Address: 27148 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, TX
Founder’s Memorial Park
Address: 490 Founder’s Park Road, Dripping Springs, TX
5. Ride the rapids at Pedernales Falls State Park
If you have a hankering for adventure, you can tube down the Pedernales River, which traverses Pedernales Falls State Park. If you have no plans of getting wet but want to experience outdoor adventure, fear not, because the park boasts of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and campsites. If you want a quieter activity, make sure to bring your camera, because the area features several picturesque spots that would make this a photographer’s dream.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Address: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX
Access: +1 8308687304
6. Have a drink at the Barber Shop Brew Pub, the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, or the Treaty Oak Distillery
Many alcohol-processing establishments are found in Texas, and three are based in Dripping Springs. The Barber Shop Brew is housed in a building that was built in 1924, although it was originally made of wood and not stone. It is so called because it was a barber shop before being converted into a pub, and it also served at some point as a garage, a gas station, and a movie theater. Aside from selling well-known beers and wines, it also serves its own special brews.
Treaty Oak Distillery, meanwhile, is found within the Treaty Oak Ranch. Aside from drinks, it serves various kinds of food. Also found in the vicinity is various family friendly attractions, such as a dog park and a rick-house. Finally, Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery offers various types and flavors of the drink, including fruity ones such as cranberry, lemon, and peach.
Barber Shop
Address: 207 Mercer Street, Dripping Hills, TX
Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 3 pm – 11 pm; Saturdays, 2 pm – 11 pm; Sundays, 2 pm – 8 pm
Contact: +1 5128294636
Website: Barber Shop
Treaty Oak Distillery
Address: 16604 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX
Opening Hours: Fridays, 3 pm – 9 pm; Saturdays, 12 pm – 9 pm; Sundays, 12 pm – 6pm
Contact: +1 5125990335
Website: Treaty Oak Distillery
Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
Address: 2250 East Highway 290, Dripping Hills, TX
Opening Hours: Thursdays to Saturdays, 11 am – 5 pm; Sundays, 12 pm – 5pm
Contact: +1 5129943534
Website: Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
7. Cool off at Hamilton Pool Preserve
Texas can get very hot, especially during the summer. Thankfully, visitors can take a dip at the Hamilton Pool Preserve, which was established by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in 1990. Animal lovers may be interested to note that the preserve is home to a wide variety of birds, including the golden-cheeked warbler. Various plants can also be found here, given the diverse habitats within the area, ranging from semi-arid lands to forests.
Following Hamilton Creek will bring you to a 50-foot (15 meter) waterfall. Do note that during summer, which is the peak season for Hamilton Pool Preserve, reservations need to be made via their website to book your slot there.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX
Price: 11 USD to book online, plus 15 USD per vehicle upon arrival
Contact: +1 5128549383
Website: Hamilton Pool Preserve
8. Visit Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo that’s home to more than 300 animals across 100 different species. This is the forever home to three North American black bears, three Galapagos tortoises, four African lions, five cougars, exotic birds, reptiles, and many more.
Austin Zoo
Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, United States
Website: Austin Zoo
Opening hours: (February 1 - October 31) Mon - Thu: 9:30am - 5pm; Fri - Sun: 9:30am - 6pm | (November 1 - January 31) 9:30am - 5pm (daily) | Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
9. Tour the Texas Hill Country Olive Company
If you are a fan of olive oil, drop by Texas Hill Country Olive Company, where you not only will be able to buy the foodstuff, you can also take a tour on the grounds. Do some tasting while you’re there to see which is the one your palate likes best for you to bring home.
Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Address: 2530 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX
Opening Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11 am - 6 pm; Sundays, 12 pm - 6 pm
Contact: +1 5126076512
Website: Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Dripping Springs: A place of history and adventure
Who says you can’t combine being a fan of both history and adventure? Dripping Springs proves that both can be combined to make something amazing. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a combination of both, you can find something awaiting you in Dripping Springs.