The small country town of Burnet in central Texas is a popular tourist destination and a vacation spot for many due to the presence of several beautiful lakes, wineries, natural attractions, and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. With numerous golfing courses, camping sites, cabins along the lakes, and commemorative museums among others, Burnet is a promising destination for every kind of traveler who is out to satisfy their adventurous spirits. Whether you are in for a long stay, or you are visiting for just a weekend, you will always have more than enough to choose from. To help you out, read below for our top recommendations of the best things to do in Burnet, Texas.
1. Visit the Highland Lakes Squadron museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Highland Lake Squadron museum was chartered on the 5th of April, 1992. It details the history of the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. The museum has on display various artifacts that were obtained from several sources, including donations by local veterans and their families. Some of artefacts in the museum came from active participants in various past duties, including a P-38 pilot who was shot down and spent time in German prisoner of war camps, a B-17 gunner who toured occupied Europe, volunteers who never returned from missions, and a B-17 pilot who went for more than 25 missions over Europe. The museum also holds a decent collection of WWII guns and knives. If you are into military aviation, then a visit to this museum will be more than satisfying.
The Highland Lakes Squadron museum
Address: 2402 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: The Highland Lakes Squadron museum
Opening hours: Wed: 1pm - 4pm, Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri)
2. Go cliff-jumping at Devil’s Waterhole in Lake Inks
Lake Inks is best known for golfing, backpacking and boating, but there is another activity that most adrenalin junkies can’t resist attempting – cliff-jumping at the Devil’s waterhole. The Devil’s Waterhole is a small extension of the lake surrounded by a rock. Adrenalin junkies usually love climbing on top of the cliff, then dropping down into the hole below. There is a warning sign that screams, “Swim at your own risk” but as usual, such is usually ignored by the junkies.
Devil’s Waterhole in Lake Inks
Address: Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Explore the caves at Longhorn Cavern State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park has a limestone cave that was formed centuries ago by an underground river. Back in the days, the cave was the perfect hideout for Confederate soldiers and outlaws, but it is one of the leading tourist attractions in the Burnet at the moment. Excavations were done to the cave to create walkways and stairs inside the tavern and to make it safe for everyone to access.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Address: 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Website: Longhorn Cavern State Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
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4. Spot various bird species at Canyon of the Eagles
Canyon of the Eagles is a park with a rich diversity of flora and fauna of Lake Buchanan. It is the refuge for a variety of endangered bird species, with the most notable ones being the American Bald Eagle, Golden-cheeked Warbler, and Black-Capped Vireo. The park has a superfluity of bird species, and you will not only enjoy the unique spotting but also you will be soothed by the nice chirping that will be originating from the trees up above. Additionally, you will spot other wildlife, including roadrunner, rabbit, deer, feral pigs, armadillos and bobcat among others.
Canyon of the Eagles
Address: 16942 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Canyon of the Eagles
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 9pm
5. Admire the beauty and grandeur of Falkenstein Castle
The Falkenstein Castle is like a scene out of a fairy tale. It sits on a 113 acres (45.7 hectares) of preserved Texas parkland, and from it, you get unobstructed 360 degrees views of Hill Country in any direction. The white limestone walls, the tranquil lily pond, and the butterfly garden with more than 150 varieties of wildflowers and herbs are some of the notable attractions you will find within the property. Being in the castle comes along with a unique aura of culture and romance that is reminiscent of the medieval times, and the ambiance you get in this place is simply unmatched. The property is mainly rented out for weddings, and though you may not have the chance to afford a visit, you are always free to admire from afar.
Falkenstein Castle
Address: 7400 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Falkenstein Castle
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
6. Enjoy a unique stargazing experience at Eagle Eye Observatory
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Eagle Eye Observatory is at the Canyon of the Eagles, and it is reputed as one of the best astronomic viewing sites in Texas. In other words, if you want to observe the stars while in Texas, then simply find your way to Eagle Eye Observatory. The observatory is at an elevation of 1,100 feet (335 meters) above the sea level, and it features a sliding roof design with two movable roof sections. The observatory has modern telescopes and various astronomical instruments that will make you immerse deeply into the stargazing experience. Expect to have very quality views of the moon, deep-sky objects, distant star, and views of other celestial objects you might have never known existed.
Eagle Eye Observatory
Address: Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Eagle Eye Observatory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 9pm
7. Enrich your knowledge at Fort Croghan Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Back in the days, Indians were real trouble makers along the Texas frontier, and they would attack the white settlers and wreak havoc without any warning. As a solution, the United States government established four forts along this frontier to help protect the settlers. Fort Croghan was one of the forts, and it currently serves as a museum with various artifacts from that era.
Fort Croghan Museum
Address: 703 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Fort Croghan Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed From Sun to Wed)
8. Enjoy camping at Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake was constructed as a reservoir of the Texas Hill Country, though it is also open for recreational uses such as fishing, boating and golfing. For camping enthusiasts, Inks Lake has some of the best camping grounds with a plethora of outdoor opportunities. Most people come to the park to backpack, play golf, and of course, go cliff jumping at Devil’s Water Hole.
Inks Lake State Park
Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Inks Lake State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
9. Buy a souvenir at Ritzy Texan Gift Shop
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Buying souvenirs is always a decent practice to help you have something to remind you of the various trips you take around the world. When you are in Burnet, Texas, the best place to find befitting items for souvenirs and gifts is at Ritzy Texan. At this gift shop, you will find an envious collection of unique creations by master craftsmen from Texas and the neighboring regions. They have lots of beautiful artisan works featuring glass, canvas, metal, and wood among others.
Ritzy Texan Gift Shop
Address: 103 W Polk St Burnet, TX 78611
Website: Ritzy Texan Gift Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
10. Taste good wines at Torr Na Loch Vineyard and Winery
Torr Na Loch Vineyard and Winery presents you with great Texan wines made from Texan grown fruits. The setting is in the countryside, and this ensures that in addition to enjoying the wine, you will also enjoy the pleasant views of the sprawling countryside. The wine-tasting experience in this winery is exceptional, featuring a flight of six wines, accompanied by cheese plates and other small bite plates to help you down the wine.
Torr Na Loch Vineyard and Winery
Address: 7055 TX-29, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Torr Na Loch Vineyard and Winery
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 1pm - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 1pm - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
11. Enjoy a family day out at Hamilton Creek Park
Fountains, children’s play areas, lighted walkways, and picnic areas describe some of the sites you will find at Hamilton Creek Park. The park is right at the heart of the city, and this makes it ideal family day outs. The children are bound to have lots of fun, and the adults will also enjoy the peace and tranquility exuded by the park.
Hamilton Creek Park
Address: W Jackson St, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Hamilton Creek Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
12. Go for an excursion with Buchanan Adventure Tours
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Buchanan Adventure Tours has a wide range of excursions, featuring both on water and off-water activities. Whether you are interested in guided kayaking adventures to Fall Creek Falls, nature hiking with a BAT naturalist, or you want to go for a pontoon cruise at Lake Buchanan, you can have all that arranged so that you sit back and relax while you wait to enjoy your excursion.
Buchanan Adventure Tours
Address: 16942 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Buchanan Adventure Tours
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
13. Buy beautiful wood carvings at The Knot Hole
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Most people have always mistaken The Knot Hole as nothing but a mere wood carving store. But this is until they visit and see the scope of what happens in there and the various items on display. The establishment has over 120 stocked vendor spaces with a humongous collection of all manner of wood carvings, ranging from furniture to trinkets. Whether you want the most unique wooden utensils in Texas, or you want to invest in decent wooden cabinets for your home, or perhaps you need a carving of your soul animal as a souvenir, you are guaranteed of a huge variety to choose from at The Knot Hole. Be sure to set aside enough time for this tour, because you will have lots of items to look at and admire.
The Knot Hole
Address: 608 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: The Knot Hole
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
14. Indulge in mouth-watering American cuisine at Mama’s Home Cooking
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Leaving Texas without sampling the culinary delights of the region may make your trip appear as incomplete, and to avoid this, all you need is a visit at Mama’s Home Cooking for delicious, and authentic home-cooked American meals. The restaurant is in a family-friendly environment, and it offers an extensive menu that will be a true representation of the foods you would normally find in authentic American homes. The wait staff is exceedingly friendly, and they will leave no stone unturned in making you feel at home so that you can enjoy the nice delicacies you will be served with.
Mama’s Home Cooking
Address: 635 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Mama’s Home Cooking
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
15. Catch a show at Haley Nelson Park Amphitheater
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Haley Nelson Park has enticing amenities of fun and entertainment, including a picnic pavilion, soccer fields, walking and hiking trails, washer complexes, and an amphitheater. Irrespective of when you visit, you will never lack what to see or do in this park, but a great attraction within the park is the amphitheater where you can always catch concerts and other performances. In the absence of such, simply stroll the park while you enjoy the open spaces and the greenery around.
Haley Nelson Park Amphitheater
Address: Garden Trails Rd, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Website: Haley Nelson Park Amphitheater
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 7am - 9pm; Wed - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 9pm
Get the best of Texas in Burnet
The above are just but a few of the many things to do in Burnet, Texas. It is a tiny town, with lots of exciting attractions that will be cherished by all kinds of travelers. Whether you are traveling alone, as a family, or as a couple, you don’t have to worry about what to do because Burnet has more than enough attractions for you.
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