Want to know the best and fun things to do in Brownwood, TX? Brownwood is the country seat of Brown County, Texas, United States.
This lovely city is frequently overlooked, yet it is among the most gorgeous cities in the northern foothills of the Hill Country.
If you love history, nature, art, and sports, you will enjoy your stay in Brownwood.
It is the largest city in Brown Country, TX, and offers a variety of entertaining attractions. Colorado River, Lake Brownwood, and Pecan Bayou encircle Brownwood, providing numerous attractions with a dose of nature.
Its recreational facilities also link the youth and older adults through their sports and historical backgrounds.
With so many things to do, you are about to enjoy your vacation or getaway in this beautiful city.
Are you planning a visit to Brown Country? Here are some of the best things to do in Brownwood, TX.
Things to Do in Brownwood, TX
1. Marvel at the natural beauty at Brown County Museum of History
Brown County Museum of History Museum
You will be shocked at Brown County Museum of History exhibits of rainbow-colored crystals within geodes, which are semi-hollow rocks shaped like eggs. Some of the crystals are glowing, while others are opaque.
You can learn from the tour guides that give detailed explanations of the geographical history of Texas, which is rich in minerals and limestone.
Kids will relish playing house inside teepees, which are cone-shaped tents made from canvas and poles or animal skins, and where early inhabitants or American Indians of the United States resided.
Relax and get silly as you put on a prisoner’s uniform and take pictures in jail booths at this museum which used to be the location of the former Brown County Jail.
Expand your knowledge and experience the life of Old Brownwood at the Brown County Museum of History.
After visiting the museum, you might look for more adventure hunting for geodes the next time you go hiking around the meadows of Brownwood.
Address: 209 N Broadway St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
2. Search for wildlife by hiking in Lake Brownwood State Park
Among the best things to do in Brownwood, TX, is to hike the Lake Brownwood State Park.
The 7,300-acre Lake Brownwood State Park is nestled northwest and has six trails extending almost six miles.
Meandering through the trails, you will find various kinds of dagger-shaped twisted-leaf yuccas, oak trees, and flat-shaped prickly pear catch.
Learn more about animals as you observe white-tailed deer, opossums, and wild turkeys wandering around different trails.
In various seasons, visitors can witness a spectacle of colors with more than a hundred bird species flocking to Lake Brownwood State Park.
On the lakeside area of the park, relax your weary bones for a little and take in the picturesque views of the lakes, mountains, and limestone formations.
Address: 200 State Hwy Park Rd 15, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
3. Look at the trains at Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center
Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center
Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center is an interactive museum some minutes from North Main Street.
The museum carries you on an eight-minute miniature train ride which passes through models of a train depot and passenger waiting area.
For an additional passenger experience, enter two train cars to view the regular and private cabins and dining areas and the kitchen with uniformed models of train staff.
Inside the museums are components of railroad and train equipment. They first arrived in the city in 1885 to aid farmers from neighboring regions in trading their products and increasing their economy.
In the midst of black metal memorabilia, your eyes will be pulled towards the moving miniature trains around models of a circus town and industrial town.
Kids can also play with blocks of Lego and toy trains at Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center.
Address: 700 E Adams St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
4. Purchase unique books at Intermission Bookshop
Book lovers will want to add book shopping at Intermission Bookshop to their list of fun things to do in Brownwood, TX.
This one-time Queen Theater in downtown Brownwood mainly sells donated books of different genres.
Intermission Bookshop features wooden theater seats beside shelves where you can select the old titles you have been looking for.
The primary attraction of the bookshop is a tiny, low archway queued with books to the top.
Atop the archway is a loft with couches where you can mull over which book to carry home.
Intermission Bookshop was established to invite the community to make time to read and make new friends.
It was also where soldiers rested during the Second World War when all the nearby hotels were filled up.
Address: 203 Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
5. Go hunting for antiques on Saturdays
Antique lovers looking for something quirky, vintage, and exciting should head down to Center Avenue and check out its diverse collection.
You will find wood sculptures, ceramics, vintage clothes, jewelry, lamps, and other items.
On Saturday, you will also find the popular jars of paint from Dixie Belle.
They became popular due to their vibrant colors, portable containers, and easy application without worrying about scraping and priming your object.
Address: 410 Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
6. Watch a performance at Lyric Theater
Head to the Lyric Theater in downtown Brownwood to watch classics and fresh musicals from the city’s thriving artist community.
Anticipate new faces on stage as the theater officials welcome artists to hold acting workshops among the youths, including students from Howard Payne University and Brownwood High School.
The Theater featured paramount films and vaudeville before being shut down in 1955. It reopened again but as a high-class clothing shop, which lasted until 2003.
After more than ten years, it renewed the city with concerts of various music genres.
Apart from live performances, more art workshops are available in Lyric Theater as more visitors flock to the downtown area to explore the new shops and restaurants.
Watching a performance at Lyrics Theater is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Brownwood, TX.
Address: 318 Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
7. Go swimming at Camp Bowie Aquatic Center
What is the fun of summer if you don’t go swimming? You will have tons of it at this waterpark with a 7,000-square-foot pool.
Camp Bowie Aquatic Center used to be a military training camp during the Second World War. You will have fun dashing, turning through its slide tower, and plunging into the blue water.
Dip from one pool section to another as you test the waterpark’s rejuvenating water geysers, four zap lanes, tot slides, a lazy river, and zero beach entry.
Have an enjoyable exercise with its lily-pad walks as you jump on the floating pad, pulling yourself with the rope net on top of the pool to maintain your balance.
Camp Bowie Aquatic Center is a lovely place to visit with your loved ones.
Address: Milam Dr, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
8. Go golfing at the Hideout Golf Club & Resort
Hideout Golf Club & Resort, located in the center of Texas Hill Country, contains an 18-hole golf course.
The Hideout Golf Club & Resort faces Lake Brownwood’s shining lake and scenic hills.
The 1,400-acre resort features lush greenery for both beginners and professionals.
After completing the course, view the marvelous purple-orange sunset on the vast horizon and relax in wooden lounge chairs facing the Hideout Grill.
Light bulbs hanging on the trees contribute to the charm and comfortable feeling of the Hideout Golf Club & Resort, which was once lauded as one of the best courses in Texas.
There is also a pool area for kids to play around, making the destination family-friendly and a place for serenity with ample greenery and lake views.
Address: 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
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9. Go fishing at Flat Rock Park and RV
Flat Rock Park and RV is one of the best places to visit in Brownwood, TX. It has glittering dark blue waters that are soothing to the eyes.
You will feel relaxed as the calm waters sway you and as you bask in the sun and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills. In addition to kayaking, you can also go for an exciting jetty ride.
Flat Rock Park and RV also contain camping grounds and fishing sites. You can catch different fish like white crappie, white bass, and flathead catfish, which you can cook at the park.
Due to its large flat terrain, you can enjoy land-based activities like volleyball.
Flat Rock Park and RV are among the most family-friendly attractions in Brownwood.
Address: 332 Flatrock Rd, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
10. Enjoy a meal at Harvey House
Harvey House lies adjacent to the Lehnis Railroad Museum and Santa Fe Railroad Depot.
This restaurant is famous because of its tasty dishes, but most importantly, because of its warm history that aided in building the communities and economy in the city.
The owner, Fred Harvey, served as a freight railroad agent after the failure of his business in New Orleans.
The railroad restaurant idea hit him after he noticed the absence of quality meals for train passengers.
In addition to a dose of entrepreneurial spirit, the restaurant provides stories of men who discovered love in its female staff, known as the “Harvey Girls.”
End your exciting city tour at the Harvey House hotel area.
It was shut down along with the restaurant but reopened during the Second World War to house soldiers training at Camp Bowie.
Harvey House, founded on love, service, and generosity, treats guests like family.
Address: 600 E Depot St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
11. Encounter a football icon at Gordon Wood Hall of Champions
Gordon Wood Hall of Champions
One of the best places to visit in Brownwood, TX, is Gordon Wood Hall of Champions.
Located adjacent to Brownwood Visitor Center is Gordon Wood Hall of Champions, home to the keepsakes of Coach Gordon Wood, who coached his team toward many victories in Texas high school football.
Jerseys, footballs, photos of the champion team, helmets, and the playbook of the iconic coach are exhibited in the museum.
View footage of the coach’s fist-pumping plays or listen to the other coaches’ recordings as they describe Gordon’s intelligent strategies.
The museum also has a statue of the coach kneeling in front of the bench with a row of helmets.
Sports enthusiasts, young and old, will wonder at the almost 50-year career of Coach Gordon as they learn about it at this attraction.
Address: 600 E Depot St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
12. Admire paintings at Brownwood Art Association Gallery
The Brownwood Art Association Gallery collection diversifies and changes every month as its organizers welcome younger artists to share their artwork.
You will discover paintings of people, landscapes, abstract objects, and geometrical shapes at the gallery.
Engage in creative discussions via the gallery’s workshop and meet-ups with the artists at this casual-looking gallery with extraordinary visual art inside.
Brownwood Art Association Gallery also provides lessons on painting on textiles rather than canvas.
Expand your imagination and discover an array of emotions when you visit Brownwood Art Association Gallery. It is one of the top things to do in Brownwood, TX, especially if you are an art enthusiast.
Address: 215 Fisk Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
13. Enhance your shooting skills at Brownwood Claybird Club
Hone your shooting skills at this 12-course club south of Gordon Wood Stadium.
Since Brownwood Claybird Club also lies within the Lake Brownwood area, it features beautiful mountain views.
The club owner claims that the shooting facility was established to complete sports activities in Lake Brownwood.
The nature-filled area offers a large horizon for shooters to shoot flying disks made from clay.
The Brownwood Claybird Club has different heights of stands to expand the difficulty level of courses.
If hiking or kayaking is not enough to reduce stress, try breaking clay objects by shooting guns at them and see how relieved you will feel after.
Address: 5895 Co Rd 225, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
14. Stay at R. B. Rogers House
R. B. Rogers House
Since its completion in 1905, this historic home has gathered a wealth of memorabilia that the owners want the world to see.
There are two upstairs suites with two linked bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
The house features original woods and majestic columns framing the front door.
It continues to capture the classic grandeur of southern hospitality with numerous sitting rooms, an elaborate dining room, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
This Bed & Breakfast offers pastries, fresh fruit, water, warm quiche, and orange juice.
Another advantage of lodging at the R. B Roger’s House is its nearness to the downtown area, with tasting rooms, boutiques, and restaurants.
Address: 707 Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
15. Have a meal at Lucille + Mabel Kitchen and Libations
Lucille + Mabel Kitchen and Libations
Lucille + Mabel Kitchen and Libations has become a popular spot for locals since it opened in 2022. It is located in what used to be the First National Bank.
You can still see some of its original features, like the teller windows that separate the dining room from the bar and the vault doors.
Meals you can try when you visit Lucille + Mabel Kitchen and Libations include chicken Alfredo, Korean Mac topped with Korean Fried Chicken and Kimchi, and the popular Candy Barr cocktail made from Bailey’s Irish cream, vodka, Kahlua, salted caramel, espresso, and sea salt.
A fun fact about the Candy Barr is that it is named for a famous stripper that once resided in Brownwood.
Ask the workers to hear the tale about Candy Barr while you wait for your meal; they will be more than willing to do so.
It will be better to make a recommendation before coming to this restaurant so you can secure a seat for yourself and your pals.
Address: 114 Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
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16. Go on a romantic getaway at Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast
Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast
Visit this bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway with your spouse or partner.
The peaceful B&B is open for visitors Friday and Saturday nights, but Sunday may be included for a 3-night stay.
Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast offers private cottages for two, each with hot tubs, unique décor, and sitting porches.
The B&B place is where your privacy is respected, but staff members are there to care for your needs.
Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast delivers a gourmet breakfast to cottages every day at 8:30 am.
They also create stunning elopement and intimate weddings for interested visitors as well as special packages to celebrate an unforgettable experience.
If you enjoy privacy or serenity, love wildlife and oak trees that sway in the breeze, or love relaxing in a private hot tub while staring at a sky filled with stars, Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place for you.
Address: 650 Morelock Ln, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
17. Underwood’s
Underwood’s
Underwood’s in Brownwood is among the best Bar-b-Q restaurants in the state and home of the first World Famous Bar-B-Q Beef Steak.
The Underwood family has provided its well-known barbecue to thousands of starving diners over the years at its family-owned and run restaurant.
The restaurant began during the Depression in the 1930s when M. E Underwood began cooking and selling barbecue door to door to feed his growing family.
By the early 40s, he had constructed a small white frame shack along the side of the road and established the first of what would emerge as a chain of takeout barbecue places.
Underwood’s serves enormous portions of popular meats, like smoked sausages with all the fixings and beef steak.
They are also famous for their fried chicken, cobbler, large portions, and affordable prices.
Address: 402 W Commerce St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
18. Shop at Shaw’s Marketplace
Also among what to do in Brownwood, TX, is to shop at Shaw’s Marketplace, a shopping and community marketplace in Historic Downtown Brownwood.
Since 1890, the original structure has increased to three buildings which once served as Shaw’s Model Laundry.
Shaw’s Marketplace is home to a selection of goods from over 20 local businesses, including Shuga Pops and the candy store.
You will discover items like camping supplies, accessories, clothes, and even something for kids. They also have a live flower section where you can make your bouquet of fresh flowers.
If you need to recharge or just want something to sip on as you explore, there is a coffee counter where you can buy caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, syrup add-ons, and delicious toasts combinations like Pistachio and Ricotta Toast.
Address: 508 N Center Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
19. Build your terrarium at Urban Roots
Urban Roots is a local plant store filled with all varieties of cute plant accessories, indoor plants, and experienced staff that are happy to answer all your questions about plant and plant care.
Visitors will have a ton of fun with their build-your-own terrarium bar.
You can select your preferred colored sand rocks, plastic animals, and other accessories.
There are also various terrariums, from hanging to standing terrariums.
During the process, you will learn how to care for the new plant you chose for your terrarium.
Urban Roots also has a selection of various flowering cacti and other smaller plants.
Address: 306B N Broadway St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
20. Pick up a stunning charcuterie board at Grazed and Confused
Grazed and Confused
Grazed and Confused in Brownwood is so famous for its charcuterie boards it would be a shame if you didn’t get your hands on one. All you have to do is order one from the restaurant.
There are many other options available for more spontaneous tourists.
Pick what you want and head to the closest park for a lovely photo shoot with pals or quality outdoor time.
You can also grab a table for a sit-down breakfast, snack, or lunch in their dining room.
Address: 306 N Broadway St, Suite A, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
21. Hang out at The Pioneer Tap House
The Pioneer Tap House is a local hang-out spot where you can sample all kinds of Texan ciders and craft beer.
The family-friendly spot, established in July 2019, emerged as an overnight community favorite.
Pioneer Tap House is created with love to be a place where the entire community can gather together to try terrific beers in a cozy, relaxed environment.
They have board games that you can play, or you can relax and have a chat with the locals.
Besides rotating Texas craft brew and wines, you will discover local craft soda on the menu.
Pioneer Tap House also offers paninis sandwiches, chips, queso, and flatbread pizzas.
A food truck is constantly on-site, but you can bring your food. Pack a picnic or get takeout from one of the city’s finest eateries for an afternoon outing that everybody will enjoy.
So, one of the top things to do in Brownwood, TX, is to try the brews at Pioneer Tap House, especially if you love beers.
Address: 112 E Baker St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
22. Enjoy live music at Wild Duck Marina
If you are still wondering what to do in Brownwood, TX, go to Wild Duck Marina and have fun.
There is a food menu, a full bar, free live music on Fridays and Saturdays, an indoor fishing dock, and a sports bar with fun games.
Wild Duck Marina has got you covered, from handmade craft cocktails to draft beer.
Their local music scene always pops with live music from some of the finest talents.
After you get a drink, feel free to ask any workers to borrow a set of darts, a pool cue, or a game of GoldenTee Live.
Another option is to rent one of their tritoons and spend a few hours on the open water.
Address: 320 Hightop St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
23. Have breakfast at Ricardo’s Restaurant & Tortilla Bakery
Ricardo’s Restaurant & Tortilla Bakery is a family-owned and run bakery specializing in corn, homemade flour, and wheat tortillas and offering breakfast and lunch.
Ricardo’s Tortilla Bakery has over 20 combinations of breakfast burritos served the entire day, as well as homemade tamales and tortillas by the dozen you can carry home with you.
On Friday and Saturday, they serve a family-style package of barbacoa with tortilla and homemade menudo.
Address: 904 Booker St, Brownwood, TX 76801, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Brownwood
Brownwood, TX, is a charming country destination with many things to do.
Driving or walking around, you will come across numerous historic buildings that the city renovated into local businesses.
The city offers visitors the simplest pleasures in life, from plunging into the pool, playing with toy trains, reading a book, exploring nature, and painting freely without restrictions.
Furthermore, with many adorable shops to explore, fantastic food, and premium breweries, Brownwood makes for a perfect getaway destination.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Brownwood, TX, today.