Spread the love!

Bastrop, Texas: Where Fun and Adventure Meet!

Bastrop State Park runs over 12 miles of trails through the pine forests here. One of them circles the stunted woodlands for 8.5 miles on its own. Lake Bastrop holds bass, catfish and crappie, and a boat can be rented there. The Pine Forest Golf Club carved its 18 holes out of the Lost Pines in 1979. And the Bastrop County Fair and Rodeo takes over the town in early August.

Are you planning a trip to Bastrop, Texas and wondering what to do and where to go? This charming town runs plenty of activities and attractions to keep you entertained. The historic Main Street through outdoor adventures, wine tasting and family fun, Bastrop has an answer for each.

The small-town charm is one of the biggest draws of Bastrop. With its historic buildings and quaint shops, Main Street earns the walk. Take a stroll down the street and take in the architecture, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, or browse the unique shops. And history buffs should take the Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, which runs interactive displays and hands-on activities on local history.

For anyone who loves the outdoors, Bastrop runs plenty of options. Sitting on the Colorado River, the town handles kayaking, fishing or a picnic by the water. Bastrop State Park runs hiking trails, camping and a swimming pool. And for something unique, take the night sky at the nearby McDonald Observatory.

Key Takeaways

• Bastrop’s Main Street is a must-see for its historic buildings and unique shops.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Colorado River and Bastrop State Park.
• The McDonald Observatory offers a unique stargazing experience.

The Charm of Bastrop, Texas

Bastrop, Texas is a charming city established on the banks of the Colorado River. The small-town feel and the long history behind it are hard to resist. It is no wonder the place draws tourists and locals alike.

A stroll through the Texas Cultural Arts District explains why this city is special. The district holds many art galleries, studios and theaters. A live performance runs at the Bastrop Opera House. It is like Broadway, but with more cowboy hats.

For a blast from the past, head over to Old Town Bastrop. The historic district is filled with buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. The years come off as you walk down the streets. Just leave your DeLorean at home.

The long history is one of the stronger things about Bastrop. The city was founded in 1804 as a defense fort on the Old San Antonio Road. It grew from there as a German settlement in Mexican Texas. The Bastrop County Historical Society Museum covers that past. It works like a time machine, without the risk of accidentally changing the future.

Bastrop, Texas carries a charm that is hard to resist. The Texas Cultural Arts District through Old Town Bastrop, the city has an answer for most tastes. So pack your bags, grab your cowboy hat, and head on over to Bastrop. Yeehaw.

Exploring Main Street

Main Street in downtown Bastrop is the heart of the city. For some fun things to do, exploring Main Street earns the time. There is enough to see and do here that boredom never arrives.

First, the shops. Main Street holds some of the more unique and charming shops in all of Texas. Antiques through boutique clothing, it is all here. And do not skip the candy stores, because Sugar Shack Bastrop earns the visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

After the shopping, it is time to grab a bite to eat. Main Street runs plenty of dining options, casual cafes through fine dining restaurants. And for classic Texas BBQ, Maxine’s on Main will not let you down.

And then the art galleries. Main Street holds some of the stronger galleries in the state. Contemporary art or traditional paintings, something will catch your eye.

The strongest part of exploring Main Street is simply taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Bastrop. The historic buildings, the busy sidewalks, the friendly locals: all of it is the charm. So grab a cup of coffee, take a stroll, and take what this downtown area holds.

Outdoor Adventures in Bastrop

Outdoor enthusiasts belong in Bastrop. With its natural environment, the city runs outdoor adventures that will leave you breathless.

Bastrop State Park

Bastrop State Park earns the visit for hikers and bikers. The park runs over 12 miles of trails winding through the pine forests, with long views of the Colorado River. For a challenge, take the 8.5-mile trail that surrounds the stunted woodlands in the park. And bring your camera for the views.

Lake Bastrop

Fishing enthusiasts belong at Lake Bastrop. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, bass, catfish and crappie among them. Rent a boat and spend the day on the water, or fish from one of the many piers around the lake. And on the lucky days the resident alligator turns up.

A peaceful hike, an adrenaline-pumping bike ride or a relaxing day of fishing, Bastrop has an answer for each. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and take the outdoor adventure in Bastrop.

Camping and RV Spots

You are in Texas and ready to rough it out. Maybe you have an RV, or maybe you are a tent person. Either way, Bastrop has it covered.

RV Parks

For a luxurious RV experience, Bastrop is the answer. The town runs several RV parks with all the amenities you could want. Full hookups through Wi-Fi, they have got it all.

• Bastrop / SE Austin / Colorado River KOA Holiday: This KOA park has got everything you need for a comfortable stay. Full hookups, Wi-Fi, and even a pool. Plus, it’s just a short drive away from downtown Bastrop.
• Lost Pines RV Park: This park is located just outside of Bastrop State Park, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers. It’s got full hookups, Wi-Fi, and even a dog park.

Camping

If you are more of a tent person, Bastrop runs several camping options as well.

• Bastrop State Park: This park has got it all. Hiking trails, fishing spots, and even a swimming pool. Plus, the campsites are nestled among the trees, making for a truly picturesque camping experience.
• Lake Bastrop North Shore Park: This park has got over 30 campsites, each with water and electrical hookups. Plus, it’s located right on the lake, so you can spend your days fishing or boating.

Cabins

Maybe you want to go camping without roughing it out entirely. In that case, take a look at the cabins in Bastrop.

• Bastrop River Company: These cabins are located right on the Colorado River, making for a truly peaceful and serene experience. Plus, they’ve got all the amenities you could ever want, including Wi-Fi and a full kitchen.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, then look no further than the Hyatt Regency. These cabins are spacious and come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, the resort has got a golf course, a spa, and even a water park.

Wine and Dine in Bastrop

On wine and dine in Bastrop, you will not be disappointed. Wineries through BBQ joints, every taste bud is covered.

Wine lovers should head to the Colorado River Winery. This winery runs a rotating collection of small batch wines in their Tuscan-style tasting room. Kick your feet back while you sip and swirl delicious Texas wines. And for a more laid-back atmosphere, the local restaurants run a strong selection of food and drinks.

On dining, Bastrop runs plenty of options. BBQ, pizza or something in between, it is all here. For the stronger BBQ in town, head to the local BBQ joints. They serve delicious brisket, ribs and sausage that will have you licking your fingers.

For pizza, a few strong options run here. Thin crust or deep dish, you will find it. And for something more upscale, take the fine dining restaurants in town, which run a strong selection of food and drinks in a cozy and intimate room.

Wherever you choose to wine and dine in Bastrop, the environment stays safe and friendly. So sit back, relax, and take the delicious food and drinks this town holds.

Historical Sites and Museums

You do not have to be a history buff to appreciate the historical sites and museums in Bastrop, Texas. Coal mining, farming, or just the long history of the area, each has an answer here.

The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center is where to start. The chronological dioramas there run the history of the area from prehistoric times to the present day. The Native American tribes who once lived here, the arrival of Spanish explorers and the development of the town of Bastrop itself all sit inside.

For the industrial history of the region, do not miss the coal mining exhibit. The lives of the miners who worked the coal mines here are covered, alongside artifacts from the mines themselves.

The National Register of Historic Places is the other historical site to take. This structure is a testament to the architectural history of the town and has been carefully preserved. The years come off as you wander through the building and take in the architecture and design.

For the farming history of the area, head to the Bastrop County Museum. The exhibits there run cotton farming through ranching. The challenges faced by farmers and ranchers in the area come with it, and so does a new appreciation for the work behind the food we eat.

So history buff or someone just after a fun and educational day out, take the historical sites and museums in Bastrop, Texas. You come away with a new appreciation for this region and the history behind it.

A walk down Main Street costs you nothing and takes most of a morning. The historic buildings, the sidewalks and the friendly locals are the whole attraction. Fisherman’s Park lights up for free through the winter months every single year. The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center handles the local history cheaply. And a picnic by the Colorado River costs whatever you packed into the basket.

Family Fun in Bastrop

After a place where the whole family can have a blast? Bastrop, Texas is the answer. With activities and attractions in that number, something here will suit everyone.

For some outdoor adventure, grab a canoe and hit the Colorado River. Paddle your way through the Lost Pines and take in the scenery. And it works off all those delicious meals you will be having.

For some family-owned fun, head over to the Dinosaur Park. Walk a tree-lined nature trail with life-size dinosaur models along the way. A fossil dig, playground, picnic area and gift shop all sit there too. It is where the little ones let their imaginations run.

For unique entertainment, take the train rides at the Bastrop & North Western Railroad. Ride a vintage train and travel by rail the way it was done in the early 1900s. And face painting and duck races run for the kids.

And keep an eye out for special events happening in Bastrop. Festivals through concerts, something is always going on. So pack up the family and head to Bastrop for some fun that sticks.

The Wild Side of Bastrop

You have taken the natural beauty of Bastrop, and the wild side is still waiting. Head over to the Texas Reptile Zoo, where some of the more fascinating creatures on the planet sit in front of you. Snakes through monitor lizards, rock iguanas through uromastyx lizards, this place holds the lot.

Step into the crocodile enclosure, if you dare, and watch these creatures in action. They are safely separated from you by a thick glass wall. And be warned, because these are serious predators, so keep your hands and feet inside the viewing area at all times.

If crocs are not your thing, take a stroll around the turtle pond and watch these shelled creatures bask in the sun. And on the lucky days you catch some baby turtles hatching from their eggs.

The reptiles are the real stars of the show here. Get close to snakes of all shapes and sizes, from the tiny garter snake to the massive reticulated python. And if you are feeling brave, you can hold one of these slithery creatures yourself. They are not venomous, probably.

The monitor lizards are equally impressive, with their sharp claws and powerful jaws. These are the ultimate predators, and watching them hunt holds you where you stand. And on the lucky days one of the rock iguanas puffs up its throat in a territorial display.

Finally, do not miss the uromastyx lizards, with their spiny tails and colorful scales. These are masters of camouflage, blending into their desert surroundings. And do not be fooled, because they are as deadly as the other reptiles here.

So for a wild adventure in Bastrop, head over to the Texas Reptile Zoo and prepare to be amazed.

Shopping in Bastrop

You might think shopping in a small town like Bastrop runs to a few stores, and you would be wrong. Plenty of places here handle the shopping, boutiques through farmers markets.

For something sweet, head over to Sugar Shack Bastrop. This colorful candy shop will satisfy your sweet tooth with its long selection of candies. Gummy bears through chocolate-covered pretzels, Sugar Shack holds the lot. And some seasonal produce turns up in the mix.

After something more unique? Take the boutiques in downtown Bastrop. Clothing through home decor, it is all there. And on the lucky days you stumble on a farmers market, where the fresh, seasonal produce tastes like nothing else.

So something sweet or a refresh for your home decor, Bastrop runs plenty of shopping options. Just bring your wallet, because you never know what turns up.

Golfing in Bastrop

Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat, because Bastrop runs some of the stronger golf courses in Texas. Seasoned pro or beginner, a course here suits either.

The Pine Forest Golf Club is one of the popular golf courses in Bastrop. This course was voted one of Texas’ “Top 25 Best Municipal Courses” by The Dallas Morning News and named among the “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest magazine. Its 18 holes were carved out of the rolling hills of the Lost Pines Forest in 1979 by a group led by, well, nobody quite remembers who led the group, and they did a strong job of it.

The Pine Forest Golf Club is known for its challenging layout, its scenery and its affordable prices. It is where you practice your swing and take a round of golf with friends or family. And on the lucky days some wildlife turns up on the course, deer or wild turkeys among them. Just do not let them distract you from your game.

The Pine Forest Golf Club is not the only golf course in Bastrop. Several other courses run here, ColoVista Golf Club and Hyatt’s Wolfdancer Golf Course among them. Each one carries its own features and challenges, so work through them all.

So grab your clubs and head to Bastrop for a golfing experience that sticks. And you might even improve your game while you are at it. Just do not blame us if you end up in the rough.

Seasonal Events in Bastrop

You might think a small town like Bastrop would have little going on, and you would be wrong. Seasonal events run through the year to keep you entertained.

The fall festival at Barton Hill Farm is one of the popular events. This 15-acre ranch holds up any time of year, and it really comes alive in the fall. Pick pumpkins, take a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, and shoot a pumpkin cannon. It is a fun day out for the whole family, and the memories come home with you, along with a few bruises from the pumpkin cannon.

Visiting Bastrop during the winter months means the festive lights at Fisherman’s Park. The park is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, and a giant Christmas tree stands there for the photographs. It is where you get into the festive spirit, and Santa Claus himself turns up on the lucky nights.

And no list of seasonal events closes without the Bastrop County Fair and Rodeo. This annual event runs in early August with all the classic fair attractions, carnival rides, fried food and live music among them. The rodeo is the real highlight, where cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing and steer roping. It is a true taste of Texas culture, and it is not to be missed.

Fall festivals, festive lights or rodeos, Bastrop has an answer for each. So pack your bags, grab your cowboy boots, and get ready for a good time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bastrop, Texas the best place to visit in the universe?

We cannot speak for the entire universe, and Bastrop, Texas is certainly one of the stronger places to visit in the Lone Star State. With its charming historic downtown, its parks and its fun activities, the time here holds up.

What’s the weirdest thing to do in Bastrop, Texas?

For something a little out of the ordinary, take the Museum of the Weird. This unique museum runs oddities of every sort, shrunken heads through two-headed animals. It is certainly not your average museum.

Can you find a restaurant in Bastrop, Texas that serves food from outer space?

We cannot say for certain whether any Bastrop restaurants serve alien cuisine, and we can point you at some strong local eateries. Try the Roadhouse Bastrop for delicious barbecue, or Maxine’s on Main for a tasty burger.

What’s the craziest thing you can do at Bastrop State Park?

For some adventure, head to Bastrop State Park and try geocaching. This high-tech treasure hunt has you exploring the park and searching for hidden caches using GPS coordinates. It is a fun and unique way into the great outdoors.

Is the Bastrop Opera House haunted by ghost cowboys?

We can neither confirm nor deny the presence of ghost cowboys at the Bastrop Opera House, and we can tell you this historic theater earns the visit. Check their schedule for upcoming shows and performances. And you may even catch a glimpse of a ghostly cowboy.

Frequently asked questions about Bastrop, Texas

Which Bastrop park is worth the whole day?

Bastrop State Park, without much argument. It runs over 12 miles of trails through the pine forests, with long views of the Colorado River and an 8.5-mile loop around the stunted woodlands. Lake Bastrop is the other one to take instead of that one. That lake handles the fishing and the boat rental out there instead. The Dinosaur Park runs a nature trail with life-size models along it for the kids.

Which Bastrop museum holds the local history?

The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, easily. Its chronological dioramas run from prehistoric times right through to the present day, and the Native American tribes, the Spanish explorers and the town itself all sit inside. The coal mining exhibit covers the industrial side instead of that. That one holds artifacts from the mines and the lives of the miners themselves. The Bastrop County Historical Society Museum covers the founding back in 1804.

Is Lake Bastrop worth the fishing trip?

Yes, and the fish in it are stocked. Bass, catfish and crappie all sit in Lake Bastrop, and the piers around the lake work about as well as a rented boat does. Bastrop State Park is the drier one to take instead of that one. That park runs the hiking, the camping and a swimming pool besides. And the resident alligator turns up in the lake on the lucky days.

Spread the love!