Nothing compares to the beauty of the “Gem of the Hill Country,” Mason, Texas!
Mason is known as the only location for the Texas Blue Topaz, a state gem found in Mason County.
Like a Texas Topaz, Mason sparkles with great history and culture, visible in the eyes of its people. It naturally radiates magnificence through its unmatched landscape and terrains, more so the recreational opportunities it offers.
The hills transport you to the best views in town, and the quaint, historic structures bring you back in time.
As stunning as it is, Mason remains rooted in its heritage and charmingly resonates with the changing times. Every visitor will effortlessly admire its native flora and fauna, locally-crafted wines, delicious dishes, and local art scene.
From Mason Town Square to rugged terrains, you won’t run out of things to do and places to visit in Mason, Texas. To help you get started, browse the following list of what you can explore!
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Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve
Put the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve on top of your list of places to visit in Mason, Texas. It’s just one of the largest bat nurseries in the country!
The Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve is home to a limestone cave where around 6 million Mexican free-tailed bats reside. Located in the heart of Texas, this trip would greatly upgrade your family adventures.
To start planning, pick a date from May through September when 4 million female bats inhabit the cave. The cave supports a maternity colony from June or July, where they raise bat pups to join their flight after five weeks.
You can visit the preserve on Thursday through Sunday evenings throughout May to October season for a better viewing experience. To honor the Eckert Family’s legacy on bat conservation, The Nature Conservancy opened the cave to the public for entertainment and education.
You may have to drive through dirt and cross rivers to get there, but the destination will be worth it! Witness the emergence of millions of bats from the arena-type seating near the mouth of the cave.
As dusk comes close, one bat will come out after another, and suddenly, you’re in a whirlwind of flying bats! Enjoy the moment (with some bug repellant) before it’s gone!
Address: James River Rd, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Fort Mason
Visit one of America’s legendary places located in present-day Mason, Texas!
A brief history lesson, Fort Mason dates back to 1851 as a command post of the US Army in the Civil War. Before that, it served as a front-line defense against Indian attacks driving them away for the next decade.
During the Civil War, the fort passed into the hands of the Confederates and turned into a prison camp. The Federal troops took over after the war and made improvements, but were understaffed with only 70 men.
When it was almost left for ruins, the buildings were reoccupied one last time by frontier forces before it was permanently abandoned.
A century later, families and the local community reconstructed some of the officers’ quarters that birthed Fort Mason.
On your visit, you’ll be standing on the fort’s original foundation made from the original buildings’ rocks. Explore the interesting reproduction of these old quarters with displays and artifacts, including plaques and generals in every station.
Take time to read detailed information about the exhibits to get a vivid glimpse of Mason’s amazing piece of history!
Fort Mason is located on top of a hill overlooking Mason, which gives rewarding views of the beautiful town. Pass by this old fort in Mason and discover the wonders of earlier times!
Address: 314 Spruce St #302, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Lea Lou Co-Op
Near Mason Square Museum, Lea Lou Co-Op is your stop for fine dining and modern lodging with a touch of historical elegance.
Lea Lou Co-Op offers a magical experience, from its great choice of dishes to exceptional service. Its rustic atmosphere gives visitors a laid-back, relaxing ambiance after a long day exploring Mason, Texas.
Its building is historically significant in Mason, being an old hardware store and lumber yard in the late 19th century. Today, Lea Lou Co-Op is the local’s choice of bar mixed with a modern and rustic vibe.
If you want something heavier, visit their bar to try their gourmet pizzas, salads, home-cooked steaks, and fried chicken. Break it down with good ice cream and locally crafted wine, which many would recommend.
Don’t forget to check out their calendar of upcoming shows, as they like to host some of Texas’ greatest musicians!
For travelers looking for a place to stay on Mason square, find solace in Lea Lou’s room boutique hotel.
The Lea Lou Lodge is just steps away from the bustle, and it won’t take minutes to get to town happenings. For more elegant, planned events like weddings or reunions, Lea Lou Barn is conveniently located adjacent to a catering service.
For the absolute best patio in town, visit the magnificent Lea Lou Co-Op!
Address: 114 San Antonio St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Lindsay Ranch
Go for Topaz hunting in Mason’s historic ranch five miles north of Mason, Texas.
Lindsay Ranch features two cabins offering two different experiences for varying travelers. But before diving into lodging, check what you can do first in the location to find the state’s gemstone!
Rock hunting is one of the popular recreations in Mason, but Texas Topaz is not just any other rock. It’s been the state gem of Texas since 1969, commonly used to make beautiful sparkling jewelry.
Lindsay Ranch and two other private ranches are the only Texas place to offer you this experience. Other rocks and minerals on the ranch include limestone, sandstone, quartz, garnet, and more that has not yet been identified.
Finding one in Lindsay and any other ranches can be challenging. However, the overall experience pays off the efforts. Besides the rare, wonderful stones are unique artifacts like petrified wood and bone, arrowheads, axes, and fossils.
Try your luck and hunt for your ideal gemstone! While at it, meet fellow gem enthusiasts and collectors from Texas who share the same interest.
If you prefer to stay not far from the city, Lindsay Ranch offers Cabin on Comanche Creek, five miles north of Mason.
Meanwhile, the ranch’s Mason Mountain Manor provides a more primitive experience in the middle of a 600-acre pasture.
No need to bring anything fancy for the rock hunt! Lindsay Ranch has handy tools you can use for a convenient visit.
Address: 460 Lindsay Ranch Rd. Mason, TX 76856, United States
Mason Country Collectibles
Browse through a wide selection of collectibles from a “not-so-hidden gem” in Mason, Texas.
Mason Country Collectibles carries the most authentic Western furnishings and antiques in town, housed in a two-story 10,000 square feet building.
The beautiful Mason County Topaz is among the large selection of unique items they carry. From gorgeous topaz earrings to a more faceted Texas topaz collection, the state’s gemstone is at your fingertips.
Don’t leave without the iconic Texas Lone Star cut on the blue topaz! Furthermore, swing by their store and check out their most prized possession, the 587-carat azure topaz.
More one-of-a-kind items in Mason Country Collectibles look for a home with promising quality and aesthetics. You’ll spend hours perusing and admiring many interesting things in this funky place.
They have something for everyone and every taste in their building, which is full of eclectic treasures. Take some time chatting with locals or the owners and share fun Mason County stories. Their hospitality is one attractive characteristic that draws people into their business.
Meet the charming, down-to-earth people behind the amazing place and carefully-curated selections. Make sure to pass by their memorabilia section with old books and artifacts, too!
Visit this quaint store in the center of town and leave with a smile!
Address: 424 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library
Mason is known for its love for literature, and its library is its vessel. Peruse thousands of books and informational resources in the Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library!
The library houses some of the best CDs and books on tape selections in addition to its softbound and hardbound. This Mason library is your spot if you’re looking for a space to do work or research.
Connect to their internet and look up updates on the library’s website as they always look into improving your experience. Located south of Mason square, the library fits perfectly in the historic district with charming beveled glass doors and windows. The beautiful Texas Wildflower artwork adds character to the structure, including the fireplace, for more comfortable reading.
Moreover, the library displays rotating exhibits of local artists, including information on The Eckert James River Bat Cave.
If you’re not lucky enough to catch these displays, head to their permanent pieces for unique art collections. As usual, several artworks feature the iconic Texas Wildflowers hanging in the Stribling Room.
For interested children, Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library offers a Read To Swim program. This reading program grants free passes to the Mason swimming pool next door after an hour-read in the library.
When you’re here around the summer, check out their remarkable Summer Programs for a more fun visit!
Address: 410 Post Hill St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Mason County Museum
Walk through the rich heritage and history of early frontier settlers in the Mason County Museum.
Visit the old Mason Grammar school to see timeless museum exhibits of local history items, including Texas Fort items from Mason. The museum includes preserved artifacts from the early frontier settlers of the Texas Country Hills.
In addition, its extensive displays extend to the county’s history and development. It also has some of the country’s most stunning collections of Topaz. It houses the largest light blue topaz in North America!
Mason County Museum consistently updates to maintain quality and is open to the public at a designated time. The tour staff is also knowledgeable and well-researched as they walk you through the facts and artifacts in the area.
Alongside these artifacts are interesting stories, from fossils to Civil War remnants and prehistoric to late 1800s, beautifully presented in the rooms.
Pass by the square courthouse just a few steps away from the museum if you have more time to spare!
Address: 505 Moody St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Odeon Theater
Book your ticket to watch a show in a historic theater in Mason and the longest operating in west Texas!
Located on the restored courthouse square, the Odeon Theater is the community entertainment hub for a fun night.
It shows first-run and classic movies each week due to popular demand. The performances and special events they feature are also worth the wait!
It entered a significant boom as a focal point for entertainment in its early days. Its German silent film “Metropolis” gained it the “most attractive playhouse in this section of the country” by the local Mason County News.
The Disney movie “Old Yeller,” based on a book by a Mason native, also premiered on this site. Mason celebrates this milestone to this day every October of the year, called “Old Yeller Days.”
But the Odeon Theater didn’t have it the easy way. It goes way back, faced with many challenges, and luckily overcame it all thanks to the local community.
Today, Odeon offers live music performances and Saturday movies with a full concession for snacks and drinks. If you travel through Mason, visit this theater on the square. You’ll be glad you did!
Meet an outstanding line-up of the best-performing artists during a Concert Series and get a glimpse of small-town entertainment!
Address: 122 Moody St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Saba Winery
The beautiful Hill Country is not itself without its Texas wines and vineyards. Pick up a few bottles of flavorful wines at Saba Winery to taste Texas and Spanish history!
Saba Winery produces fine wines in Mason, Texas, made with passion and a touch of history. Inspired by the joys of traveling, the winery was founded in 2021, specializing in Spanish and Italian classics.
Their Spanish varieties show how well they make their craft beyond their comfort zone featuring 100% Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Some of the best you can try in Saba is their White & Rosé and Presidio Red. Pair them with meats and imported queso, and you’re ready to slay your weekend!
If you’re a Texas wine fan, coordinate your visit to the Mason Art and Wine festival every April! Have the pleasure of tasting 100% Texas wine from Texas vineyards in addition to Mason’s amazing wine scenery.
Walk into a historic 1880s building with a true Andalucían bar, red-bricked concrete walls, floors, and a wooded ceiling.
Moreover, the looks of its old building on Mason square across the county courthouse seem like stepping into a different dimension. The Saba Winery Tasting Room is just on another level and makes a great place to visit in Mason.
It’s not called a “taste of Spain” for nothing!
Address: 102 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Sandstone Cellars Winery
Drive around the interesting side of Mason Square, and the road will take you to the Sandstone Cellars Winery.
This boutique winery will literally brighten up your day (and night) with its vibrance. It’s in a little country-like home with a charming outdoor backyard space, a Tasting Room, and Art Gallery next door.
Freshen a warm day with their great Hill Country wines, Wine Slushie, or homemade Sangria! The ambiance of their wine bar perfectly complements every drink. They have everything for every mood and palate, too!
Dry Red Blend gives a light fruity flavor, while the sweet and spicy Ruby Port has a long-lasting tannic finish.
Sandstone Cellars also serves frozen drinks and coffee and allows you to bring your own food.
They are a hit during the Mason Chamber Festival and accommodate a sea of people. Visit during this time and hit it off with the locals to discover more things to do in Mason, Texas!
Suppose you’re in a hurry; head to their drive-up window for their Sandstone Cellar wine selections and Sandstone Cellars Cider Dessert Wine. This brilliant pale citrine crafted from fresh apples, cream, and pie spices is exactly what you need and seek.
While it’s a frequent and popular hangout spot for locals, you’ll also notice that a lot of travelers stop by. Some are regulars, and some went to try due to word of mouth.
Address: 211 San Antonio St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Seaquist House
Look inside the 132-year-old Victorian house in the Texas Hill Country and appreciate its fine architectural features.
This historic 19th-century mansion in Mason, Texas, will charm you with its Italianate architecture, one of the best in the region!
Known as Mason County’s most architecturally significant structure, you’ll enjoy the intricate details of the Seaquist House. It’s open to the public every first Saturday of each month, giving Mason residents and surrounding communities a substantial tour.
Tour the mansion’s 22 unique rooms, where you can find 15 fireplaces, a game room, and a wine cellar! Its special features include a third-floor ballroom and a wrap-around porch. The carved stone walls and stained glass windows are among the details you’ll notice while walking into the three-story residence.
Its old garage converted into an outdoor restroom for events and tours, is just a part of its improvements. The Seaquist House Foundation continues to initiate restoration projects to preserve the beauty of the historic mansion.
You might find the basement area particularly peculiar and interesting among other parts of your tour!
The Seaquist House is available for private tours if you want a more intimate visit. While at it, learn the historical facts of how the house came to be and the families that lived there.
For about one hour and a half, you get to be a part of this Texas Hill Country landmark.
Address: 405 Broad St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Star S Ranch
Experience Texas Safari in the best Texas and African hunting ranch in Mason, Texas.
Star S Ranch is just a small portion of Texas history, but it already tells much about the home country. This destination on the edge of the Texas Hill Country is home to diverse geology and African wildlife.
Bordered by the James River and Blue Mountains, Star S is covered with lush native grass and acacia bushes. Moreover, the red sandy soil of the James River valley imitates the South African vegetation, allowing animals to thrive naturally.
The abundance of water through the river and natural springs in the ranch makes their habitat more liveable. You will normally see bears and buffalos roaming around the ranch among over 30 other species.
If you’re one of the adventure-seekers wanting to try new thrills in Mason, this experience will certainly be unforgettable. They have all the tremendous amenities you need for a memorable Texas Exotic and Texas Whitetail Hunts!
Meanwhile, for avid hunters, level up your game and enjoy the trophy Whitetail experience.
Star S Ranch is a perfect outdoor space for corporate retreats, offering comfort in their Hunter’s Lodge overlooking the waterhole. Other facilities include the Star S Ranch Airport and a system of roads and trails for an orderly hunting experience!
Address: 17102 James River Rd, Mason, TX 76856, United States
The Mason Artisan Gallery
Bring home artisan items from your Mason trip that would make a great gift or keepsake of your travel.
The best place in Mason, Texas, to find unique gift items and souvenirs is the Mason Artisan Gallery. After being closed for a while, they are open for business once more with more additions to their antique selection.
Art lovers will be delighted to browse the gallery’s extensive collection of artwork and specialties. Artist Brinda Pape makes beautifully-weaved Angora scarves and hats and many lovely items.
Meanwhile, many visitors sought Nan Loeffler’s jewelry pieces for different tastes and styles to add spark to your look.
If you’re in search of rare locally handmade pottery, the Mason Artisan Gallery carries the works of Carol Kothmann. Communicate your needs to their friendly staff so they can look it up for you and even give recommendations.
More items that’ll catch your attention are the wonderful oil paintings, pen and ink artwork, and watercolor pieces.
The Mason Artisan Gallery plans to open its selection to guest’s artworks and even offer various classes in the future.
Address: 122 S Liveoak St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
Wildflower Drives
A scenic drive through the Hill Country is best done during Springtime when the bluebonnets are in full bloom.
The Mason County Chamber of Commerce brings you the Wildflower Drives through three exciting historic trails.
Geographically, Mason isn’t a large city, but when its wildflowers put on a big show, it attracts visitors across the state. You can enjoy this view yourself and drive through the “Mason Historic Country Lanes.”
Take the Fredonia – Pontotoc Drive starting north of the Courthouse Square downtown for views of Mason County’s scenic hills and valleys.
If you want to pass through spectacular scenery crossing over the Llano River bridge, James River Road is your lane!
Lastly, a 10-mile rougher road Hilda Drive is for road trippers who want to pass through multiple low-water crossings.
You won’t run short of pleasant views of terrain and landscapes, whichever road you travel, especially with the sight of colorful wildflowers.
Address: Mason, TX 76856, United States
Willow Creek Cafe
It’s important to have a go-to place for good food when visiting Mason, Texas. You’re lucky because Willow Creek Cafe is just around Courthouse Square!
Willow Creek serves the best homemade foods and fresh baked goods in the bustling Hill Country town. After traveling the long road, stop by the one-stop shop for some “country cookin’ on the square.”
Day or night trippers are welcome to try their World Famous Menu featuring Texas-sized pancakes and French toast, and House Specials. They also have a great selection of Specialty Drinks and House Wines to freshen up on a sunny day!
Their Chicken Fried Steak for an evening meal is perfection and best shared with the family. You can also check their “South of the Border” section for an excellent Mexican plate.
Whether traveling or just walking through the charming downtown neighborhood, you can give Willow Creek a quick visit and see what’s cookin’ in the kitchen. Complement your food with a cold mug of beer or a bottled Lone Star for a chef’s kiss experience.
After tasting their specialties, you’d wish you’d been here more often! On top of their good food is a friendly, thoughtful service and be treated like a family!
For more must-stop restaurants in the Texas Hill Country, explore the best things to do and places to visit in Junction, Texas.
Address: 106 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX 76856, United States
