5 Best Things to Do in Granbury, TX

April 11, 2020 - Updated

Granbury is a small Texas city in Hood County, Texas, about 35 miles from Fort Worth. Granbury started as just a square with a log cabin courthouse on it. Many of the buildings on the historic square are still standing and are now registered historic landmarks. One of them is the Granbury Opera House, still running strong and showing Broadway productions. The Brazos River runs through the city, and after it was dammed in 1969, the city got a lovely Lake Granbury, a long, narrow lake full of fish and popular with boaters. The best place to learn about the city’s colorful past is the former 1885 Hood County Jail, now Historical Museum. The downtown Firefighters Memorial Park honors firefighters and other law enforcement people and features lifesize sculptures and kids playground with a firetruck. .

1.Hood Jail County Jail and Historical Museum

Built in 1885, the old Hood County Jail building was the only jail in Granbury, Texas, until 1978. Originally the main floor was used for deputies’ living quarters. The second floor had three rooms: the gallows, the single cells, used for women and the insane, and the main cell. Within the main cell was a freestanding iron "cage" with two cells with up to four beds per cell. After the new Law Enforcement Center was built, the old jail was converted into a museum which offers tours of the old jail cells and showcases artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history of the Hood county, with exhibits on David Crockett's descendants, General Granbury's tombstone, Jesse James, the Colony, John Wilkes Booth, Barnard's Trading Post and more.

208 N Crockett St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-573-5135

2.Memorial Lane and Jim Bruks Firefighters Memorial Park

The Jim Burks Firefighters Memorial Park is an urban park in downtown Granbury, Texas, dedicated to the memory of firefighters lost in the line of duty and it honors all those serving or who have served their community. The park’s main feature is a statue of a lone firefighter. Past the memorial is a firetruck playground, beloved by the kids of all ages. Picnic tables are placed around the park for families to relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is free and open to the public year round. There are several life-size statues around the park created by the renowned artist Mike Scovel. In the park’s Law Enforcement section, there is a lovely statue of a girl with her head bowed and holding a folded flag. The statue is entitled "Tears For The Fallen." The Military section has the figure of a service dog bowing at the Military Cross entitled "Homage To A Compatriot."

561 N Travis St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-243-1779

3.Mesquite Pit

One of three Mesquite Pit restaurants in Texas, Mesquite Pit Granbury is a large, chalet-style elegant restaurant with wonderful deck overlooking the Lake Granbury. The restaurant is a popular spot for family celebrations and romantic dinners. It specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks and BBQ, seafood and good old American favorites such as cheeseburgers, as well as Texas treats such as armadillo eggs and fried green tomatoes. What makes Mesquite-smoked BBQ meat so special is a distinct, delicious smoky flavor and exceptional tenderness. The Pit’s fully stocked bar offers great margaritas and other cocktails, as well as popular beers and a small selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle.

919 E Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-579-9113

4.Hoffbrau Steak and Grill House

Hoffbray Steak and Grill House in Granbury, Texas is a true Texas steakhouse, homey, rustic and friendly, with cozy atmosphere in a place almost entirely made of reused lumber. Comfortable private booths make it popular with families and plenty of flat-screen TVs attract crowds coming to watch their favorite team playing, while sampling house delicious surf 'n' turf, burgers and sandwiches with local and imported ice cold beers and fun cocktails. The house specials are perfectly seasoned steaks, grilled rib-eye, filet, sirloin done to perfection and their award-winning chicken fried steaks. Hoffbrau has three more restaurants in Fort Worth, Haltom City and Amarillo.

315 E W Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-776-4982

5.Mi Familia

Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant is a family friendly restaurant with beautiful décor, colorful walls and small arches that bring to mind old haciendas. The restaurant offers delicious Tex-Mex menu and authentic Mexican fare. There is something for everyone – guacamole freshly made at your table, chicken quesadilla, tacos al carbon, or one of their house specials such as chile relleno or grilled chimichanga. The Iguana Mojado Cantina, located at the back of the restaurant, serves wonderful margaritas, cold beer and just about anything else you might feel for. They also have large flat-screen TVs if you want to catch the ongoing game.

1468 E U.S. Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-279-0382