Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in North Texas? Head to Cleburne! Step into the Old West, explore scenic parks, and discover local gems in this charming small town. Whether you’re chasing railroad history, outdoor adventure, or down-home dining, Cleburne serves up authentic Texas charm and relaxation.
Cleburne, TX Highlights:
- Cleburne State Park: Hike rugged trails, fish, camp, or paddle in a picturesque spring-fed lake.
- Layland Museum of History: Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing local heritage from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Plaza Theatre Company: Catch award-winning live performances at this beloved community theater downtown.
- Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum: Dive into memorabilia from the iconic novel and film.
- Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum: Step back into cowboy days with authentic buildings, reenactments, and Longhorn cattle.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Cleburne is in the spring or fall (March–May and September–November). Mild temperatures make it ideal for hiking, historic tours, outdoor festivals, and scenic drives around the countryside.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Cleburne is located about 30 miles south of Fort Worth and easily accessed via U.S. Highway 67 and Chisholm Trail Parkway.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service connects Cleburne to larger cities like Fort Worth.
- By Train: Cleburne is a stop on Amtrak’s Texas Eagle line, connecting to Dallas, Fort Worth, and beyond.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- Liberty Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member – Historic boutique hotel blending early 20th-century charm with modern amenities.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Cleburne – Comfortable hotel with free breakfast, a pool, and quick access to downtown and parks.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleburne – Relaxed, modern option with complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool.
😍 Best Things to Do
1. Cleburne State Park
♥
"Hike scenic trails and enjoy fishing in a peaceful lake setting."
Cleburne State Park is a 528-acre park that features a 116-acre spring-fed lake, called Cedar Lake. It’s a man-made lake constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Prior to becoming a park in 1939, the land was used for hunting by the Comanche Indians. Today, the park has many different trees, including oak, cedar, mesquite, sycamore, elk and sumac trees. Within the park, there are several different campsites that have picnic tables, a grill, and campfire ring. In addition, restrooms with hot showers can be found nearby. Furthermore, campers can bring their bicycles or hiking books and ride or walk 13-miles of trails.
5800 Park Rd 21, Cleburne, TX 76033, Phone: 817-645-4215
2. The Chisholm Trail Museum
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"Explore historic exhibits and discover the legacy of cattle drives."
The Chisholm Trail Museum is a historical outdoor museum featuring a Native American Museum, Civil War Museum, and the oldest Log Courthouse in Texas. Visitors can see the attractions that capture events from the mid and late 1800s. At the museum, some of original town was restored, such as the Wardville Cemetery. There’s a stage station and saloon that represent the stage line and 17 saloons once here. The jail doors from the Wardville jail of 1855 are on display. And the Nolan River School that ran from 1855 to 1872 was reopened in 2012. Students and teachers come here to see how classrooms operated during this era. Lastly, there’s a restored stagecoach to view while touring the museum.
101 Chisholm Trail, Cleburne, Texas 76033, Phone: 254-998-0261
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Mainstay Farm
😊
"Enjoy exciting seasonal activities and family-friendly fun on a working farm."
Mainstay Farm is a family run farm that grows Christmas trees and hosts family fun events and school field trips throughout the year. Some of these events include hayrides, mazes, a giant jumping pillow, a group swing, express train, and 100 foot tube slide. The family was originally from Fort Worth, TX but moved to Cleburne in 1989 to live and raise their family in the country. During the fall season, Mainstay Farm hosts pumpkin patch days. While visiting the farm, guests can buy food in the “Eat Here” area and shop at Haymarket, a store that sells home decor items and farm memorabilia.
1004 W. Bethesda Rd, Cleburne, TX 76031, Phone: 817-295-6772
4. The Published Page Bookshop
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"Browse rare books and discover unique literary treasures."
Jim and Connye Hart own the The Published Page Bookshop. They have been avid readers and book collectors throughout their life, which inspired them to open up the bookshop. The shop started as a home based business, primarily selling books online. Then it moved to a large antique mall, then a mall in Dallas-Fort Worth, and finally into a warehouse facility. Over the years, they bought tens of thousands of books, some from other bookshops, university libraries, and estate sales. It wasn’t until 2017 when Jim and Connye moved their store to a 140 year old building in Cleburne.
10 E Chambers Street Cleburne, Texas 76031, Phone: 817-349-6366
Where to Eat:
5. Chaf-In Restaurant
My top 5 😎 :
"Savor classic Southern comfort food in a cozy, casual atmosphere."
Chaf-In Restaurant opened in 1920 by a man named Ralph Chafin. At the time, Ralph’s brother, Bob, also ran a sandwich shop just blocks away from Chaf-In’s. In 1946, Ralph expanded his sandwich shop to house a new kitchen and dining area for guests. Shortly after, Ralph died. So his son, Carl Chafin, took over the family business. Over the next several decades, the restaurant changed ownership a few times, but all kept up the traditions built by Ralph. During these years, several renovations took place and the most recent occurred in 2009, to include a railroad theme inside the restaurant.
209 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, Texas 76033, Phone: 817-645-3772
More Places to Eat
- Fly By Night Cattle Co. Steakhouse – For a classic Texas steakhouse experience with hearty meals and rustic vibes.
- Loaf’n Dog – If you're craving gourmet hot dogs, sandwiches, and comfort food favorites downtown.
- Grumps Burgers – Casual local spot for juicy burgers, fries, and cold drinks in a lively atmosphere.
🎟 My favorite local events:
- Whistle Stop Christmas (December) – Enjoy magical holiday lights, parades, and Santa visits throughout the town.
- Cleburne Wine & Art Festival (Spring) – Celebrate local wines, arts, and crafts with live music downtown.
- Shakespeare in the Park (Summer) – Free outdoor performances by Plaza Theatre Company at Winston Patrick McGregor Park.
🚙 My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Cleburne, Texas:
- Glen Rose (25–30 min) – Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and charming downtown shops.
- Burleson (20–25 min) – Explore wineries, local breweries, and a growing historic district with boutique shops.
- Granbury (30 min) – Stroll the charming downtown square, visit Granbury Lake, or tour historic homes and theaters.
- Alvarado (20 min) – Enjoy antique shopping, casual dining, and access to lakes and parks nearby.
- Rio Vista (15–20 min) – Small town perfect for scenic drives, local cafés, and outdoor recreation along the Nolan River.
- Joshua (15–20 min) – Visit small-town boutiques, local bakeries, and parks with easy access to Fort Worth attractions.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Question: Where is Cleburne located?
Answer: Cleburne is situated in central Texas, about 30 miles south of Fort Worth. -
Question: What outdoor activities is Cleburne known for?
Answer: Cleburne offers activities like fishing due to the many lakes, mountain biking on some of the best trails in Texas, and camping. -
Question: What cultural attractions can visitors enjoy in Cleburne?
Answer: Visitors can enjoy a thriving art and music scene, explore its history at museums, and browse local bookstores. -
Question: What makes Cleburne a good escape from city life?
Answer: Cleburne provides a quick escape from city life with its mix of outdoor fun, historical exploration, and relaxing park trails.
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