Colorado County: Nature, History and Vacation Rentals

Colorado County combines impressive grasslands, water-based experiences and an unusually diverse range of reminders of Texas history. The Attwater Prairie-Chicken National Wildlife Refuge preserves one of the county’s most significant remaining areas of native grassland. Historic buildings, museums, markets and events in Columbus and Weimar add to the attractions. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can therefore choose their location based on their preferred travel theme: nature, culture, water or regional traditions.

Nature, Water and Trails for Different Day Plans

At the Attwater Prairie-Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, the Horseshoe Lake Trail runs along Horseshoe Lake and through shoreline habitats. A viewing blind and a covered observation platform add to this nature experience. Those who enjoy observing wildlife and making small discoveries along the way will find a different focus here than on a classic museum visit.

Eagle Lake Municipal Park also offers its own perspective on the landscape. The park is one of the few public places from which Eagle Lake can be viewed. Its boardwalk passes through a wooded area with numerous birds and ends at an observation platform overlooking the lake. The Columbus Paddling Trail also runs along the Colorado River for 6.5 miles through Columbus. The route usually takes two to five hours and offers opportunities to observe wildflowers, birds and turtles. Take this time estimate into account when planning your day.

Columbus: Architecture, Museums and Local Events

Columbus is a good base for travelers who want to include history and culture in their trip. The Colorado County Courthouse was completed in 1891 in the style of a Renaissance Revival temple. The restored building forms the center of Columbus’s town square and the surrounding historic district.

The 1886 Stafford Opera House is a particularly striking example of local architectural history. It originally housed a bank and a dry-goods store on the ground floor, while a theater auditorium occupied the upper floor. Its Second Empire architecture and handmade bricks define the character of the building. It is considered the only surviving opera house in Texas with a ground-level auditorium floor. Further insights are provided by the two-room Alley Log Cabin, built in 1836, the Antique Tool Museum and the Dilue Rose Harris House Museum. Tours of the Dilue Rose Harris House Museum can be arranged through the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

For unusual collections, visit the Santa Claus Museum, which has more than 5,000 Santa Claus figures from around the world. The Live Oak Art Center in the historic Brunson Building has a permanent collection, hosts about ten exhibitions per year and offers educational programs for the local community. At the Columbus Country Market, held from March through November on the last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon on the Courthouse Square, you will find local crafts, fresh vegetables, plants, handmade goods and live music. The Magnolia Days Festival is a free, two-day festival in Columbus; the Colorado County Fair takes place annually with a rodeo, barbecue competition, carnival rides, livestock shows and live music.

Weimar: Local History and Regional Traditions

Weimar offers a different focus. The Heritage Society Museum of Weimar traces the city’s history back to a Spanish land grant from 1831 and displays items belonging to the city’s founder, D. W. Jackson. The Main Street exhibition recreates early local businesses and institutions, including a dental office, a department store, a bank, a blacksmith shop, a newspaper printing office, a barbershop and a beauty salon. Regional everyday history also includes the fact that poppy-seed-filled kolaches were among the traditional foods of German families.

The Weimar Farmers Market takes place from March through November on the third Saturday of each month at the City Pool Pavilion in the town center. Offerings include locally grown fruit and vegetables, handmade goods and homemade treats. For travel planning, it is also helpful to know that Weimar is located on U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate Highway 10.

Choose the Right Starting Point

If you primarily want to experience historic buildings, museums and events, Columbus can provide the right thematic focus. Weimar is suitable as a separate travel area for exploring local history, visiting markets and discovering regional traditions. Eagle Lake adds lake and nature experiences to the options. When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home, consider which location best matches your planned sightseeing and the desired combination of culture, landscapes and active days.

For further orientation, you can visit the location pages for Columbus, Weimar and Eagle Lake. Other destinations at the same higher level are Fisher County, Fannin County, Henderson County, Scurry County and Williamson.

For the higher-level travel overview: Texas.