Hill County: Discover lakes, nature and history

Lake Whitney State Park is on the east shore of Lake Whitney, west of Hillsboro in Hill County. The lake was created in 1951 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Brazos River. Lake Whitney covers 237 square miles and has more than 225 miles of shoreline. As a result, water shapes an important part of the landscape. During your stay, you can focus on nature and trails or explore the cultural history of Hillsboro.

Birdlife and trails at Lake Whitney

Birdwatchers have recorded nearly 200 species in Lake Whitney State Park, including wild turkeys and bald eagles. So visitors interested in birds will find more than just one well-known example here: the documented variety of species ranges from large birds of prey to turkeys.

The two easy trails also differ in length and scenery. The Two Bridges Trail is a 0.9-mile loop for hiking and biking through a post oak forest; two wooden bridges cross small streams. The Towash Forest Trail is 1.2 miles long and is also suitable for hiking and biking. Visitors can spot osprey and other birds there, as well as see remnants of open prairie and the lakeshore. If you prefer a shorter loop with bridges, the Two Bridges Trail fits the bill; the longer Towash Forest Trail combines the route with birdwatching and varied scenery.

Fishing at Aquilla Lake

At Aquilla Lake, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has established fish habitats in strategic locations. Anglers can locate them using GPS and sonar. There are also two boat ramps with restrooms and parking, as well as a free public fishing pier on the underwater channel below the dam. Alongside the nature trails, fishing is a key attraction: the habitats can be searched for specifically, while the ramps and pier offer different ways to access the water.

Hill County: Jail history and historic sites

The Hill County Jail operated from 1893 to 1983. Afterward, the building was preserved and used as the Hill County Cell Block Museum. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, while it was still operating as the Hill County Jail. The museum offers public tours on Saturdays from April through October, either self-guided or led by a museum staff member. Since operating details can change, check the schedule before your visit. Exhibits cover, among other topics, the County Courthouse, historic downtown Hillsboro, cotton, agriculture and railroads, as well as Native American history and artifacts.

The Hill County Courthouse also tells the story of the region: it has been listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1964. Its interior can be visited during regular business hours, Monday through Friday; check current access arrangements before your visit. The site of Old Lexington Village was the first settlement in Hill County and the location of the county’s first temporary courthouse.

Hillsboro: Railroad, downtown and museums

Downtown Hillsboro was designated one of the five original Texas Main Street cities in 1981. The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad is part of the area’s railroad history: it reached Hillsboro in 1881 as part of its route toward Taylor and the Gulf Coast. The MKT Railroad Depot was completed in 1902 and features elements of the Eastlake, Victorian and Prairie styles. Downtown thus brings together a historic program and a concrete example of regional architecture.

Festivals and concerts take place in downtown Hillsboro from May through October; there is also a farmers market on Saturdays. Since the seasonal schedule can change, check current dates if you’d like to plan your visit around it. Texas Through Time is located downtown in the historic Grimes Garage. It displays animatronic dinosaurs and fossil replicas.

The Texas Heritage Museum is a state museum comprising the Galleries and Collection, Historical Research Center and Hill College Press. Interactive Tiki-Toki timelines are available throughout the museum. During the fall and spring semesters, the museum is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check current opening hours before your visit.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a vacation rental in Hill County, it helps to first sort out the experiences you have planned: are Lake Whitney and nature trails, fishing at Aquilla Lake, or museums and railroad history in Hillsboro your priority? Compare the locations of individual rentals with these interests and choose the focus that suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations:Hamilton County, Cherokee County, El Paso, Harrison County, Reeves County, Oldham and Johnson County.

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