Driving the scenic route through Willow City, Texas is one of the best ways to explore all of the beauty and nature that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. It takes all of the bragging rights for the most beautiful sightseeing and scenic views around.
It’s a popular 13-mile scenic drive filled with rolling hills, blossoming meadows, charming creeks, deep green valleys, and sparking streams. There’s little doubt you’ll also see some amazing wildlife during your drive. No matter what time of the year you go, this country road through private properties is roaming with cattle and horses. Throughout the lovely hills and outcroppings, blossoms are alive with the burst of colors which can only be found in the Texas Hill Country. It is truly an amazing sight. One can only imagine how it is in the Spring, because it is well known for its abundant wildflower displays, especially Texas Bluebonnets.
Photo: Rhianna H.
Willow City is only 25 minutes away from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where visitors can camp, hike, bird watch, picnic, rock climb, backpack, hike, stargaze, and enjoy nature to the fullest. Just a few short miles from Willow City are many state parks, museums, other quaint towns and tourist attractions.
This little gem of a town is an unincorporated community just 12 miles northeast of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County. It may be a small community, but this part of the Texas Hill Country is brimming with history. Willow City was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas in May of 2005.
Photo: moon.com
It was originally settled before the American Civil War and was the meeting place for English-speaking settlers. Willow City turned into a lively community back in the 1880s. It became known as the main hangout for outlaws. It was mostly inhabited by German speaking settlers around and after the War, and named simply “Willow” in 1877 when the post office was established. This growing community became “Willow City” only 10 years later.
Photo: www.tripadvisor.com
Today it is a hotspot for scenery and close by to many of Texas’s best attractions, food, entertainment, and swimming just to name a few. Make sure you stop in and enjoy Joe’s delicious, award winning barbeque and an ice cold beer. Harry’s BBQ and Beer Joint provides you with live music, picnic tables, washers, horseshoes, and a great jukebox. Willow City is also home to the Knot in the Loop Saloon. The Knot serves up food, beverages and lots of stories to anyone who will listen. You’ll have the time of your life.
