Things to Do

5 Reasons You Need to Kick Back in Castell

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The tiny village of Castell, Texas resides on the banks of the Llano River between the towns of Mason and Llano. In 1842, the then Republic of Texas granted Henry Francis Fisher and Burchard Miller 5,000 acres between the Llano and Colorado Rivers (known as the Fisher-Miller Land Grant) in an effort to encourage settlement of the area. However, Fisher and Miller had a hard time convincing folks to populate the rolling ranchland as most people preferred places with established towns such as Fredericksburg.

Admitting defeat, Fisher and Miller sold the land grant to a German colonization company called Adelsverein, and in 1847 German “freethinkers” successfully established the town.

Today, downtown Castell includes a post office, general store, and abandoned car dealership, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The tiny, quirky town makes for a great destination to those wishing to escape to a small hamlet for a different Texas Hill Country experience.

1. The Pristine Llano River

Five Reasons to Kick Back in Castell

Photo: Flickr/FrankBodden

Castell is perched on the south bank of the Llano River making it a natural recreational area for outdoor and river enthusiasts. The spring-fed waters run crystal clear thanks to a rocky bottom and lack of proximity to any large towns. Activities range from kayaking and tubing to fishing and swimming. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for kingfishers, blue heron, and other waterfowl.

2. The Castell General Store

Five Reasons to Kick Back in Castell
Photo: Marcy Stellfox

The Castell General Store has a reputation all its own. The store first gained notoriety thanks to Duke, a rooster that attracted visitors who wished to see for themselves the bird’s display of amorous feelings towards Big Mouth Billy Bass (a mechanized fish mounted on a plaque that responds to the sound of voices by breaking into song).

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