Located about 20 miles north of downtown Austin lies Round Rock, Texas, a settlement that was first called Brushy Creek. Established near a large, round rock in the middle of the creek, the community was renamed by its first postmaster in 1854 in honor of this now famous rock.
Known as the “Sports Capital of Texas,” Round Rock was also named by Money Magazine as the 7th best American small city to live. Round Rock is also home to the headquarters of Dell, which along with the presence of other major employers, provide a strong economic development for a growing city. Thriving in business, sports and entertainment, Round Rock is a must stop for a Texas road trip.
Photo: sportscapitaloftexas.com
Round Rock is home to the Class AAA Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team Round Rock Express, which is an affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Home games are played at the Dell Diamond Stadium that is also a site for amateur sporting events, as well as musical concerts, craft shows and other events held year-round, as stated by its website.
With world-class parks, ball-fields, and the Round Rock Sports Center, this city is bustling with an array of tournaments, and sporting events year-round. From basketball showcases, to volleyball tournaments, soccer shootouts, table tennis matches, all-star softball tournaments, and Texas High School lacrosse regional championships, there is a something for everyone to enjoy.
“Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park is the City’s crown jewel of the park system and is a well-known sports destination in the youth and amateur sports leagues,” states its website. “It’s home to a 20 field baseball complex, a 5 field softball complex, 7 soccer facilities, 2 football fields, a new multipurpose field complex, and more.”
Photo: sportscapitaloftexas.com
Looking for an adventure aside from sports, make sure to visit the Chisholm Trail Crossing Park. “To preserve the heritage of the famous crossing, a Chisholm Trail Crossing Park was developed to provide visitors with a simulated scene of Round Rock’s historical role in the Chisholm cattle drive,” states Wikipedia. “Commemorative plaques and statues in the park tell of the history of Round Rock.”
Take a stroll through the historic architecture of the downtown business district. The ongoing history of Round Rock can be seen throughout each building, with each holding memories and stories documenting the town. Most buildings were built between 1876 and 1881 states its website. Historic placards have been installed on each of the buildings describing its architecture and history.
Looking for some fun in the sun make sure to stop by the Rock’N River Water Park. Complete with a lazy river, water slides and a 12-foot jumping platform and synthetic rock climbing wall with water fall feature, this is the place for some family fun.
Photo: sportscapitaloftexas.com
Ready to dine and shop? Downtown Round Rock provides a charming one of kind experience. With plenty of options to choose you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy.
“Downtown Round Rock was also the site of a historic gunfight and subsequent capture (and death) of the 19th-century American train robber Sam Bass, by the Texas Ranger Division on July 19, 1878,” states Wikipedia. “This shootout is re-created each year at the July 4 ‘Frontier Days’ Celebration in Old Settlers Park. Bass is buried in Round Rock Cemetery, located northwest of “Old Town” on Sam Bass Road. His original headstone can be found on display at the Round Rock Public Library.”
Considering a move to Round Rock after a visit then make sure to stop by La Frontera. Touted as a shopper’s paradise and a great place to work and live according to its website. What once was considered a bedroom community with many residents working in Austin and commuting home to Round Rock can now boast of an array of opportunities and entertainment right in their backyard.
References:
roundrocktexas.gov
sportscapitaloftexas.com
wikipedia.org