Things to Do

Tour the Texas Hill Country with New Trail Passport Program

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Tony Maples Photography

 

While you may not need a passport to visit Texas, there is a passport that will make your visit to the Hill Country that much more exceptional. The Texas Hill Country Trail Passport Program encourages locals and tourist alike to travel deeper into the 19 counties that make up the Texas Hill Country. From Bandera County to Williamson County, the storied history of the Hill County is a diverse as the landscape.

Passport Book and Stamp

Photo: www.pixabay.com

Everyone is eligible, and there are no Customs Check Points. Forget about TSA and pat downs. This passport is hassle free. One way to receive your passport is by stopping off at their website to request one by mail and to see a full list of participating partners.

Family viewing Emerald Lake in Natural Bridge Caverns

Photo: www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

Another option is to visit any of the participating sites such as Natural Bridge Caverns where you can delve into a half-mile section of one the world’s leading caverns. Or investigate Gillespie’s German heritage at The Pioneer Museum. One more option is to hop a ride on the program’s newest partner, The Austin Steam Train, where a vintage flyer steam engine whisks you away on a journey through the Hill Country.

Children on Austin Steam Train

Photo: www.austinstreamtrain.org

You have until December 31, 2017, to visit these attractions and start filling the pages and acquiring stamps in your passport. Once you receive 18 or more stamps, mail the passport in to be verified, and you will receive a gift donated by Texas Hill Country Trail Partners. Gifts include tickets, shopping, tours, outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, goodie baskets, and more. Don’t sweat, your hard earned stamps will be returned to you along with your gift so that you can flip back through your pages and relive your favorite adventures.