The Great State of Texas is so extra large we have sliced up our US Highway 281 trip. From tip to toe here we gooooo. Giddy'up. There is so much to see and do, we have divided the information and communities of the state on highway 281 into three sections. Texas XYZ, one, two, three.
The is the X- section of Texas US Hwy 281.
Just south of the mighty Red River on US Highway 281 is Burkburnett, Texas, 10,554. We start our journey south bound towards Wichita Falls.
In the North East corner of the Panhandle/Plains area of North Texas. Wichita Falls, 107,000, the last of the larger cities on US Highway 281 south bound till San Antonio. This city offers visitors a multitude of activities. Readers of this blog know we cover and explore the smaller communities of this great ribbon of a highway. I've included a few links for the Wichita Falls area.
The City of Wichita Falls Website: Wichita Falls Conventions & Visitors Bureau:
Scotland, 422. A small community in Archer County, Texas on US Hwy. 281, southwest of Lake Arrowhead.
Lake Arrowhead itself is a reservoir on the Little Wichita River and covers approximately 16,200 surface acres, with 106 miles of shoreline. Built primarily as a water supply by the City of Wichita Falls, the lake is also a major recreational site for the North Central Plains. Facilities include restrooms with and without showers; picnic sites with shade. Lake Arrowhead Website:
Down the road a piece we roll into Jacksboro, 4,516 a community filled with history. The birthplace of the 4-H Club in Texas and the site of Fort Richardson State Historical Park.
The Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce:
In the late 1920s and the early 1930s, Mineral Wells, Texas was an international resort destination. People came from far and wide to partake of the healing waters and soak in the aromatic baths. Then the FDA came along and seriously questioned the healing qualities.
Mineral Wells, 16,821. This community on Route 281 is historically unique. Visitors here will find many things to see or do. Check out the Chamber of Commerce Website for lots of information.
Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce:
Rent a canoe and explore one of Palo Pinto's natural beauties, the Brazos River. The Brazos River is the longest in river in Texas, with its watershed stretching from New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Brazos River Authority:
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, located east of Mineral Wells in Parker County,consists of 3282.5 acres. Located along Rock Creek, a large tributary of the Brazos River. This area was an early home to several Native American tribes.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park:
Stephenville, Texas (16,715), is known as one of the country's most desirable places to live and earn a living. "The 100 Best Small Towns in America," published by Prentice Hall, 1993. Stephenville claims to be the Cowboy Capital of the World, you'll find all things you'd expect and more. Ask the locals about Dr. Pepper.
Stephenville Texas Chamber of Commerce Website:
City of Stephenville Website: The Stephenville local newspaper:
Located in the heart of Stephenville is Tarleton State University. Founded in 1899. Part of the Texas A&M University System. Tarleton State University's athletics has a competitive program. Tarleton State University:
Hico, Texas 1,339, at the intersect on US Highway 281, 6 and 220. From unique shopping to the historical downtown district. One of their most interesting claims is Billy the Kid actually escaped Pat Garrett's shootout in New Mexico and eventually settled in this small out of the way town using an alias.
Hico Website:
The City of Hamilton, 2,984 serves all of Hamilton County, Texas. At the intersection of U.S. Highway 281, State highways 22 and 36. Gateway to the scenic Hill Country down the road on 281.
A native limestone courthouse was built in 1887 to replace the previous two that burned down. Now it serves as a county museum. At one time the town supported five cotton gins and until Prohibition housed a row of saloons along the north side of the town square.
City of Hamilton Website:
Drive Safely and Ya'll come back...
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