Things to See & Do

VISITOR’S CENTER – The Dripping Springs Visitor’s Center and Chamber of Commerce is located in beautiful hill country just 1/2 mile east if the intersection of Hwy 290 and RR 12. Currently situated in the Shelton family home.

DRIPPING SPRINGS FIRST SCHOOL - In 1881, the Dripping Springs Military Academy was established. It then became a Baptist Academy and in 1921, the school was opened to the public and served Dripping Springs students for many years. The initials of many local residents can still be found, carved into the stone and wood of this fine old structure at 101 Old Fitzhugh.

THE SPRINGS – Located near the west end of Mercer Street (Loop 64), the springs are delineated by a granite marker donated by the DS Lions Club. The springs were a gathering place for the Tonkawa Indians, as well as the source of water for the original settlers.

DR. POUND PIONEER FARMSTEAD HISTORICAL MUSEUM – Located in Founder’s Park. The log room of the Pound House is the oldest existing building in Dripping Springs. It was built in 1854 and renovated in 2002-2003. It is now open for free public tours on select days (see website for dates). www.drpoundpioneerfarmstead.com

LE RAGGE RUGGS/COWGIRLS & LACE - Dripping Springs is the home to LeRagge Ruggs and Cowgirls and Lace. Opened in 1994, Le Ragge Ruggs has grown into a major home decoration center and draws customers from across Texas. Cowgirls and Lace offers furniture, home accessories, clothing, jewelry and gifts. LINK: www.cowgirlsandlace.com

THE SALT LICK BARBECUE RESTAURANT is world renowned for its barbecue, cole slaw and cobbler. If you are visiting Dripping Springs, it is well worth the short drive to Driftwood to sample their fair. Don’t miss it! LINK: www.saltlickbbq.net

NEW CANAAN FARMS - New Canaan Farms has spent the last 16 years honing their skills to produce a complete line of jams, sauces, salsas, dips, and mixes, available for purchase individually or in gift assortments. Their motto: "Unique recipes, created by talented people using the best ingredients, will create products that will be loved all around the world." Come and discover why! LINK: www.newcanaanfarms.com

HAMILTON POOL, located just 10 miles from Dripping Springs is a natural deep water pool that is part of the Travis County Park System. Open daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, the park offers swimming, hiking, biking and picnic facilities. **Please call before planning swimming activities to insure the quality of the water. LINK: www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks

WESTCAVE PRESERVE – A limestone-walled canyon with many rare and endangered plants can be seen at the preserve. Located on Hamilton Pool Road, just 15 miles northwest. LINK: www.westcave.org

PEDERNALES STATE PARK - About 15 miles west of Dripping Springs is the 5211.7 acres of Pedernales State Park. This park land was acquired from private owners in 1970 and was opened to the public in 1971. It is located along the banks of scenic Pedernales River. Activities include camping; picnicking; hiking; river swimming; tubing; wading; mountain biking; fishing; bird watching; and horseback riding (Customers must bring their own horses and no overnight equestrian camping is allowed.) River recreation is in a limited area. LINK: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/
pedernal/pedernal.htm

OTHER PLACES TO VISITT

20 – 30 Minutes
Austin (State Capitol, Bob Bullock State History Museum, Lady Bird Johnson’s Wildflower Research Center, Barton Springs Pool, L.B.J. Presidential Library), Wimberley, Johnson City (Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park) and Blanco (Blanco State Park)

45 - 60 Minutes
San Marcos (Aquarena Springs, Wonder World Park (www.wonderworldpark.com), San Marcos Outlet Mall), Fredericksberg (Admiral Nimitz Museum), New Braunfels (Natural Bridge Caverns, Guadalupe & Comal Rivers, Schlitterbahn Water Park) and Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown

State Parks – Pedernales Falls, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, McKinney Falls, Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park, Blanco State Park, Admiral Nimitz Museum