A bucket list is a fine thing, but at some point you have to convert that mere list into action. And where better than Texas to go on some of those road trips you’ve been meaning to take for a long time? Texas is . . . well, just plain big and offers a little of everything – most of which can be taken in on a leisurely road trip. So here are our picks for the 10 best Texas road trips you need to take before you die.
Devil’s Sinkhole – Rocksprings
A renowned natural Texas landmark, Devil’s Sinkhole is a fun, creepy cavern that houses one of the state’s largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats. It’s also reputed to be largest single-chamber cave in Texas, with a vertical depth of 140 feet.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Canyon
Boasting the second-largest Canyon in the entire country, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is situated in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. It offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and even an outdoor theater performance of Texas.
Cave Without a Name – Boerne
It may not have a name, but Cave Without a Name offers a cool haven in the summertime heat. Maintaining a year-round 66 degrees, it offers an exhilarating natural experience and affords great photo opportunities.
Reimer’s Ranch – Dripping Springs
Reimer’s Ranch is a great place to experience something new and exciting . . . like rock climbing. But never fear: there are climbing areas for both beginners and experts, as well as Hamilton Pool for a cooling dip afterwards.
Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose
Much more than just a state park, Dinosaur Valley has actual dinosaur tracks – which the kids will love. When conditions are right, you can view these tracks left by dinosaurs in the mud of the Paluxy River bed.
Lubbock Lake Historic Landmark – Lubbock
Lubbock has a lot more to offer than just wind and being the home of Buddy Holly. Protected by both state and federal agencies, Lubbock Lake Historic Landmark displays signs and evidence of the ancient peoples and animals who once lived in the area nearly 12,000 years ago.
Blaffer Art Museum – Houston
For the more culturally inclined, there’s the Blaffer Art Museum, which proudly exhibits contemporary art, some from Texas, and offers public programs. Even better, it’s always open to the public and free of charge.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston – Houston
Another must-see cultural venue, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston offers exhibits that span multiple cultures. It’s also one of the largest art museums in the country (which is, of course, Texas-appropriate) with 300,000 square feet of space housing 63,000 works of art.
Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge – Tyler
And why not also try something wild with just a hint of danger? The Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, embracing 150 acres, is home to big cats. All of the 40+ tigers and other cats who make their home here are rescue animals, having been abused, neglected, or displaced.
Texas Bison Herd – Quitaque
For our last road-trip pick, we offer something that especially captures the flavor of the Texas and is redolent of a time when the land was bigger, wilder, and free – the Texas Bison Herd. At Caprock Canyon State Park you can experience the joy of observing a free-roaming bison herd and re-visit the Old West.
And here’s a final tip. Before you take off on one or several of these road trips, make sure your car is in tip-top shape, especially the AC during these sizzling summer months in Texas. Make sure it has plenty of refrigerant and that the belt is in good shape. Enjoy your Texas road trips!