Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It has a multitude of scenic nature trails right along the river.
The downtown area is gorgeous, with historic buildings, quaint shops, and plenty of art. From its tranquil park spaces to its lively arts scene, you’ll be surprised by all of the things you’ll find to do in Kerrville TX!
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Outdoor Things to Do in Kerrville TX
With its location on the Guadalupe River, Kerrville is the perfect place to stay in the summer. Or, come out to enjoy the scenery year-round!
The Kerrville River Trail is 6 miles long along the Guadalupe River. There are several trailheads, including Kerrville-Schreiner Park, G Street, Lehmann-Monroe Park, Louise Hays Park, RNC, Lowry Park, and Dietert Center.
The amazing thing about this is that you can hike/bike to lesser visited swimming spots or simply enjoy miles of riverside scenery close to the city.
Of course, there are also the different Texas parks you can visit, which we list below for your convenience. Click here to see the full map of the Kerrville River Trail.
Riverside Nature Center
Start your exploration at the Riverside Nature Center, featuring more than 140 species of native plants and trees. The nature center offers guided tours and workshops for a fun, educational experience for all ages.
Kerrville Schreiner Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Kerrville Schreiner Park is a must-visit. Spread over 517 acres, this park offers hiking and biking trails, camp sites, and an array of water sports.
In the summer, you can rent bikes, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks through JetBlue Tubes & Kayaks. Be sure to bring cash with you.
Louise Hays Park
Louise Hays Park, located on the Guadalupe River, is another popular water destination in Kerrville. It’s particularly known for the giant cypress trees that shade the area, along with the Water Splash Zone, a great spot for kids to cool off during the hot Texas summers. On Google Maps, you may find this area labeled as “Gazebo.”
In addition to its splash zone, the park also offers kayaks, tubes, SUPs, and paddle boats. While some parks are free, Louise Hays does charge a small fee.
When visiting Louise Hays Park, don’t forget to capture a moment with the quirky and fun Big Fish sculpture. There’s also the Giant Kerrville Mural. Spanning an entire building wall, it showcases the area’s local heritage, natural beauty, and community life.
Schumacher Crossing
A short drive from Ingram Dam, nestled in the town of Hunt, you’ll find Schumacher Crossing, a hidden gem on Highway 39. This quaint area is an ideal spot for swimming and is widely appreciated by locals and tourists alike. The calm waters at Schumacher Crossing are home to a series of small, cascading waterfalls for a refreshing swim and serene ambiance.
In addition to swimming, this spot is a popular location for fishing. Just make sure to watch out for poison ivy. This is more of a hidden gem among the locals, so expect it to be more “wild” than a city park. However, it’s also all the more exciting when you come across it.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Another must-visit destination that should be on your list of things to do in Kerrville Texas is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. This family-friendly park is jam-packed with activities to keep everyone entertained. You can stay the night or book a day pass (which is what we did) to enjoy all of the water fun!
One of the park’s unique attractions is its Laser Tag. It immerses you in a real-life Call of Duty experience with sound effects, respawns, and armor rewards for successful kills.
Their array of dining options includes a pub and pizzeria, famous for their mouth-watering brick-oven pizza. If you’re in the mood for some physical activity, you can rent pedal carts for a joyride around the park.
The park offers a variety of activities to suit different interests. Get creative with ceramics, wood art, and tie dye. Enjoy special events like bingo and movie nights. Feel the thrill with rollerblading and foam parties.
One of our favorite things they have is a beautiful stretch of the Guadalupe River to chill in.
There are multiple ways to enjoy water here, including the Water Zone, a fun-filled water playground complete with interactive splash pads, water slides, water blasters, and a giant water bucket that tips over every few minutes.
There’s also multiple outdoor pools with options for all ages. The park even features an indoor pool and hot tub, ensuring that the fun continues even when the weather is less cooperative.
Go on a Safari Tour in Kerrville TX
At Y.O. Ranch Headquarters, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a customized safari tour! This interactive experience allows you to come face-to-face with a variety of exotic animals, from zebras to antelopes.
One of the standout features of this tour is the chance to interact closely with the camels. If you’re daring enough, you might even find yourself puckering up for a memorable kiss with a camel!
The Cross at Kerrville
Located on 23 acres, the Cross at Kerrville provides a serenely spiritual experience. This site is crowned by a 77-foot-tall, empty cross. Visitors can stroll through the Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens, featuring an array of biblical sculptures that tell stories from the Scriptures.
Visit this Quirky Replica in Kerrville TX
Stonehenge II, a replica of the original Stonehenge monument in England, offers an unusual sight amidst the Texas landscape.
This remarkable structure was created by Al Shepperd and Doug Hill as a tribute to the ancient monument. It is not as grand in size as the original — standing at about 60% of its height — but it captures the essence and mystery of Stonehenge.
Nestled alongside are two Easter Island heads, adding to the quirky and eclectic vibe of the site. Stonehenge II invites you to take a pause, appreciate the unusual, and perhaps even ponder the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Each of the artificial stones can now be seen on the Hill Country Arts Foundation campus.
While technically in Ingram, this is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Kerrville this weekend since it’s a very short drive.
Related Post: 50+ Day Trips from San Antonio TX
Things to Do in Kerrville TX: Explore Downtown
The downtown area of Kerrville is part of what makes it so charming! You can even walk around downtown with wine or beer because of the open container laws in the city square.
- Fairy Moon Emporium: This unique shop offers astrology and tarot card readings, crystals, witch-related items, and original art and clothing, including stunning crystal globes.
- Zen & Alchemy: Not only home to a vast collection of large crystals and other magical/spiritual items, Zen & Alchemy also has massages and holistic treatments, singing bowl meditations, and other classes on the roster.
- Sunrise Antique Mall: Open from 11am to 5pm, this two-story treasure trove is packed with a diverse collection of items including records, comics, games, clothes, and furniture.
- River’s Edge Gallery: Open from 10am to 5pm, this artistic hub showcases works by 20 Texas artists, many of them painted onsite by owners Mike and Debbie Wilson. Also home to three adorable dogs, River’s Edge Gallery offers framing and repair services, and features an eclectic mix of unique pieces.
- Historic Schreiner Mansion: One of the most remarkable historic sites in the area, the Schreiner Mansion is a true testament to the rich history and culture of the region. Built in 1879, this stunning limestone mansion offers visitors a chance to step back in time and gain insight into the lives of early settlers. The mansion is now used for special events and is also open for tours, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts!
- Playhouse 2000: Kerrville is a great place for theater lovers. The local theater, Playhouse 2000, puts on all sorts of shows like musicals and plays all year long. They even do Shakespeare in the park. When you visit, you might see local actors or musicians who’ve come from other parts of the country to perform right here in Kerrville.
Cultural Things to Do in Kerrville TX
The Museum of Western Art
Art lovers should add the Museum of Western Art to their list of things to do in Kerrville TX! Dedicated to preserving the culture of the American West, the museum’s collection includes works by some of the most renowned Western artists!
Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
Another cultural gem in the area is the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Known for its dynamic exhibitions and engaging community activities, the center serves as the city’s heart, championing local, regional, and national artists. Within its walls, three distinct galleries house as many as 40 exhibitions each year, offering an ever-changing tapestry of creativity and expression.
Its diverse collection encompasses a wide range of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and textiles. The center also hosts several art workshops and classes throughout the year!
With its wide array of offerings and commitment to cultivating artistic talent, the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center is definitely worth a visit!
James Avery Craftsman Center
For those seeking unique, artisanal souvenirs, the James Avery Craftsman Center offers a variety of finely crafted pieces. A well-known Texas jeweler, the designs often incorporate symbols of regional culture and nature, which make them perfect keepsakes of your time in Kerrville.