Day Trips

Whitney is the perfect place to plan a weeklong getaway. There’s plenty to keep you busy in town and around the lake, but if you’re in the mood for venturing out, here are some of the places you might visit.

Hillsboro (12 miles, 16 minutes)

  • mallLogoOutlets at Hillsboro Outlet shopping for clothing, shoes, housewares, tools, eyewear, and more
  • Texas Heritage Museum
    • Features exhibits highlighting Texans’ contributions during wartimes, from the Civil War through Vietnam.
    • Theatre presents three short films, including one on Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier during WW II.
    • Located on the Hill College campus; free admission.
  • Cell Block Museum
    • Originally the county jail house, from 1893-1983; now a county museum.
    • Includes the Willie Nelson Memorabilia Room, featuring items related to the Hill county native.
    • Contains the cell block where Elvis spent a night in the Hill County jailhouse.
    • Also contains exhibits on Native American artifacts, vintage clothing, and an early Texas kitchen.
    • Located at the southeast corner of Paschal St & Waco St, one block north of the courthouse. Open Saturdays.
  • Hill County Courthouse
    • Originally constructed in 1890, the courthouse was restored after a New Year’s Day Fire in 1993.
    • Three story limestone structure.
    • Open for public tours, Monday Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Clifton (23 miles, 35 minutes)

  • 2013-12-24_1853Bosque Arts Center
    • Art museum specializing in western paintings and bronzes.
    • Nationally juried show each September.
    • Includes Tin Building Theatre, which produces several shows each year.
  • Bosque Museum
    • Archeological exhibit on the Horn Shelter in Bosque County, one of only three Paleo American sites in America with skeletal remains and burial goods. Includes 8 minute film by one of the men who originally found the Horn Shelter.
    • Norwegian artifacts exhibit documenting life in Bosque County; the largest collection of its kind in the South and Southwest.
    • Pioneer artifacts collection, including furniture from Ima Hogg’s book, firearms, a blacksmith shop, textiles, and other items documenting life in Bosque County.

Elm Mott (27 miles, 35 minutes)

  • Homestead Heritagehomestead-heritage-logo
    • Craft village located in a 510-acre homesteading community.
    • Includes potter’s barn, award-winning furniture making, quilts, gristmill, and more.
    • Annual Thanksgiving Craft & Children’s Fair.

Glen Rose (50 miles, 62 minutes)

  • Dinosaur Valley State Parkdinosaur-valley-state-park
    • This state park contains some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world.
    • Tracks are located in the riverbed, so call ahead to check on river condition.
    • Two 70-foot and 45-foot model dinosaurs originally shown at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair are on display at the entrance.
  • Dinosaur World
    • Over 100 life-sized dinosaurs displayed outdoors with explanatory signs.
    • Fossil dig for kids, museum, and picnic area.
  • Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
    • Sanctuary for endangered species open to the public for a 9.5 mile self-drive tour, or guided tours.
    • Food for feeding the animals can be purchased at the park