Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive From Addison, Texas and Austin, Texas

If you are looking for an adventure and want to explore Texas beyond the big cities, take a road trip from Addison to Austin. This road trip will take you through more than 200 miles of Texas countryside and charming towns. The route is peppered with small towns, historic sites and beautiful scenery.

The drive from Addison, Texas to Austin, Texas takes about three hours without stopping, but this article suggests that you do. Consider taking a break and visiting some of these spots to see Texas from a different view.

Halfway Point: Waco, TX

Before we dive into the unexpected places on the route, let's make a stop at Waco, TX. Waco has become a destination in its own right, thanks to the wildly popular TV show starring the duo of Chip and Joanna Gaines that renovate homes. In addition to the HGTV lore, Waco is home to a number of sites and museums, including the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

1. Glen Rose, TX - Dinosaur Valley State Park

If you've always been fascinated by dinosaurs, add the Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose to your travel itinerary. This park has a rich history and has been labeled as one of the "Ten Places to Visit in America" by Life Magazine.

The unique feature of the park is that it has dinosaur tracks that date back over 113 million years. Visitors can take a stroll down the Paluxy River and follow the precise footprints of the long-extinct animals. Bring a picnic lunch, as there are numerous shady spots and picnic facilities available.

Favorite Food: BBQ

2. Johnson City, TX - Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is a great stop for anyone interested in history, politics, or the legacy of LBJ. This presidential library and museum complex detail the life and times of one of the nation's most influential presidents.

Visitors can explore the birthplace of the president, tour his Boyhood Home and learn about his family history. The complex also has a barn that showcases the cattle breeding business, a school that reflects life in rural Texas in the early 1900s and the first lady’s office.

Favorite Food: Peach Ice Cream

3. Marble Falls, TX - Hidden Falls Adventure Park

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, take a detour to Marble Falls to visit the Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Offering 3,000 acres of off-road terrain, the park lets you test your off-road drivings skills. Visitors can rent Jeeps and tackle muddy trails, steep climbs, and rocky terrain.

But off-roading isn’t the only activity available at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Visitors can go for ATVs, Dirt bikes, and UTVs or take a zip line over the park's scenic waterfalls.

Favorite Food: Burgers

4. Belton, TX - Bell County Museum

The Bell County Museum is a little gem in the small town of Belton. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts detailing the history of Bell County, from the earliest days of the Native American tribes to the post-World War II era.

The museum also has a unique feature called "The Chisholm Trail Experience." It showcases the cattle drive routes pioneered by Jesse Chisholm in the 1860s, plus the lives of the cowboys who worked the drives. The museum is small but well worth a visit, especially if you're interested in the history of the area.

Favorite Food: Biscuits and Gravy

5. Johnson City, TX - LBJ Ranch

Located just outside Johnson City, the LBJ Ranch is the former home of Lyndon B. Johnson during his time in presidency. The ranch includes a number of historical sites, most notably the Texas White House, which was the former president’s home-away-from-home.

Visitors can experience the serenity of the ranch and learn about the legacy of one of the nation's most influential presidents. The LBJ Ranch is an interesting stop for anyone interested in Texas history, presidential history, and the environment.

Favorite Food: Fried Chicken

Conclusion

Texas is a state that is full of history and culture. From the vibrant bustling cities to the countryside, it offers surprises around every corner. If you want to experience the state outside the big city, take a drive from Addison, Texas, to Austin, Texas, and discover the beauty of Texas from a different perspective. Stop at these unexpected places and create fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.