The Best Route to See the Best of Texas: Alvarado to Bowie
Are you ready for a fun, scenic drive through the Lone Star State? Whether you’re a Texas resident or just passing through, there’s plenty to see and do on the stretch of road from Alvarado to Bowie. This two-hour journey will take you through history, nature, and charming small towns.
Get your car ready and fasten your seatbelt. We’re about to take you on a picturesque tour of some of the top places to see when driving from Alvarado to Bowie.
Discovering the Best of Western Texas on the Road
Stop 1: Grandbury, Texas
As you take off from Alvarado, you’ll soon enter the charming city of Granbury. Known for its stunning architecture and charming downtown, Granbury is a great first stop. Head over to the Hood County Jail Museum, where you can explore the history of the region's law enforcement and the 1895 jailhouse. Discover more local history by visiting the Hood County Courthouse, where you’ll find a unique, Victorian-style building with various restaurants and a cozy bookshop located inside.
Stop 2: Dinosaur Valley State Park
About 30 minutes from Granbury, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a unique dinosaur-themed attraction, located near the Paluxy River. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery in the area. The highlight of the park is undoubtedly its dinosaur footprints that were left in the rocky riverbed millions of years ago. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring these footprints up close and taking a photo for posterity.
Stop 3: The Town of Hico
The next town on your journey is Hico, located only 10 minutes from Dinosaur Valley State Park. This charming small town offers a blast of nostalgia with buildings that date back over a century, including classic drug stores and a theatre that's been in continuous operation since 1921. Make sure to visit Wiseman House Chocolate, where you can enjoy their artisanal chocolates and grab a few for the drive to your next stop.
Stop 4: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the chance to see wildlife that's native to the mountains of Western Texas and Oklahoma. Spanning across 59,020 acres of land, the Refuge boasts over 50 mammal species, including American bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Additionally, the refuge features numerous hiking trails, where you can appreciate the beauty of the steep, granite peaks, colorful wildflowers, and herds of bison grazing in the prairies.
Stop 5: Bowie Knife Memorial
Depending on your timing and preference, your last stop before reaching Bowie can be either the Graham city center or the nearby Bowie Knife Memorial located in Bowie City Park. The latter is a tribute to the Bowie Knife, a knife design named after the Texas hero, Jim Bowie. Learn about the history of the blade, admire replicas of Jim Bowie’s famous knife, and take in the picturesque view of Bowie from the scenic hilltop.
Conclusion
Whether you're a native Texan or just passing through, there's no doubt that Western Texas has unique and picturesque destinations worth exploring. From hiking through Dinosaur Valley State Park to admiring the stunning architecture in Granbury, there’s no shortage of things to see and do when traveling from Alvarado to Bowie. Get your car ready and explore the best of the Lone Star State today!