The Ultimate Road Trip: The Top Places to Stop on Your Drive from Austin, Texas to Abilene, Texas

Are you planning a road trip in Texas? Whether you're a local or a tourist, there's something unique and exciting about exploring all that the Lone Star State has to offer. If you're driving from Austin, Texas, to Abilene, Texas, along Interstate 35 and US-183, you're in for a scenic and unforgettable experience. From small towns to natural parks, there's an endless array of sights to see on this road trip. In this blog post, we've put together a list of the top places to visit on your drive. So hop in your car, turn up the tunes, and let's get started!

Stop 1: Waco, Texas

If you're driving from Austin, the first major city you'll hit on your journey is Waco. This charming town has been making headlines recently thanks to the popularity of the television show "Fixer Upper," which is filmed there. But Waco is much more than just a TV set. Here are some top things to do in Waco:

Visit Magnolia Market: This home decor store owned by HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines is a must-see if you're a fan of the show.
Explore Cameron Park: This 416-acre park is perfect for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. It offers stunning views of the Brazos River and the Waco skyline.
Check out the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame: This museum is a great way to learn about the history of the Texas Rangers, who were the first law enforcement agency in North America.

Stop 2: The Czech Stop

About an hour north of Waco, you'll come across The Czech Stop in West, Texas. This bakery and deli has been serving up delicious kolaches, a traditional Czech pastry, since 1983. The stop is perfect to have a meal and grab a snack for the rest of the drive. With flavors such as sausage and cheese or apricot, you won't want to leave without trying one or two.

Stop 3: Sweetwater, Texas

Sweetwater, Texas, is a small town located about 45 minutes west of Abilene. It has a population of just over 10,000 people, but it's full of charm and surprises. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Sweetwater:

Visit the Pioneer Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the early days of Sweetwater and features exhibits on local history, including ranching, oil drilling, and pioneer life.
Check out the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup: This annual event draws thousands of visitors to Sweetwater every March. The festival includes a rodeo, a carnival, and, of course, plenty of rattlesnake-related activities.
Stop by the Windmill Farm: This unique attraction features dozens of windmills, which were used for irrigation in the early days of West Texas agriculture. You can take a self-guided tour or rent a bike to explore the farm.

Stop 4: Abilene State Park

About 20 minutes west of Abilene, you'll find Abilene State Park, a beautiful natural oasis in the middle of the West Texas plains. The park covers more than 500 acres and has something for everyone, including:

Hiking and biking trails: The park has several miles of trails that wind through forests, canyons, and hills.
Fishing: Lake Abilene is stocked with several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and crappie.
Camping: The park has several campsites with both primitive and RV hookups.

Stop 5: Frontier Texas!

The last stop on our road trip is Frontier Texas!, a museum located in downtown Abilene. The museum offers a hands-on, interactive experience that brings the history of the Texas frontier to life. You'll see life-size holograms of cowboys and Native Americans, touch real buffalo hides, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier.

Conclusion

Driving from Austin to Abilene is a journey that's full of surprises and adventure. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just good food, there's something for everyone on this road trip. So why not hit the road and see what Texas has to offer?