Bertram offers several ways to explore its history and cultural life: a railroad ride through the Texas Hill Country, a historic depot, an Art Deco cinema, and the Oatmeal Festival, which brings Bertram and Oatmeal together. The town also has municipal parks and recreational facilities with a range of different features. You can tailor your visit to your interests, whether you’re especially interested in railroads, events, architectural history, or local amenities.
Railroads and Historic Buildings
The Bertram Flyer travels through the Texas Hill Country and crosses a 300-foot wooden trestle bridge over the South San Gabriel River. It also makes a brief stop at the historic 1912 Bertram Depot. These two historic features offer different experiences: the bridge is part of the route and crosses the river, while the train briefly stops at a historic site in Bertram. For railroad enthusiasts, the ride includes both the engineering of the route and a stop steeped in history.
The Globe Theatre also combines architectural history with an events program. The cinema in Bertram opened in 1935 and is designed in the Art Deco style. The style offers a clue to the building’s architectural character, while the opening year places it in its historical context. Today, the Globe Theatre offers live music, classic films, and special events. If you want to attend a specific event, check the relevant dates when planning your visit.
The Oatmeal Festival in Two Communities
Bertram has held the Oatmeal Festival annually since 1978. The festival consists of two connected events: Friday Night in Oatmeal and a Saturday event in Bertram. This arrangement is important for planning, since the celebration takes place in more than one location. Held over Labor Day weekend, the festival includes a parade, a pet parade, a fun run, an oatmeal-baking contest, a barbecue fundraiser, live music, and family-friendly activities. The activities may vary from year to year.
During the festival, the Bertram Youth Riding Arena hosts mutton busting. The arena is also used by local young people for various equestrian events; membership in the nonprofit riding club is required. These are separate activities: mutton busting is part of the festival program, while the other equestrian events take place through the club. If you’re traveling for an event, check the specific dates as you plan your trip.
Parks and Recreation
Bertram’s recreational facilities cater to a range of interests. In addition to the municipal swimming pool, Roadside Park has free tennis courts and a playground. Check locally to confirm the facilities before your trip. The J.O. Wilson Sports Complex is home to Bertram’s Little League fields and is primarily associated with local baseball.
Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park is in central Bertram. Its pavilion is suitable for weddings and an Easter egg hunt, and the park is also a good place to take a lunch break. This sets it apart from the sports facilities: the focus here is on the pavilion and its uses for events and breaks. Visitors exploring the different locations will find both facilities with a specific connection to sports and a centrally located park for community gatherings.
A Historic Connection in Oatmeal
Oatmeal is home to the Early Oatmeal School, a limestone building constructed in 1869. It once served as both a school and a church. This historic connection adds another dimension to the Oatmeal Festival’s celebration of local history. The building’s former dual purpose shows that the town’s history can be seen not only in a single festival or railroad stop, but also in a former community building.
Discover more destinations: Marble Falls, Burnet, Spicewood.
Go to the main travel guide: Burnet County.
