A house dating from 1883, 14 historic markers in downtown Snyder, and a collection of more than 16,000 artifacts reveal different sides of Scurry County’s history. There is also a historic walking tour, a gallery, and recurring events. When planning your trip, it helps to keep the different points of interest in mind: some are specifically in Snyder, while others tell the story of the county’s history.
Architecture, Trade, and Local History
The Cornelius-Dodson House is the oldest home in Snyder. It was built in 1883 in the Tennessee-Cumberland style. The Dermott School dates from 1923–24. These years provide two specific points for chronological comparison; an architectural style is identified only for the home. William Henry “Pete” Snyder established a trading post on the banks of Deep Creek in 1878. The creek flows through Snyder and is connected to the story of the county’s white buffalo. The oil industry was also of great importance to the local economy, particularly after the Canyon Reef Field was discovered north of the city in 1948.
Historic and recreated buildings stand alongside artifacts and exhibits at Scurry County Heritage Village. The Village offers a free, self-guided tour through history; check local conditions before you go. The visit can be approached through several forms of interpretation: buildings, objects, and exhibits offer different ways to explore the historical theme.
The Scurry County Museum has a collection of more than 16,000 artifacts and offers special events throughout the year. Scurry Gallery is a permanent gallery that showcases Scurry County through dynamic exhibits and hundreds of unique artifacts. When choosing among these historical attractions, visitors can explore both an extensive collection and a gallery with its own presentation of the county.
Historic Traces in Snyder
In downtown Snyder, the Downtown Walking Trail offers a self-guided tour with 14 historic markers. Another marker can be found on the Quanah Parker Trail: in Snyder, it bears arrow number 63. A statue of Quanah Parker also stands on the Western Texas College campus in Snyder. Together, these places show different ways historic names and themes are represented locally: as a series of markers, as a marker along a trail, and as a statue.
Events and a Range of Interests
The annual Scurry County Rodeo takes place in mid-July and celebrates the county’s ranching heritage. The White Buffalo Festival takes place every October and honors Mr. Mooar and his contribution to the county’s history. White Buffalo Days features food, arts and crafts, and music in Snyder’s town square. Confirm the dates and program for each event. The Western Texas College Coliseum is used for rodeos, sporting events, community programs, and special events; check specific dates if you are interested.
Ritz Community Theatre also brings together a range of offerings. The weekly Tuesday Troupe is a theater academy for students in grades 2 through 12. The theater also offers wheelchair-accessible seating in the front row. If you plan to attend a performance, check the seating information for the specific date.
The Scurry County Golf Course offers another activity: it is a nine-hole golf course in Snyder. In 2026, the Scurry County Splash Pad was open daily from May 26 through August 2, except Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the dates for the relevant season when planning a future visit. These offerings make Scurry County an appealing destination for trip planning, particularly for its range of cultural, historical, and other activities; which stops are right for you depends on the topics you want to focus on.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Snyder, Mclennan, Refugio County, Crockett, Williamson, Burnet County, Live Oak, Childress County.
For the main travel overview: Texas.
