A distinctive historical trail begins at the Red River: At Doan’s Crossing in Wilbarger County, the Doan family built a store and a home in 1881 near a shallow river crossing. The Great Western Trail also left Texas here. Those interested in the region’s history can combine this stop with museums, historic buildings, and events. When looking for a place to stay, it helps to first decide on the focus of your trip: history, exhibits, nature, or an event date.
Doan’s Crossing and the Region’s History
A May Day Picnic has been held at Doan’s Crossing every year since 1884. The site thus connects the history of the Red River and the Great Western Trail with a recurring event. Doan’s Adobe House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its local significance lies in the areas of exploration, settlement, and architecture.
History is also part of Vernon’s streetscape: Vernon Main Street District continues to emphasize historic buildings and the revitalization of downtown. The Wilbarger County Historical Museum features historic buildings and presents the history of the Waggoner Ranch. These sites offer different perspectives, from historic architecture to the history of a ranch.
Museums, Art, and Conservation
The Red River Valley Museum has four galleries covering the period from the age of the dinosaurs to the present in Wilbarger County. The Berry History and Science Gallery displays prehistoric fossils and artifacts from the Red River Valley area of North Texas. The William A. Bond Trophy and Game Gallery conveys the importance of conservation. Visitors looking to explore different themes can find a range here, from natural history and regional artifacts to conservation.
The Harvey Dean Mural tells another local story: It is about Harvey Dean, an African American entrepreneur who sold tamales to raise money for his children’s college education. Little Playhouse on the Prairie offers a different cultural focus. It performs improv theater quarterly and presents a full-length play every year with an entirely volunteer cast and crew. Performance dates may change, so check event dates before your trip.
Routes and Nature in the Surrounding Area
A visitor route for Vernon recommends exploring the Hibiscus Walking Trail on foot. Another Vernon route along the Great Western Trail includes exploring markers 1 through 4. The suggestions focus on different things: one is a walk on a named trail, while the other explores markers along the historic trail theme. Route details may change, so it’s a good idea to check the information before your visit.
Copper Breaks State Park, in nearby Hardeman County, is about 30 miles west of Vernon. The park has two small lakes and 10 miles of hiking trails. It’s a standalone nature option alongside the historical and cultural attractions. Park conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Events, Summer Activities, and Dining
Summer’s Last Blast is held annually in Vernon and features classic cars, music, and food. As the program may change, it’s worth checking the event dates against your travel dates. Theater fans can also look for dates to attend Little Playhouse on the Prairie’s quarterly improv performances and annual full-length production.
An official summer route for Vernon includes playing at Allingham Splash Pad and on the playground equipment in the park there, as well as enjoying the slides and lazy river at Orbison Aquatic Center. A movie at Vernon Plaza Theater is also among the route’s suggestions. Check the route details and the theater’s current showtimes beforehand.
Taqueria Jalisco serves Mexican dishes for breakfast and lunch. Brown Cow offers homemade Mexican and American dishes as well as a breakfast buffet. If you’re looking for hotels for a trip to Wilbarger County, it’s best to plan your accommodations around the occasion, such as a museum visit, an event date, or summer activities in Vernon. Vernon is connected by U.S. Highways 70, 183, 283, and 287, as well as the Burlington and Northern Railroad. This lets you plan your desired visits and your travel arrangements as separate steps.
Discover more destinations: Vernon, Frio County, Dickens County, Mills County, Motley County, Wilson County, Comanche, Willacy County.
For the main travel overview: Texas.
