Attractions
Hillsboro is rich with the history of its founding fathers and offers a variety of historic sites for the history enthusiasts. If you are interested in learning more about Texas History or researching your family’s past, visit Hillsboro and enjoy our fabulous museums.
Many scenic, outdoor opportunities await you in and around Hillsboro. From fishing and water sports to golfing and enjoying the parks with your family, we offer you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
From fine art and antiques to fishing and camping, you'll find a wide variety of activities to suit you.
When you arrive in town, don't forget to quench your thirst and whet your appetite with a taste of Hillsboro. With many restaurants from which to choose, you are guaranteed not to go hungry.
For more information on our many tourism options, e-mail hillsboro@hillsborochamber.org or call 800-HILLSBORO.
Historic Attractions
Texas Heritage Museum
Museum
One of the best museums of its kind in the nation, the Texas Heritage Museum, located on the campus of Hill College in Hillsboro, commemorates the experiences of Texans during war times.The museum features Civil War, World War II & Audie Murphy (right), and Vietnam exhibits and includes a Weapons Gallery. The newly remodeled museum offers a state-of-the-art theatre featuring films highlighting the contents of the museum.
Confederate Research Center
The History Complex also houses the Confederate Research Center, established in 1963. It is built around a library of over 5,000 volumes dealing with the War Between the States. It is perhaps the most extensive library on this subject in the southwest. The center also has extensive archives that house many original manuscripts, diaries and letters from the War period. It also has numerous maps and scores of photographs of both civilian and military leaders in Texas during that period. The Research Center also offers genealogical research services.
The museum and Research Center are open Mon-Thur from 8:30am-4:30pm & Fri from 8:30am-4pm. For more information on the Harold B. Simpson History Complex, call 254-582-2555 x295 or visit www.hillcollege.edu/museum/museum.
Hill County Courthouse
Restored from a devastating fire New Year's Day 1993, the Hill County Courthouse serves as the dominant symbol for Hill County.
Restoration of the building first built in 1890 took over six years and $9 million dollars to complete. The courthouse is now open for visitors to tour and marvel at its grandeur. For more information, contact the Chamber at 254-582-2481 or chamber@hillsborochamber.org.
MKT (Katy) Depot
The MKT (Katy) Depot serves as the office of the Hillsboro Area Chamber
of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the Visitors
Center. The depot was restored and moved to its present location, just off
the historic courthouse square in downtown Hillsboro.
Filled with railroad artifacts and railroad pictures, the depot is a beautiful example of restoration at its best. For more information, contact us at 254-582-2481 or e-mail us.
Hillsboro City Library
Building of the library began in 1912 and was completed in 1915. A magnificent structure, it was designed as an adaptation of the Foundling Hospital for Children of Florence, Italy, which was executed in 1419 by the Italian architect, sculptor, and painter Brunelleschi.
That building is considered one of the first of the High Renaissance. In 1982, the Library was designated a Texas Historical Building and was listed with the National Registrar of Historic Places in e-mail us. Visit www.hillsborotx.org/.
Hill County Cell Block Museum
Built in 1893 by architect W. C. Dodson, the museum served as the county jail until 1983. Awarded a Texas Historical Marker in 1981, the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Exhibits include a tribute to Hill County native Willie Nelson, a Native American Artifact Room, Vintage Clothing Exhibit, and an actual Cell Block that was used until the 80’s. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $2 for adults. The hours of operation are Saturdays, from April thru October from 10am to 4pm. For more information, call us at 254-582-8912 or e-mail us.
Outdoor Pursuits
Wallace Park
Located on the northern edge of the city, this 190+ acre park contains state of the art baseball fields, an outdoor basketball court, nature trail, restrooms, soccer fields, and more.
City Park
Located in the heart of Hillsboro, City Park offers fully lighted recreation facilities including four practice baseball fields, numerous shade trees and shaded walkways, playgrounds, picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a jogging trail.
For more information on the city parks, contact the City of Hillsboro offices at 254-582-3271.
Lake Whitney
The 23,560 surface acre lake is one of the most popular water recreation areas in the nation. Located just 15 minutes from Hillsboro, Lake Whitney offers visitors many outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, wind surfing, skiing, sailing, camping, and wildlife watching. 700 RV spaces are available, along with marinas, parks and recreation areas. For information, call the Lake Whitney State Park at 254-694-3793 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lake_whitney/.
Hillsboro Country Club
The club offers a nine-hole golf course located in the heart of Hillsboro. For information, contact the Pro Shop at 254-582-8211.
The Arts
Hill College Performing Arts Series
In the 1993-94 academic year the Hill College Performing Arts Series presented its first season of concerts on the Hillsboro campus. From the beginning it was decided that the series would be free to the public and that donations from the public and financial help from Hill College would be the only means of support. Performances are scheduled throughout the school year. For more information, visit www.hillcollege.edu/PerformingArts/index.aspx or call 254-582-2555.
Willie's Place at Carl's Corner
Willie's Place has been rebuilt from the ground up. The truck stop features Bio Diesel, gasoline, a convenience store, gift shop, and needs for truckers. Willie's Night Life Theater hosts live entertainment. Whiskey River Saloon has Happy Hour Monday thru Thursday 4 PM - 7 PM. The Blue Skies Café has daily lunch specials and is open 24 hours with a full menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For more information, call 866-765-4042 or 254-759-7600 or visit www.myspace.com/williesplacetheater. The address is 101 Cornelius Road N. FM 2959, Carl's Corner, TX 76645 IH 35 E Exit 374.