Courtesy photo Cleburne ’ s Carver Park is the perfect place to head when summer temperatures heat up thanks to its splash pads .
Photo by Monica Faram Check the Railroaders ’ schedule to see promotions — such as Fireworks Fridays and Mustache Mondays — are going on for any given game . on the water with friends and family .
Approximately 10 miles from Lake Pat Cleburne and 12 miles west of the city center is Cleburne State Park . The 528-acre park has a 116-acre spring-fed lake , 5.5 miles of mountain bike trails , campsites , a dining hall , two barracks and the new Cedar Lodge group hall .
This fun park offers another chance for you to make the most of Cleburne ’ s beautiful summer weather . For a small fee , you can even rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and explore the lake at your own leisure .
And don ’ t worry if you forget any of the essentials when you go , you can find ice , firewood , charcoal , ice cream and souvenirs in the park ’ s store .
AFFORDABLE FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
Housed in the 1905 Carnegie Library Building , a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places ( and one of only 12 Carnegie buildings left in Texas ), the Layland Museum of History is a great local museum that gives you a sense of place as soon as you step foot inside .
The museum has family-friendly exhibitions and activity stations that center around the preservation of home and family life in Texas , so this is a perfect museum to spend a day with the kids creating new memories . It ’ s open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a . m . until 5 p . m . and on Saturdays from 10 a . m . until 4 p . m . The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays . And the best part ? Admission is free for everyone !
Another interesting and free-to-visit museum a few doors down from the
Layland Museum of History is the Cleburne Railroad Museum . The museum re-opened in 2022 ( so if you haven ’ t been to Cleburne in a few years — add this to your list of places to visit when you make your way here ) and it ’ s been capturing locals ’ and visitors ’ hearts ever since . The museum is , you guessed it , dedicated to the history of the railroad system that once boomed in Cleburne , showcasing artifacts , including model trains and more , each explaining the history and significance of the railroad system in this area . Tours are even led by conductors !
At the Johnson County Courthouse Museum , you ’ ll find collections and preservations of historical and natural history artifacts and materials relating to Johnson County , Texas . You can find information on all of Johnson County ’ s favorite cities , including Alvarado , Burleson , Cleburne , Godley , Grandview , Joshua , Keene and Venus . This is a place for Texans who want to dig deeper into their Texas roots .
Last but not least , and one of the most popular museums in town , the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum is an outdoor museum partially housed in the original Wardville courthouse and the oldest log courthouse in Texas . Beyond the courthouse , you ’ ll also find a one-room schoolhouse , a jail with remnants from the original Wardville jail , a working blacksmith shop , an original mule barn and a magnificently restored stagecoach from two early John Wayne movies that were filmed here . The museum , which gives an in-depth look into the Chisholm trail and what it was like to drive cattle over these lands in the 19th century
— is often referred to as one of the top 10 open-air museums in the state .
The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and the Big Bear Native American Museum , which is also found here , has a small entrance fee . The museum is home to a rare collection of Native American artifacts providing an insightful look into the history of the Native Americans in North America . Visit the website for hours of operation and admission .
AFFORDABLE DEALS FOR THE FAMILY
In the summer months , it ’ s impossible to head to Cleburne and not hear about Splash Station . While this yearround waterpark is certainly popular in the winter months , it ’ s the summer months that are best enjoyed here .
With a leisure pool , two 120-foot winding slides , an interactive spray pad , water sprayers , a lazy river and concessions area , there are plenty of reasons the entire family will love spending the day here . And with an admission price of only $ 6 for everyone over the age of two , bringing everyone here won ’ t break the bank on your family vacation .
Get into the spirit and catch a Cleburne Railroaders Game at La Moderna Field , the city ’ s beloved 1,750-seat baseball stadium and home to the Cleburne Railroaders , the local American Association of Independent Professional Baseball team . Check the Railroaders calendar to see the team ’ s schedule and catch a game when you ’ re in town . Friday Fireworks is a sight to see — all Friday night games have a special firework show the whole family will love .
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