Temple is a small cosy city in Bell County of Texas. It is sandwiched between Austin and Waco. Earlier, it was known to be a railway stop but now it has evolved to be a popular tourist destination in Texas. The town bustles with art and culture. It has a rich history and heritage. There are many attractions in this city that can keep anyone busy.
Read ahead to know why Temple is known as “The Wildflower Capital Of Texas”.
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Best Things to do in Temple, TX
1. Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum
As it has already been established, Temple is a city with a history of rails and tracks. So there will be many attractions around the city’s history. Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum is one of the most popular attractions of that kind in Temple. Here, you will see many exhibits and artefacts around the Santa Fe Railroad Company. It is situated in the Santa Fe Depot. This main building of the museum was built in 1911.
Take yourself back in the days of the past and browse their research library. The museum hosts many permanent and rotating exhibits around the year, and displays vintage railway equipment. Discover more about the museum on their website given below.
Some relevant information-
Website: Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum
Address: 315 W Avenue B, Temple, TX 76501
Timings: Tues- Sat: 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
2. Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center
Texas has hosted a lot of diverse groups of people who helped in defining the current status of Texas. One of such groups of people include the immigrants who came from the Czech Republic to earn a new livelihood in 1850’s.
The Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center is a museum that is dedicated to preserve this side of history of the state. It is ideally situated between Temple’s business and historic districts. It opened its doors to the public in 2000 but the building in which it is situated was built in 1931.
The building has an exterior storefront and is built of mosaic tile. It boasts a large collection of artifacts, memoirs, photos and documents to spread awareness about the lifestyle from Czech in Texas. The museum also hosts many events around the year including language seminars, art and craft classes and so on.
Some relevant information-
Website: Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center
Address: 119 W. French Avenue Temple, TX 76502
Timings: Tues- Sat: 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
3. Miller Springs Nature Center
Are you looking forward to a peaceful day outdoors? Miller Springs Nature Center and Park is a family-oriented park where you can go to have a picnic with your family and kids. The park has a peaceful, quiet and tranquil ambience. It is spread on a large 260 acre land that overlooks Lake Belton Dam on one side and Leon River on the other side. There are many playgrounds for kids here and a splash pad.
You can grill your own lunch at their barbecue stations and enjoy it in their picnic pavilions. You can also indulge in some hiking, mountain biking, jogging, running or just lazy strolling here. The entry to the park is free. Here, you can observe wildlife and nature. Fishing opportunities with magnificent scenery are also available here.
Some relevant information-
Directions: Miller Springs Nature Center
Address: 1473 Farm-To-Market Rd 2271, Belton, TX 76513
Timings: Daily: 8 am to 8 pm
4. The Wilson House
The Wilson House is a people’s favourite historic home in Temple, TX. It was built in 1959 by Ralph Wilson Sr. the home gives a glimpse of the architecture, designs and lifestyle from its time. It is a ranch-style home. The house also exhibits a plastic laminate of the Wilsonart Company.
You can see the remnants of testing of the laminate products on its furniture and decorations. The house embodies both modern and traditional architecture. So if you are an architecture lover, the displays and exhibits will excite you. The Wilson House is also mentioned in the National Register of Historic Places.
Some relevant information-
Website: The Wilson House
Address: 1714 S 61st Street, Temple, TX 76504
5. Temple Lake Park
Temple Lake Park is an outdoor site that offers a place for a laid back day outdoors. The park spans over 25 acre of land and has a man made wetland, flora and fauna. Deers and turkeys are casual sights here.
The park has picnic grounds with barbecue stations and playgrounds for kids. There’s also a beach where you can indulge in swimming to beat the heat. The lake here is also ideal for fishing. This park makes for a fun outing with family and friends.
Some relevant information-
Website: Temple Lake Park
Address: 14190 FM2305, Belton, TX 76513
Timings: Daily: 8 am to 8.30 pm
6. Lions Junction Family Water Park
There are many water parks in and around Temple, TX. The Lions Junction Family Water Park is one of the best water parks here. It has everything that one needs to beat the heat and have guaranteed fun in water.
It has deep water pools, diving boards, and obviously, water slides. Their water slides are almost three stories tall. For children, there are shallow pools, splash pads and even a lazy river where you can take it a little easy. For more adventurous ones, there are opportunities for rock climbing in Lions Junction Family Water Park. They also have a snack counter and an eatery.
Some relevant information-
Website: Lions Junction Family Water Park
Address: 5000 S 5th Street, Temple, TX 76502
Timings: Functional in summer seasons
7. Trails of Pepper Creek
Hikers and runners know the importance of good scenery around hiking trails. Pepper Creek Trails understands that assignment and offers both of these. Visitors can go for walking, hiking, jogging or just lazy strolling on the scenic trails that meander around Pepper Creek.
Spend some time in the lap of nature and fall in love with beautiful sceneries along the way. If you are lucky enough, you will find hidden waterfalls, picnic grounds, and even bridges.
Some relevant information-
Website: Pepper Creek
8. Bell County Museum
The Bell County Museum is just a short ride away from Temple. It is situated in Belton City. The museum is the place where you can get a glimpse of life from the olden days. It has permanent and rotating exhibits. The famous exhibits and attractions here include the Chisholm Trail Monument and the Moustache Teacup collection.
They also offer archaeological digs where you can learn about the history of the city. Many interactive activities, and unique experiences are offered here.
Some relevant information-
Website: Bell County Museum
Address: 201 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513
Timings: Tues- Fri: 12 pm to 5 pm, Sat: 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
9. Whistle Stop Park
Keeping up with the history of Temple, TX, Whistle Stop Park is a learning experience for kids. It will inculcate the awareness of history in kids. The park has a unique way of spreading knowledge between kids. It has a railway-themed playground for the purpose.
Parents can relax in nature’s lap and interact with locals while kids can play around and make new friends here. The park is ideally placed close to railway tracks where they can be fascinated by trains moving in real time. The park also has its regular features like swings, rope bridges, slides, climbs, and so on!
Some relevant information-
Website: Whistle Stop Park
Address: 58 S 11th Street, Temple, TX 76501
Timings: Mon- Sat: 8 am to 8 pm, Sun: 3 am to 4 pm
10. Summer Fun Water Park
The Summer Fun Water Park is another place that provides opportunities of beating the heat and cooling down in summers. Visitors can indulge in water adventures here and have a relaxing time in water.
The water park is friendly for people of all ages and they even host family nights. Not a single member of the family will have a dull moment here. The attractions here include giant water slides, a 40-foot tower, and live music sessions!
Some relevant information-
Website: Summer Fun Water Park
Address: 1410 Waco Road, Belton, TX 76513
11. 3 Texans Winery
If you are an enophile then 3 Texans Winery is a place that you should not really miss. The city of Temple has a tradition of tasting of wines. 3 Texans Winery is probably the best place to get yourself acquainted with this side of the culture of Temple, TX. The place offers an exquisite blend with heavenly taste of fine and exotic wines. This winery’s tasting experience is most popular. It also provides easy-on-pockets wine purchasing offers.
3 Texans Winery also provides guided tours to its visitors where visitors can experience the vineyards along with a terrific blend of wine. They also host many events and are also available for rentals for hosting private and corporate events.
Some relevant information-
Website: 3 Texans Winery
Address: 7536 FM2409, Temple, TX 76504
Timings: Wed- Sun 12 pm to 7 pm
12. Friars Creek Trail
Since Temple, TX is in Central Texas, it offers a lot of land that demands exploration. Friar’s Creek Trail is one of the most popular nature trails in Temple. It has two segments and a total length of two miles. The trails meander through diverse terrains. While covering the trail, you will also stumble on vibrant fields, tranquil lakes and so on. The Friars Creek Trail is also available for biking or cycling.
Some relevant information-
Website: Friar’s Creek Trail
Address: 5000 S. 5th Street, Temple, TX
13. Temple Symphony Orchestra
The Temple Symphony Orchestra belongs to the list of the top things to do in Temple, TX. The orchestra is a paradise of melodious sound. The Temple Symphony Orchestra plays an important role in shaping the culture of Texas.
In the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center, the annual calendar for concerts hosts many orchestras that attract a swarm of visitors. The orchestra hosts some ninety professional musicians. Visit this place to have a melodic yet unique experience in Temple, TX.
Some relevant information-
Website: Temple Symphony Orchestra
Address: 100 W Adams Ave, Temple, TX 76501
14. Wings Pizza N Things
We can’t miss the foodies in our list! The best way to explore a city is to go through its eaterie, restaurants and bakery. Wings Pizza N Things is a restaurant that opened in 2006. It serves mouthwatering salads, burritos, wraps, burgers, appetisers, and shrimp dishes.
If you are missing live sports experience then Wings Pizza N Things is the place for you. The pizza here is made from scratch and wings.
Locals highly recommend the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and 14 homemade wing sauces.
Some relevant information-
Website: Wings Pizza N Things
Address: 2112 SW H K Dodgen Loop Suite #106, Temple, TX 76504
Timings: Dailly: 11 am to 11 pm, Mond: 5 pm to 11 pm.
15. Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
IF you’re craving asian food after seeing so many reels on Instagram, the Dynasty Chinese Restaurant is the place for you.In 1991, it was the first Chinese restaurant in Temple.
They bring the best Chinese food and spicy flavours to the community .Try their famous General Tso’s Chicken. They also host Chinese buffets. Dynasty Chinese Restaurant also takes orders and provides delivery services.
Dynasty opens every day and is always ready to serve its customers both lunch and dinner.
Some relevant information-
Website: Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2501 Airport Rd, Temple, TX 76504
Timings: Daily: 11 am to 9 pm.
Temple, Texas, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Austin. You can take a day trip from Temple to Austin. Check out the best things to do in Austin, TX. Also find out more things to do in Texas.
