Things to Do in Weatherford TX
Weatherford is a great place to visit and live! There is always something to do in this busy little town! Weatherford offers something for the entire family. Its rich Western heritage is still found today.
The Western Frontier
Weatherford is the Cutting Horse Capital of the World. If you are interested in the Cutting Horse industry, stop in the Chamber and pick up a map of the Cutting Horse Ranches in Parker County. It is very interesting to drive by and see these beautiful facilities.
Weatherford has a rich Western heritage filled with colorful characters. Legendary cattlemen Oliver Loving and Charles Goodnight called Weatherford home. Oliver Loving and Bose Ikard were laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery. Their story inspired the Texas author, Larry McMurtry, to write the novel, Lonesome Dove.
Close proximity to the National Cutting Horse Association headquarters has made Weatherford the ideal place for cutting horse breeding, training and competition. You can catch a local cutting horse competition almost any weekend at Silverado on the Brazos. Each September they host the Brazos Bash Cutting, which is the fourth-largest Cutting event in the United States. www.silveradoonthebrazos.com
One of the best rodeos in Texas is the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo. This long-time tradition pits buckaroo versus bronco and bull rider against the meanest, baddest bulls around! It is the third week in June. www.parkercountysheriffsposse.com
The beautiful Greenwood Farms is host to many combined training events throughout the year. Combined training features the beauty of dressage, the excitement of cross-country “steeplechase” and the finesse of stadium jumping. www.greenwoodfarmonline.com
History Buffs
Weatherford is filled with historical attractions, such as the Parker County Courthouse, Pythian Home and a large amount of historic homes and buildings. Stop by the Weatherford Chamber to pick up copies of Historic Driving and Historic Walking Tours. Visitors and locals alike enjoy meandering through the historic district admiring the architecture and getting a glimpse of Weatherford past.
The Parker County Heritage Society is an active group that hosts two wonderful events each year. The Talking Tombstone Tour is held one Saturday in October each year. This event is hosted in the old Greenwood Cemetery and brings the past to life with a different theme each year. The Candlelight Tour of Homes is always the second Saturday in December. Several historical homes and buildings are on display for visitors to tour. www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com
Arts and Entertainment
The Doss Heritage and Culture Center is the newest museum. It has permanent displays as well as some that are rotating. One of the permanent displays is of Mary Martin, famous for her role as Peter Pan on Broadway. She loved the town so much she raised her son, Larry Hagman, in Weatherford. www.dosscenter.org
Museum of the Americas is owned and operated by Dr. Harold and Elizabeth Lawrence. It features the rich heritage and living traditions of indigenous peoples from Native America, Mexico and Latin America. The museum offers hundreds of artifacts, masks, ceramics, costumes, toys and more of interest to people of all ages. Free admission. www.museumoftheamericas.com
For Nature Lovers
Rails-to-Trails, a 26-mile trailway, can be explored by foot, bicycle or by your favorite steed. The state park winds through the countryside from Weatherford to Mineral Wells. For more information call 940/328-1171.
Lake Weatherford is a great place to teach your kids to fish or swim. Don’t forget your picnic supplies; there are several covered picnic tables. They even have a cottage to rent for overnight or weekend trips to the marina.
The latest attraction for the nature lover is the Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail. This meandering trail goes from the Weatherford Chamber to the Weatherford Police Department and on to Ikard Elementary or Holland Lake. Cyclists and walkers/runners are welcome to enjoy this beautiful trail through the town.
You might want to release some energy at one of our fine golf courses. Most courses are open to the public and are a great way to relax! Call the Chamber office at 817/596-3801 for more information.
Weatherford’s crowning glory is the beautiful gardens in the county. The City of Weatherford actually owns Chandor Gardens. It is located on Lee Street. Originally owned by Douglas Chandor, world-renowned portrait artist, the garden has been renovated and returned to the splendor enjoyed when Douglas Chandor owned the gardens. www.chandorgardens.com
Clark Gardens is located at the farthest western boundary of Parker County in Mineral Wells. It is privately owned and available for tours every day except Christmas Day. www.clarkgardens.com
Both of these gardens are breathtaking to view!
Festivals and Events
The Annual Parker County Peach Festival is always the second Saturday in July. There are handmade arts and crafts, hometown entertainment, shopping, food and, of course, those sweet, juicy Parker County peaches. More than 30,000 folks attend this annual one-day event! www.peachfestivaltx.com
Christmas on the Square is a local downtown Weatherford tradition that takes place the first Saturday each December. Vendors are busy selling food as well as arts and crafts. Many vendors have goodies just to give away and say “Thanks.” The day is topped off with good entertainment as well as Santa making his visit to have his picture made with the boys and girls.
Weatherford Blooms. This blooming event focuses on Home & Gardens. Held typically in late March or early April, spring is in the air. The Weatherford Main Street hosts this fun event. For more information contact 817/598-4124.