Discover Medina County: Water, Trails and Alsatian Culture

Medina County offers several reasons to visit: coves, rocky outcrops and the beds of its tributaries shape the landscape around Medina Lake. The area also features historic buildings and Alsatian traditions. To plan your trip, first consider whether you’re most interested in the waterside scenery, history or a seasonal event.

Water, Roads and Historic Routes

Old River Road follows the Medina River and is open for use only during daylight hours. Along it is Flat Rock Crossing, which the Spanish used in the 18th century to transport building materials and supplies to the missions founded in Frio River Canyon. Medina Dam is another notable historical landmark in the region: it was completed in 1912.

At the end of Park Road 37, in Plum Creek Cove on Medina Lake, there is a concrete ramp. It can be used at most water levels; when water levels are lower, boats can be launched from the gravel shore. Since conditions for use may change with water levels and local management, check the situation before setting out.

You can also plan access to Castroville Regional Park using specific directions: From US 90, follow Geneva Street south for 0.4 miles to Lisbon Street and turn there. Then continue 0.2 miles to the park entrance. Check road conditions before you drive.

Buildings and Regional History

The Landmark Inn State Historic Site spans five acres beneath tall trees along the Medina River. Its history encompasses migration, industry and historic preservation in Texas. In the broader regional context, the Landmark Inn is considered part of the San Antonio metropolitan area. Another architectural landmark is the Medina County Courthouse, designed in the Classical Revival style with Italianate influences.

The Castroville Historic Walking Tour takes you to more than 70 houses and buildings constructed between 1844 and 1920. The Biry House is home to the Castro Colonies Living History Center. The Steinbach House has an even earlier history: it was originally built between 1618 and 1648 in Wahlbach, France. St. Louis Catholic Church dates to 1870 and was built from local limestone and hand-hewn cypress wood.

Alsatian Traditions and Events

In Castroville, especially large numbers of Alsatian red poppies bloom along streets and in gardens in March and April. The intensity of the bloom varies from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around the flowers, keep this seasonal variation in mind.

The Alsatian Festival takes place on the last Saturday in April. It celebrates Alsatian culture in Castroville and the other Castro Colonies in Medina County. The festival features traditional Alsatian food, as well as beer and wine. Before your trip, check the date and current program for that year’s event.

History Happy Hour takes place quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday in March, June, September and December at the Landmark Inn. Historians and family stories share the history of Castroville and the region. If this event fits your travel dates, confirm the current date before your trip.

Parks in Hondo

Hondo maintains 107 acres of parkland across 14 city parks. Each park is equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills and playground equipment. These urban green spaces offer another reason to visit, alongside the area’s historical and cultural attractions.

Trip-Planning Highlights

The waterside scenery, architectural history and events appeal to different interests. If you’re visiting around the Alsatian Festival or History Happy Hour, it’s worth checking the event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mico, Culberson, Aransas County, Swisher County, Taylor, Llano, Jasper County, Clay

For the main travel overview: Texas.