Discover Taylor

When planning a trip to Taylor, you can choose from a range of interests: museums and historic sites, as well as scenery and activities at Abilene State Park. In Abilene, Frontier Texas tells the story of the American West; Buffalo Gap Historic Village focuses on historic buildings. You can tailor your itinerary to the topics that interest you most.

Cultural history in Abilene and Buffalo Gap

Frontier Texas is an interactive museum about the history of the American West and also serves as a visitor center in downtown Abilene. The venue uses state-of-the-art technology. It also serves as the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region. If you want to use this service for specific local guidance, check in advance. One exhibit features the oldest documented map of Taylor County. The exhibit featuring the map is available for a limited time; if seeing this particular map is the reason for your visit, it is advisable to check the dates.

The Grace Museum is housed in a 1909 building that was originally built as the Hotel Grace for travelers on the T&P Railway. Its history galleries feature changing exhibitions on the cultural and social history of Abilene and West Texas. A visit thus combines the history of the building with changing insights into the region.

At Buffalo Gap Historic Village, authentic historic buildings are grouped around the original Taylor County Courthouse. Together, they represent roughly the last 50 years of Texas frontier history, from 1875 to 1925. The village also includes a log cabin described as the oldest structure in Taylor County. Visits are self-guided. When purchasing a ticket at the Admissions Office, you can get a map with additional information about the buildings and a recommended route; interpretive signs are posted at every stop. Since practical visiting details can change, check them in advance.

The Children’s Art & Literacy Festival (CALF) is another part of Abilene’s cultural scene. This annual event promotes literacy and creativity. Dates and programming vary from year to year, which should be taken into account when planning a visit.

Nature and activities at Abilene State Park

Southwest of Abilene in Taylor County, Abilene State Park covers 529.4 acres. Oak and juniper forests alternate with prairies, and the varied landscapes offer opportunities for wildlife watching. The park thus complements the museums and historic buildings with a distinct focus on nature.

Canoes and kayaks can be rented near Lake Abilene. The lake is wake-free; boat motors may be operated only at idle speed. Those interested in riding trails will find more than five miles of designated trails on the side of the lake across the highway. Riders must register at headquarters and provide a negative Coggins test for their horses. These requirements are part of planning a ride.

The Abilene Zoo offers animal encounters and a range of activities. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 250 species from around the world. Listed experiences include Twiga Terrace with giraffe feeding, up-close tours with kangaroos, sloths, giraffes, and anteaters, as well as the Safari Express Train. The availability of these activities and the animal and species counts can change; check current options before your visit.

Local flavors and practical information

Perini Ranch Steakhouse opened in Buffalo Gap in 1983. It serves Certified Angus Beef steaks grilled over mesquite wood. This gives the area a culinary dimension that differs from the historic exhibits and activities at the state park.

Your planned activities can help guide your choice of hotel: Frontier Texas and the Grace Museum are in Abilene, while Abilene State Park is southwest of the city. If you plan to fly, Abilene Regional Airport offers direct regional jet flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and is served by American Airlines and charter services. Check routes and carriers before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Merkel, Buffalo Gap, Abilene, Freestone County, Falls County, Upton County, Coryell County, Hill County.

For the main travel overview: Texas.