Wilbarger County: History, Museums and Events

Wilbarger County offers several ways to explore regional history: Doan’s Crossing on the Red River, historical and natural history exhibits, public art, theater and recurring events.

Doan’s Crossing and the Region’s History

At Doan’s Crossing, the Doan family built a store and a home in 1881 near a shallow crossing of the Red River. The Great Western Trail left Texas at this location. A May Day Picnic has been held there annually since 1884. Together, these milestones offer insight into early settlement and the importance of the river crossing.

Doan’s Adobe House also has a lasting place in local history: The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is locally significant for exploration and settlement, as well as architecture. The listing and historical information offer another view of the area’s past, alongside the history of trade and the trail route at Doan’s Crossing.

Museums, Ranch History and Art

The Wilbarger County Historical Museum features historic buildings and presents the history of the Waggoner Ranch. At the Red River Valley Museum, four galleries cover the period from the age of the dinosaurs to the present in Wilbarger County. The Berry History and Science Gallery displays prehistoric fossils and artifacts from the Red River Valley area of North Texas. The William A. Bond Trophy and Game Gallery introduces visitors to the importance of conservation. The museum’s topics thus range from the geological and prehistoric past to ranch history and conservation.

The Harvey Dean Mural tells the story of African American entrepreneur Harvey Dean, who sold tamales to raise money for his children’s college education. In Vernon, the Main Street District continues to emphasize historic buildings and downtown revitalization. Historic architecture and public art there complement the museums’ themes with personal stories and the city’s development.

Theater, Events and Trails in Vernon

Little Playhouse on the Prairie performs improvisational theater quarterly and presents a full-length play each year. The cast and crew are entirely volunteers. Since performance schedules may change, it’s a good idea to check dates before planning a theater visit.

Summer’s Last Blast takes place annually in Vernon and features classic cars, music and food; the program may change. So if you’re planning your trip around an event, check the latest dates and program details. A visitor route in Vernon also recommends exploring the Hibiscus Walking Trail on foot. Another Vernon route along the Great Western Trail includes exploring markers 1 through 4. Route information may change.

A summer route for Vernon suggests playing at the Allingham Splash Pad and on the playground equipment there. It also mentions the slides and lazy river at the Orbison Aquatic Center, as well as catching a movie at the Vernon Plaza Theater. Route details may change; if you plan to see a movie, also check that the theater is currently operating. These stops illustrate how interests in exercise, water activities and movies can be balanced differently when planning a trip.

Getting There, Nearby Attractions and Dining

Vernon is served by U.S. Highways 70, 183, 283 and 287, as well as the Burlington and Northern Railroad. As another regional point of reference, Copper Breaks State Park is in Hardeman County, about 30 miles west of Vernon. The park includes two small lakes and 10 miles of hiking trails. The distance is a guide for planning; conditions in the park may change.

Two different dining options are described: Taqueria Jalisco serves Mexican dishes for breakfast and lunch. Brown Cow offers homemade Mexican and American dishes, as well as a breakfast buffet. Since menu offerings may change, check current options if needed.

Check dates and route details if a particular event or activity is a deciding factor in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Vernon, Maverick County, Polk, Reeves County, Webb, Jim Wells, Crockett, Bexar.

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