Founded in 1854, this town of just over 16,000 is located at the intersection of Highway 36 and 84. It could be easy to breeze right through on your way to somewhere else, but this small town has some impressive claims to fame while offering a variety of activities.
Coryell County Courthouse – 620 E Main St., Gatesville TX 76528
One of the best things about Texas is the absolutely stunning county courthouses. The Coryell County Courthouse is one of the best examples. Built between 1897 and 1898, it sits right in the heart of Gatesville on Highway 84 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You literally can’t miss it driving through.
Coryell Museum & Historical Center – 718 Main St., Gatesville TX 76528
Open Wed-Sat, 10-4. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. (Please always check the website before visiting in case days and hours change.)
The museum holds many historical artifacts, of course, one of which is the old Coryell County Log Jail. Billed as “the last double-wall jail in existence.” You might wonder what that means until you see it, then it’s clear. It was built in 1855 and is also said to be “the first public building constructed in the county.” They say the outlaw Sam Bass spent the night in the jail at one point.
But the biggest surprise and claim to fame in this museum is the Lloyd and Madge Mitchell Spur Collection, the world’s largest spur collection! Boasting over 10,000 spurs including the earliest spurs from the 13thcentury, you can see a set belonging to Jacqueline Kennedy as well.
Having the opportunity to view so many spurs in one place allows you to really begin to see the craftsmanship involved in creating them, as well as the variety of looks and styles. This collection alone makes it worth stopping.
The Last Drive In Picture Show – 2912 S Hwy 36 Bypass, Gatesville TX 76528
Go back to your childhood! Remember all the good times with your friends and family, sitting outside, snacking on popcorn and candy, enjoying a movie but maybe simply enjoying the experience even more. Thank goodness there are still a few drive-in movie theaters left, and one of them is right here in Gatesville!
But wait! This theater doesn’t have one but TWO screens. One is the outdoor drive-in theater, and the other is indoors. They both show movies around the same time, so you have your choice. The indoor theater also shows matinees. When looking online you’ll see the schedule lists shows on the outdoor screen as “Drive in” and the indoor screen shows “Cinema.”
The theater is open every day except Christmas Eve. Cost is “Pay by the carload” ($10 at the time of this).
There is also a small mini golf course that you can play anytime the theater is open as well.
Bare Bones BBQ – 4305 South Hwy 36, Gatesville TX 76528
While there are several good places to grab a bite in Gatesville, Bare Bones BBQ is more than just a barbecue joint (but also has delicious food). You might just catch one of their fantastic concerts happening on their outdoor stage as well. Gene Watson, the Bellamy Brothers, and Ted Nugent have performed there as well as less-known or up-and-coming artists.
Raby Park – 400 South 8th St., Gatesville TX 76528
If you just need to stop for a little while and want to get out and move around and get a little exercise, this park has two pickleball courts and walking trails.
Connected by a walking trail with Raby Park, this park has five RV camping spots with full hookups, both 30 and 50 amp. The cost is very reasonable. Reserve here.
We find Gatesville to be an enjoyable little town that is larger than it looks with a lot of amenities to offer. It’s worth spending a night or two there.
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