Long before Hill Country weekends were a thing, people came to Lampasas for the water. Mineral springs bubbling up along Sulphur Creek drew health seekers, hotel builders and even a state political convention to this little county seat on the northeastern edge of the Hill Country.
Today Lampasas is a relaxed stop with an 1884 courthouse, a downtown square full of local shops and parks built around those old springs. It sits where U.S. 183, 281 and 190 meet, roughly an hour and a quarter northwest of Austin and about an hour west of Temple and Killeen, so it’s an easy add-on to any Central Texas drive.
A town named for its springs
According to the Handbook of Texas, American Indian tribes visited the Hancock mineral springs for generations, and Spanish expedition members are believed to have recorded them in 1721. In 1853, settler Moses Hughes came to the springs because his wife’s health was said to have improved after drinking the water. The town was known for a while as Lampasas Springs, after its seven mineral springs.
Things really took off after the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway arrived in 1882. Lampasas became a health resort, and railroad investors built the grand Park Hotel near Hancock Springs, with a mule-drawn streetcar running guests to and from the depot. The Hannah Springs Company later built a bathhouse and opera house that hosted the 1893 Democratic state convention. Not bad for a creekside town in the hills.
The springs today
The springs still matter in Lampasas, though these days it’s more about a summer swim than a cure. The Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce promotes the town’s spring-fed, free-flowing pool at Hancock Springs as a summer favorite. It’s a seasonal swim spot, so on a fall trip it’s more for a look and a bit of history than a dip. Check with the chamber for the current season and hours.
Across town, Campbell Park is home to the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden, near the Hanna Springs pool. It’s a nice place for a stroll on a cool day, and the chamber points visitors to the town’s parks and sculptures as top draws.
The courthouse and the downtown square
The Lampasas County Courthouse was finished in 1884 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It’s the centerpiece of a historic downtown square the chamber describes as full of small shops, art galleries and places to eat. It’s an easy place to spend a slow afternoon browsing, then grab lunch or coffee and people-watch.
Lampasas has also been adding murals that tell local stories, and the chamber links to a self-guided mural tour through Vision Lampasas, a local nonprofit. It’s a good excuse to walk a few extra blocks.
Sulphur Creek and a word about water
Sulphur Creek runs right through the middle of town, and most of the time it’s a pretty little creek. But Texas creeks deserve respect. The Handbook of Texas notes that the Mother’s Day Flood of 1957 sent a flash flood down Sulphur Creek and through downtown, killing five people and destroying homes and businesses. Levees and reservoirs were built afterward to protect the town. It’s a sobering bit of history and a reminder to heed any high-water warnings when you travel the Hill Country.
Rounding out the trip
- Wineries. The chamber highlights award-winning local wineries in the area, which make a nice afternoon stop.
- State parks and trails. Lampasas sits near several state parks and nature areas. Check TPWD for reservations if you’re heading out on a weekend.
- Local events. The chamber keeps a community calendar with everything from live music to seasonal festivals. Look it over before you pick a date.
If you like courthouse-square towns, our guides to Granbury and Salado make good next stops for another weekend.
Good to Know
- Where: Lampasas, Lampasas County; at U.S. 183, 281 and 190; about 1¼ hours northwest of Austin
- Courthouse: completed 1884; on the National Register of Historic Places
- Springs: Hancock Springs (seasonal spring-fed pool) and Hanna Springs at Campbell Park
- Visitor info: Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce, 205 S. U.S. Hwy. 281; (512) 556-5172
- Best for: a slow day of history, shopping and small-town lunch
Pool seasons, shop hours and event dates change. Check the Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce before you head out.
Lampasas won’t hurry you, and that’s the appeal. Walk the square, find the springs and stay for supper.
Featured photo: Aualliso via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
