Things to Do
Bite into a fresh jalapeno bacon cheeseburger served in a restored train car, take a relaxing kayak ride along the Pecan Bayou, sample award-winning Texas-made wines and beers from local brewers and winemakers, experience legendary barbecue over 70 years in the making, shop over a dozen trendy, locally-owned boutiques, spend a weekend on a lakefront golf course resort, attend a live performance at a beautifully preserved 1920’s theatre, or snap some selfies along our downtown mural trail. It’s all happening in Brownwood, where it Feels Like Home.
LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE PARK
Downtown Brownwood is next door to one of the best state parks in Central Texas. Lake Brownwood State Park offers over 500 acres to explore alongside the 7,300 surface acres of Lake Brownwood. The park is great for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, water sports, nature walks, has event space, and is family friendly.
Lake Brownwood State Park | 200 State Hwy Park Rd 15
BROWNWOOD PARKS
In Brownwood, you can enjoy the outdoors at our beautiful public parks, which include play areas, splash pads, disc golf, kayaking, paddle boarding, pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, bird watching, and more.
Allcorn Park | Splash Pad, Play Area, Tennis
Cecil Holman Park | Basketball, Soccer, Play Area
Central Texas Veterans Memorial Park | Play Area, Walking Trail
Camp Bowie Walking Trail
Coggin Park | Play Area, Soccer Fields, Walking Trail, Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball
Fabis Park | Paddling Trail, Primative Campgrounds, Fishing
Festival Park | Baseball, Softball, Volleyball
Flat Rock Park | RV, Lake, Swimming, Fishing, Volleyball, Boat Ramps
Margaret & Stuart Coleman Plaza | Event Pavilion, 1080 Train Display
Pat Coursey Park | Covered Seating Area, Waterfall Display
Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail | Paddling Trail, Fishing
Riverside Park | Disc Golf, Paddling Trail, Walking Trail, Play Areas, RV
Mayes Park | Skate Park & Splash Pads
HUNTING
Brownwood is a hunter’s paradise. The centralized location and unique rural setting is a perfect spot for hunting. An abundance of deer, turkey, dove, quail, duck, and wild hog are found in the beautiful surrounding Hill Country.
CAMP BOWIE FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER
The Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center is one of Brownwood’s most popular summer attractions, featuring a 7,000 square foot pool, slide tower, springboard diving, and a lazy river. View hours & additional info at brownwoodtexas.gov/pools.
MURAL TRAIL
Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of interest in public art in Brownwood that has led to beautiful murals and displays of artistic talent popping up all around Downtown Brownwood. With over 30 mural locations, the Brownwood Mural Trail has become a destination for those interested in art and a good selfie.
THE BROWNWOOD LYRIC THEATRE
The Brownwood Lyric Theatre opened in December of 1914 as a vaudevillian theatre and transitioned to silent movies in the 1920’s. It ranks as one of the oldest theatres in West Texas. Today, the Lyric is a multi-purpose performance theatre with live performances, movie screenings, and workshops offered throughout the year.
Brownwood Lyric Theatre | 318 Center Ave.
BROWN COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Brownwood and Brown County have a rich history. The Brown County Museum of History features exhibits from the Native American band of Penateka Comanche and earliest Texan settlers, to the WWII-era Camp Bowie military collection. After you’ve browsed through the story of the Brown County community, you will enjoy a guided tour of the old jail across the street.
Brown County Museum of History | 209 N Broadway St
MARTIN & FRANCES LEHNIS RAILROAD MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
The railroad system is an important part of Brownwood and Central Texas history. The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum features exhibits showcasing a variety of railroad memorabilia and equipment, photos, and stories of early railroads. Children love the running model train displays, Mini Train rides on the weekends and children’s play area.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Free travel literature for Brownwood, Brown County, and Texas
Digital Visitor Kiosk to Plan Your Visit
Digital Display of Upcoming Events
Comfortable atmosphere with Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks
Gift Shop containing Brownwood souvenirs
Several photo ops to commemorate your travels to Brownwood
Eat & Drink
When it comes to food, Brownwood has something for everybody. Whether you are looking for a casual family meal, a legendary Texas BBQ experience, or fine dining, you can find it all in Brownwood. We also have a growing beer and wine community.
EAT & DRINK
Casual Dining & Cafés
Common Grounds Coffee House 809 Main St
Grazed and Confused 306 N Broadway St Suite A
Katana Sushi & Hibachi 420 N Main St
Providencia Restaurant 101 Fisk Ave
Ricardo’s Tortilla Bakery 904 Booker St
Runaway Train Café 3600 Stephen F Austin Dr
Smitty’s BBQ 708 W Austin Ave
Sticks BBQ 110 E Chandler St
Tres Leches Bakery 201 E Baker St
Underwood’s Cafeteria 402 W Commerce St
Wild Duck Bar & Grill 102 Fisk Ave
Fine Dining
Lucille + Mable Kitchen & Libations 401 Center Ave
The Turtle Restaurant 514 Center Ave
The Hideout Bar & Grill 185 Hideout Ln
Sweets & Treats
Baked Artisan Goods 305 Fisk Ave
Over the Rainbow Ice Cream 201 Fisk St
The Turtle Gelateria 514 Center Ave
Bars & Wineries
Pioneer Tap House 112 E Baker St
Skies Over Texas Winery 6037 Co Rd 291
Turtle Enoteca 510 Center Ave
Lounges
Grassroots Lounge 1906 Hwy 377 S
On Time Cigar Lounge 111 E Baker St
Explore Brownwood
Scan the QR code for the Explore Brownwood Map or pick up a copy at the Visitor Center at 700 E Adams st for more on all things Brownwood.
Shop
Local businesses are the heart of our community, and Brownwood has some truly unique shopping experiences. Update your personal style with our local boutiques, do some antiquing, or find that perfect piece of home decor that shows off your Texas spirit.
SHOPPING
Baker Street Boutique 108A E Baker St
Copper Brand Boutique 410 Center Ave
Elite Ave Boutique 205 Fisk Ave
Duke Street 600 W Commerce
Glamour Shop 405 Center Ave
Grits & Grace Boutique 101 N Fisk Ave
Hamilton’s 500 Center Ave
The Hen House Boutique 207 Fisk Ave
Hey June 801 North Fisk Ave
Intermission Bookshop 203 Center Ave
Luna Maya Baby Boutique 406 Center Ave
Rocking Oak Woodworks 101 Fisk Ave
Nathana’s Tanning & Hair Studio 106 S Broadway St
Shaw’s Marketplace 508 N Center Ave
INTERMISSION BOOKSHOP
Intermission Bookshop is an independent bookstore located in downtown Brownwood, Texas. During World War II, this building served as the Queen Theater. Open all night, soldiers would find rest here when hotels were all full. Fully renovated, this store is now home to gently used and new books. What sets this book shop apart is the famous book arch that greets you as you walk in. This is a space to find a new book to read, make new friends, and where real stories are shared!
Intermission Bookshop | 203 Center Ave @mycurlyadventures_
Stay
However you like to travel, Brownwood has it covered. We have it all from RV campsites to golf club resorts and everything in between. Our lodging options allow you to choose the best way for you to “feel like home” in Brownwood. So whether you are looking for a bed and breakfast or a traditional hotel stay, Brownwood has the options you need.
UNIQUE LODGING
From staying in a train car, to a downtown loft, to a historic building, Brownwood offers an array of short-term lodging options for a more unique and specialized visit.
THE HIDEOUT GOLF CLUB & RESORT
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Brownwood, The Hideout is one of Central Texas’ favorite destinations for championship golf, lakefront getaways, and resort amenities. With lodging ranging from lodge rooms to cabins, and ranch houses, you can plan your vacation with a large group or just your family.
Events
The Brownwood community comes together for a variety of special events throughout the year. Each of these events are great opportunities to visit and experience the best of what Brownwood has to offer.
FEELS LIKE HOME FEST
This single-day festival welcomes thousands from across the state of Texas and beyond, in celebration of community, music, family friendly activities, and delicious craft barbecue in the heart of Texas. This event features amazing country music performances, and mouthwatering BBQ from celebrity Texas pitmasters; plus activities like two-stepping, axe throwing, and mechanical bull riding.
Brownwood Event Center Complex | 601 E Baker St
WHEELS THAT MOVE THE WORLD
You’ll be treated to a smorgasbord of vehicles that help keep this country — and this world — trucking forward. Trucks, tractors, internet providers, and so much more — the sky’s the limit. Talk to drivers, explore the vehicles, and gain a new appreciation for the people that make things happen.
CINCO DE MAYO
Cinco de Mayo Downtown
Celebration - Cultural celebrations are an important part of our community, and Cinco de Mayo has a long-standing tradition in Brownwood. Hosted by the Arts Council of Brownwood, the celebration features live music, street performances, contests, children’s games, vendors, food and more!
HEARTLAND ROD RUN
Fans of everything on two and four wheels will find much to love about all the cars and bikes on display at the annual Heartland Hot Rod Run in Brownwood. See everything from classic cars and trucks to modern motorcycles at this free event located near Riverside Park.
HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING
Featuring an event comprised of Homecoming, Family Weekend and Yellow Jacket Preview for students, this annual event draws alumni and their families back to the HPU campus and the Brownwood community each year.
STARS OF TEXAS JURIED ART EXHIBIT
Each February the Brownwood Civic and Cultural Center hosts the annual Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit. This juried exhibit runs for two weeks and culminates with the presentation of $6500 in prizes. There is no entry fee to view the exhibit and the public is welcome to tour the art and interact with daily art demonstrators.
CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS PARADE & FESTIVAL
For more than a decade, the Christmas Under the Stars Parade and Festival has been a great kickoff to the Christmas season in Brownwood. The arrival of Santa Claus, as well as fun activities and games like Big Wheel Races and a Snowball Fight, are highlights of the festival, and a wine tasting tour through downtown is a local favorite for the adults.
BROWN COUNTY RODEO
A Texas tradition, the Brown County Rodeo brings a taste of the Old West. With family-friendly events, nightly competitions and performances, as well as trade days, carnival rides, and food trucks.
FEELS LIKE HOME
Conveniently located in the heart of Texas, Brownwood provides central access to some of the most charming small towns in the state. Less than an hour on the road will take you to the best of the Texas Midwest in charming towns like San Saba, Coleman, Goldthwaite, Early, and Comanche, allowing plenty of time to return to the activity and comfort that Brownwood has to offer.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
If you are looking for a great central location with updated facilities for your next successful event, you have come to the right place. The City of Brownwood offers top-notch facilities to support a variety of competitions. From amateur, collegiate, or professional sports, Brownwood has a great venue waiting for you. From the initial planning stages of your event until the last trophy is awarded, the City of Brownwood is here to ensure your attendees have a first-class seamless experience.
Located in the geographic center of the State of Texas, Brownwood is easily accessible for teams from every region of The Lone Star State. Boasting over 250 days of sunshine each year, every season is the right season for your event.
Want to hear more?
Contact our Sports Event Office at (325) 646-0146 Sports@brownwoodtexas.gov
Meetings
Meeting, convention and sports event planners can offer groups more when they plan to gather in Brownwood, Texas. Offering a unique balance between convenience and outdoor amenities, Brownwood is an excellent destination for statewide, regional and national associations as well as manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, mining, government, transportation, outdoor, hunting and fishing groups.
BROWNWOOD EVENT CENTER COMPLEX
Originally built as a warehouse for the Radford Grocery Company in the 1920s, the building has been converted into a multipurpose event center with spaces for conventions and breakout activities. Components of the project include a large banquet space, multiple breakout rooms, a V.I.P. lounge, catering kitchen, large outdoor concert stage, a secondary stage for smaller concerts, covered pavilion, outdoor public restrooms, green space, and more.
DEPOT CIVIC & CULTURAL CENTER
Originally built in 1909, this Santa Fe Depot has been impeccably renovated to create elegant spaces that are ideal for weddings. The space’s expansive ballroom is a luminous space brimming with timeless sophistication and traditional Southern hospitality. Sky high ceilings, wood wall finishes, and exposed brick harken to the building’s past, adding a sense of historic charm to this one-of-a-kind space. Huge archshaped windows with bright white frames welcome in the natural light, illuminating the room and bringing out the warm color tones in the woods and paints.
