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Recreation
GOLFING
Smithville is in the middle of seven golf courses within 25 miles – four 18 hole courses and 3 nine hole courses. And we've got plenty of places to stay - look under Lodging.Reopened, the famous ColoVista Golf Course winds through the surrounding residential community amid majestic vistas, providing golfers with challenging terrain, subtle turns and treacherous optical illusions. The first nine holes are situated in the valley and gradually ascend to higher ground. The signature par-3, No. 15, features a 100-foot elevation change from tee to green, requiring golfers to be mindful of club selection. The view of the Colorado River from the raised tee box is jaw-dropping and starts a string of stunning finishing holes rivaling all others in Texas.
Bastrop State Park has an 18-hole golf course which is very popular, especially among the senior group who told regular tournaments. The site is at the intersection of Hwy 21 and Loop 150 in east Bastrop. Electric carts and pull carts are available for rent. For more information, call (512) 321-2327 or (512) 303-1368.
Pine Forest Golf Club is an 18-hole course lying along the Colorado River in Tahitian Village. Several tees are overlooked by the cliffs of the Colorado. Approximately 12 miles west of Smithville, take Tahitian down to Riverside Drive. For more information, call (512) 303-6777 or visitwww.pineforestgolfclub.com.
Wolfdancer Golf Club, an 18 hole course about 25 miles west of Smithville, is owned and operated by the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. There is also a 13-acre driving range. For more information, call (512) 308-4770.
The nine hole golf courses are at Frish Auf Country Club in LaGrange to the east, Giddings Country Club in Giddings to the north and the Flatonia Golf Course in Flatonia to the south.
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ON THE RIVER
Visible from the north end of Main Street, the Colorado River cuts across Smithville proper and can be used for river fun. Boating, rafting andcanoeing are popular pasttimes, and swimming and fishing are allowed. A public fishing pier is located on the east side of Riverbend Park. For river conditions, call the Lower Colorado River Authority at 512-473-3333 or 1-800-776-5272, ext. 333.
RIVER ACCESS: There are three public access sites to the Colorado River. The larger one accessible for boats is concrete to the water, under the bridge on Hwy 95/Loop 230 on the north east side Hwy 95. Exit at the American Legion Road north of the bridge, and head under the bridge.
The second public access is near Riverbend Park, under the double Hwy 71 bridges in the highway right-of-way. Light watercraft and canoes have access to the River via the udirt bank.
The third access is at Riverbend Park immediately north of the fishing pier. It's rough dirt/brush and walk in only, but canoes and kayaks can access river.
Kayaks and canoes rentals are available by calling Rising Phoenix Adventures in Bastrop at 512-332-1077.
FLY FISHING:
The sport of fly fishing is now accessible to everyone. The full day trips include all needed equipment and flies, with an outstanding stream side lunch.
Along with guided trips, also offered are fly casting lessons and fly tying lessons for both individuals and groups. Hill Country Flyfishers, in business for over 25 years, has earned the endorsement of the Orvis Company, the gold standard in the sport.
Not sure what river you would like to fish? Check out a sister web site and order a copy of their book, “Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country,” for a complete guide to all the rivers in the Hill Country.
Call 512-589-3474. fishhead@texas.net
www.hillcountryflyfishers.com
www.fishheadpress.com
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MOTOCROSSCross Creek Cycle Park
2924 Texas 21
Paige, TX 78659
MAP(512) 553-5130
In our backyard, just up north FM 153/FM 2104 to Paige, they offer riders and their families a premier motocross and off-road facility in Central Texas. The park offers 5 tracks, miles of trails, fishing, camping, and real facilities. Open Friday through Sunday. Check times.
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SMITHVILLE INDOOR RECREATION CENTER
106 Gazley
(Hwy 95 at First Street)
512-237-3282, ext 7
The pride of Smithville, the Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 and First St., was built with funds from grants, donations and the city, and is managed through the Smithville Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).
The building has a large gym with basketball courts for Little Dribblers baseketball games and Little Bumpers volleyball. A room with free-to-use public access computers, a weight room, two dance studios and aracquetball court round out the activities. Activities change throughout the year.
Memberships for individuals and families are available for full use of the building. For more on memberships and services go to the city website.
The Rec Center has activities for children and adults throughout the year. To keep up with current events at the Rec Center and Smithville Parks Department, go to their Facebook page.
The large room is also rented for numerous large events and banquets, and Combined Community Action hosts Meals on Wheels for senior citizens from the building.
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SKATING & BOARDING
The Power Plaza Skate Park is a concrete dream come true for those who skate board, skate or bike, and the Friends of the Skate Park, who spent several years to raise funds to build the outdoor park. With those funds and a community development grant from LCRA, the park was built at First Street behind the Smithville Recreation Center.According to designer Doug King, the park has a unique design with aspects from both a street plaza and skate park. “There is a tree in one corner of the park with a flowing "grass river" around the tree and through the rest of the park,” King said.
“There are hips, two stair cases, rails, hubbas, a bridge pyramid, grass gaps, wallrides, a snake run around the tree, and lots of ledges.”
The skate park is open to the public during daylight hours, and is under the care of the Smithville Parks & Recreation Department. Protective gear is required at all times. The Friends of the Skate Park are in the fundraiser process to built lights around the perimeter for night skating.
Please note that skateboarding and skating are not allowed on sidewalks in Smithville per city ordinance.
SWIMMING
Bastrop State Park, just 12 miles west on Loop 150 and Hwy 21 in east Bastrop, has a large 60’x 100’ pool with a children’s wading pool. During the summer, swimming lessons are taught for all age and skill levels.
The park is now under management of the local YMCA. Call 512-321-3740 for times, lessons, and any related fees. WEBSITE
DISC GOLFIn early 2013, Riverbend Park expanded to an 18-hole disc golf course. Bring the whole family to the park to try one of the fastest growing sports in the country. All you need is a disc or you can rent one at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Two standing mini-tournaments are played each month; a singles open is run the second Wednesday of each month at 6 pm and a doubles tourney is held the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 pm, times subject to change depending on season. The course map is available online.
JOIN the Smithville Disc Golf Association at or sign up for the annual Disc Golf Tournament held in June each year. Find them on Facebook at Smithville Disc Golf for ongoing updates on activities in the area.
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Tours
HERITAGE MUSEUM TOUR602 Main Street
512-237-4545
Want to see a bit more of Smithville's history? Containing artifacts and photos from Smithville’s early days, the Smithville Heritage Museum is itself a piece of history. Built in 1908, the Victorian structure was donated to the Smithville Heritage Society. The second story contains exhibits that are furnished with memorabilia that reflect early life in the community. The first floor also has memorabilia, but the back room is used for meetings.
In the backyard, a climate-controlled building keeps the archives of books and photos. Members of the Historical Society usually can be found archiving information on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in the backyard building. Guided tours are available by appointment.
MOVIE SIGHT TOURS
With over 40 film productions in town, including the movie that started it all - "Hope Floats," the Cannes France Palm D'or winner, "Tree of Life," "Beneath the Darkness" which utilized many students and our school system facilities, the quirky "Artois The Goat," award winning "National Selection," and the controversial "Doonby."
Smithville is known as a "movie town" in the industry and among fans, and was named as the first Film Friendly Town in Texas by the Texas Film Commission. Directors and producers love Smithville's "can do" attitude.
Here's a tour you can take at your leisure.
The Chamber has created a full color 11"x17" color-coded map of all the movie locations with briefs of some of the more well-known ones. Just ask for a copy at the Chamber office o other locations around town to take your own self-paced tour.
PRINTABLE BROCHURE 11" x 17" full color
Please remember to be courteous at the private locations.
BUS TOURS
BUSS SMITHVILLE! (yes, this is a pun!)
The Chamber has numerous items of interest for those who travel on bus tours. Call ahead so we can plan the best tour based on your interests. Our best days for giving tours are Wednesday and Thursday, but we'll work with you.
Just give us a call at 512-237-2313 or e-mail for details to chamber@smithvilletx.org. Please put "BUS TOUR REQUEST" in the subject line of the email.
LCRA RAILCAR FACILITY TOURLCRA’s Smithville Rail Fleet Maintenance Facility is located on 100 E. South Second St. The employees maintain more than 1,500 railcars that haul coal year-round from Wyoming to the Fayette Power Plant in nearby La Grange.
As the coal trains approach the dumping station at FPP, Rail Fleet personnel being an inspection and tag any cars they believe should not be returned to service before maintenance. They repair cars damaged in derailments and perform preventative maintenance inspections on the railcars every time they are brought to the shop.
To see the staff at work, call 512-237-2466.
HISTORIC RIDING and STROLLING TOUR
This brochure covers the Historic Residential District of Smithville in it's "riding" tour and, on the other side, Main Street for a nice walking tour with corresponding numbers in the building window. Filled with facts regarding the buildings and uses of an earlier time, it’s well worth getting a copy.
The brochure was first created in a collaborative effort of the Smithville Heritage Society, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, The Smithville Times, franLan Multimedia, volunteers and the Texas Brazos Trail.
Copies may be found at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, Main St. & First St.; The Smithville Times, 303 Main; and at various downtown merchants.
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PARKS
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK - SPLASH PAD311 NW 2nd St., Smithville TX 78957
2nd St. at Fawcett behind Smithville Recreation Center
(512) 237-3282 ext. 2109Enjoy the Memorial to veterans as a "place to pay tribute; a place to pray for peace." The beautiful fenced park includes historical plaques of Bastrop County veterans from all wars, a splash pad, bathrooms, a detailed statue of an angel and a cherub, created by sculpter Bill McGlaun which watches over the fallen. As a fundraiser, families have requested bricks etched with their veterans name; space is still available.
The memorial started with a conversation between Mark Bunte and Patti Patton Bader, founder of Soldier’s Angels, a non-profit organization that supports tens of thousands of American military personnel across the globe with care packages from home, developed the concept for the park after a conversation about the fallen heroes from Smithville and the Bastrop County area. The community has lost more soldiers, for its size, than any other during the recent fight for freedom.
The concept for a children’s area as part of the memorial came from families of the fallen who expressed the desire to have youthful energy and joy as part of a tribute to soldiers who fell in the fight for freedom.Within two years of that first converstion, plans were drawn up, money was raised through fundraisers, donations, and scrap metal pickup. In-kind work and volunteer work helped created this beautiful, interactive memorial. The park was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013. More photos of dedication are HERE on Facebook.
Please contact Jill Strube at City Hall if you would like to add a veteran’s name to the park, or if you would like to make a contribution.
Donations are still accepted online at the City of Smithville website: CLICK HERETexas Veterans Memorial Park
c/o City of Smithville
PO Box 449
Smithville TX 78957www.texasmemorialpark.org Facebook: TX Veterans Memorial Park
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RAILROAD PARK100 NW 1st St., Smithville TX 78957
Located along NW 1st Street, the James H. Long Railroad Park includes the gazebo at the end of Main, and further west it enjoys playscapes, swings, tree-shaded picnic tables, and a couple of train cars from the past. Public restrooms are available on the west side of the park.
The park now also has the renovated Railroad Depot near the Railroad Museum. Contact the Chamber at 512-237-2313 to see inside the depot or the Railroad Museum.
KEILBURG PARK
“On the Hill,” Keilburg Park is located at the end of Fourth Ave on the west side of Smithville. The park, situated at the top of the hill, has a standard size baseball field. It is also used for softball and soccer.
For more information, call the Smithville Parks & Recreation Dept. at 512-237-3282, ext. 7.
VERNON RICHARDS RIVERBEND PARK 107 Hwy 71 W, Smithville TX 78957
Just west of the Colorado River bridge
(512) 237-3282 City Hall
Located on Hwy 71, Riverbend Park, officially named after former mayor Vernon Richards, is the city’s finest outdoor recreational spot and borders the Colorado River. Most of the annual Jamboree celebration is held here, as are the Thunder On the Colorado Biker Rally and Smithville Music Festival. This park is busy year round.
The park has a walking trail, fishing pier, barbecue pits and picnic tablesnear the river.
In the fenced in “Chuckwagon Square”, there is a covered stage and dance floor, and acres of old oaks for shade with picnic tables underneath; an ideal place for parties, reunions and special events. There are also washer and horseshoe pits for tossing a few with friends. And recently, a 9-hole disc golf course was added. MAP OF DISC GOLF COURSEOutside the fence are a lighted softball field and sand volleyball pits for team play.
A large playscape area, open to the public free of charge, is a favorite with the younger crowd and has tables and small barbecue pits, great for birthday parties.
The covered Park Pavilion, with kitchen facilities, hosts the FFA/4-H livestock show and may be rented for other events, such as carnivals and banquets, during the year.
A rodeo arena is also on site, where the Smithville Youth Rodeo Association rides once a month. Two buildings in the park have bathroom facilities.At the entrance, a train sculpture created by artist Jeff Snyder and the folks at LPAA, welcomes you into the park.
Nineteen RV hookups are available; call the Parks & Recreation Dept. at 512-237-3282, ext 7 to reserve space or to rent areas of the park for events. The park is open year round.
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INDEPENDENCE PARK506 Texas 230 Loop, Smithville, TX 78957
(intersection of Loop 230 at Hwy 95 west of the traffic light)Thomas Jefferson Gazley was but the first of many outstanding individuals who pioneered and guided the evolution of a frontier wilderness area in the Mexican state of Coahuila e Tejas, into the fine city with the enviable quality of life, that we are privileged to enjoy today, here in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas. This evolution would not have been possible without the independent spirit, the freedom of mind and body, and the integrity of action that our forefathers exhibited here
MLK PARKLocated at the corner of Marburger and MLK Jr. Drive, the park has a playscape, basketball court, picnic tables and barbecue grills, and is host to a number of community events. Public restrooms are open during the day.
The Smithville Little League plays at the baseball fields nearby with concession stands.
BUESCHER STATE PARK
Park Road 1-C, Smithville, TX 78957
Off FM 153, half mile north of Hwy 71
512-237-2241myfoxhouston.com | John Dawson, meteorologist
Nearby Park not casualty of Bastrop fires
The wildfire that has engulfed much of Bastrop County has also consumed most of Bastrop State Park, but Buescher State Park, is open and ready for some visitors... CLICK HERE for full story.
Buescher State Park, in an area known as the Lost Pines Region because of the abundance of pine trees, is over 1,100 acres just northwest of Smithville with the entrance on FM 153, a half mile north of Hwy 71. Activities include non-motorized boating (no ramp/small lake); fishing in a stocked lake for catfish, bass, crappie, perch and also rainbow trout; nature study; hiking on 7.5 miles of trails; andinterpretive programs.The scenic, 12-mile-long paved road between Buescher and Bastrop State Parks is winding and hilly. Ideal for biking, the road should be used only by experienced cyclists.
Plan to go for a leisurely drive with the windows down along the scenic 12-mile drive through the beautiful pines of East Central Texas. Or, rent a kayak orcanoe for $5 per hour and paddle through calm lake waters.
Interpretive programs are offered ten months out of the year and include evening campfire programs, guided hikes, geocaching clinics, bug-picking and much more. Check the online calendar for a schedule of programs and events.Camping and other facilities include restrooms with hot showers; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; screened shelters; picnic sites; a playground and group picnic pavilion (for day use only, capacity 35) with a fireplace and picnic tables; a 100-person capacity recreational hall is available for day and night use and has a full kitchen, heat, air-conditioning, fans, a patio, a fireplace, and a restroom.
Limited Use Cabins sleep four people and have two sets of bunk-beds, a table, chairs, AC/Heat, microwave, ceiling fan, refrigerator, kitchen counter top, and curtains. There is no plumbing in these cabins, but full restrooms are only a short walk away.
The park is open 7 days a week year-round. Approximately 6 miles between the parks is private land; no camping between parks or trespassing on private land.
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ART & MUSEUMS
RICHARD D LATHAM CULTURAL DISTRICT
206 Main St., Smithville TX 78957
(512) 237-9299
Smithville’s Richard D. Latham Cultural District and Visitors Information Center is located in scenic Central Texas, just a short journey from Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Colorado River, Smithville received this prestigious designation because, within the one mile radius that encompasses our city limits, Smithville boasts a great number of important works of art and culture as well as many significant historical sites.
The town has 10 stages and venues for theatrical productions and live music. Art ith an initiative of "the possibility of public art, both indoor and outdoor, such as murals, sculptures and other art mediums, grace the town.There are three art galleries in town, plus a bronze foundry, and an artist's haven at the Mary Nichols Art Center. There are two museums in town, one with the history of the town and one to celebrate the town's rail history.
Come explore the art and culture of Smithville. www.smithvilleculturaldistrict.com
ART - Mary Nichols Arts Center301 Burleson, Smithville TX 78957
Intersection of Loop 230 at Burleson512-237-9299
This wonderful historic building at 301 Burleson has come back to life and is open once again for art classes and workshops. The Art Gallery is open to the public Friday/Sunday 1-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special exhibits and receptions are held. The Art Center features local artists and encourages creativity in children. The center is home to the Lost Pines Artisans Alliance and hosts a variety of shows throughout the year.
LOST PINES ARTISANS ALLIANCE
The LPAA, a 501(c)(3), is a group of local Central Texas artists that have joined together to promote the arts and each others artistic endeavors. They gather in Smithville to promote a sense of community and can be found online at www.lostpinesartisansalliance.org or at their Facebook page: Lost Pines Artisans Alliance
MUSEUM - Railroad Museum & Depot100 NW 1st St., Smithville TX 78957
At the intersection of NW 1st St. and Main St.
512-237-2313
Smithville was once a major passenger hub on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (M-K-T) railroad until the mid 1950s and was the location of a major turnaround for the rail lines where trains could be rotated to a different rail line and train cars were repaired. Filled with items from the grand railroad past of Smithville, the museum also has replicas of the first railroad depot in Smithville. There are items from the MKT days and Union Pacific.The Museum is adjacent to the Chamber Office & Visitors Center and is usually open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. If the chamber office is open, the museum is available to tour. Please call first 512-237-2313. Adminssion is free. See website.
And, a train depot to the right of the building was restored and shows a glimpse of a time long past.
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LANDMARK - West End Park
718 Gazley St.Now a historic landmark, West End Park was owned by I.T. Harper during the days of segregation, and was one of the stops on the Chitlin’ Circuit Blues Review, one of only a few remaining around the country, and Negro Baseball League.
Celebrities that have played at West End Park include BB King, T-Bone Walker, Grey Ghost, Satchel Paige, Sonny Rhodes, Hannibal Lokumbe, Jimmy Vaughn, Ruby Jane, Peterson Brothers, Blues Boy Hubbard and Hosea Hargrove.
Photos of past performers, the city, World War II pilots and planes, and Negro Baseball League players are on display inside the building.
No longer an operational bar, the site is available as an event venue. Open by appointment only.
THEATER - Playhouse Smithville
110 Main St., Smithville TX 78957
(512) 360-7397
This community black-box theater performs 10 plays/musicals a year of all genres with community actors and singers. Known for its audience participation and original scripts by john daniels jr. though well-known productions are also performed, the theater regularly brings in audiences around the state.
Playhouse Smithville was named Smithville's 2013 Business of the Year.
Limited seating. Season tickets are available. For information and tickets, www.playhousesmithville.com.
MUSEUM - Smithville Heritage House & Museum
602 Main St. Smithville TX 78957512-237-4545
Containing artifacts and photos from Smithville’s early days, the Smithville Heritage Museum is itself a piece of history. Built in 1908, the Victorian structure was donated to the Smithville Heritage Society. The second story contains exhibits that are furnished with memorabilia that reflect early life in the community. The first floor also has memorabilia, but the back room is used for meetings.
In the backyard, a climate-controlled building keeps the archives of books and photos. Members of the Historical Society usually can be found archiving information on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in the backyard building. Tours are available by appointment.
PICTORAL OF SMITHVILLEIn 2008, David Herrington and Carol Snyder spent the better part of the year compiling photos and articles from the archives for the paperback series "Images of America" for Smithville Texas. This indepth book, along with the related postcard set, is for sale at the Heritage House and Museum, and in some of the area retails stores. All proceeds from books bought from the Heritage Society are donated to the Society and Museum.
For more information, contact Carol Snyder at smithvilleheritagesociety@gmail.com
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Upcoming Events
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GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
We baked the World's Largest Gingerbread Man Cookie!
The gingerbread man has symbolized Smithville’s Annual Festival of Lights celebration for many years, but in 2005 one of the event organizers had an idea of how to bring our beloved symbol its “just desserts”! Why not bake a huge gingerbread cookie – in fact, the world’s biggest – to show the world that Smithville thinks big!So after a year of experimenting with recipes, calculating the outdoor baking conditions, creating a giant cookie sheet, and gathering the needed sponsorships and ingredient donations, the gingerbread man became a reality on December 2, 2006, at the 16th annual Festival of Lights celebration. He weighed 1,308 lbs, 8 oz and measured 20 feet from head-to-toe. He consisted of 750 lbs of flour, 49 gallons of molasses, and 72 dozen eggs (separated!). He was baked over a dump truck load of charcoal before being raised by crane to an angle of 65 degrees in order to qualify for the Guinness World Record.
The staff at Guinness officially recognized the feat in 2008, and included Smithville’s accomplishment in its 2009 edition (pg. 124). In honor of being officially named the World’s Biggest Gingerbread Man, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Smithville retired the cookie sheet that was used to create the giant gingerbread man and converted it into a monument to commemorate the record. The monument was dedicated on December 6, 2008 at the 18th annual Festival of Lights celebration.At the 2009 Festival of Lights event, attendees voted to name our giant friend “Smitty”, and a sign was mounted next to him to introduce him to all visitors. Also in 2009, our World Record was broken by the IKEA Corporation in Norway, but we are still fairly content that the largest gingerbread man in the USA resides in Smithville. Ever since his 2008 dedication, our gingerbread man has adapted seasonally by sporting magnetic accessories that reflect holiday themes throughout the year.
Pictured above left, Smitty was so large and heavy, we needed a crane to bake him in our outdoor grille. No worries, the city officials and fire department were on hand. Pictured above right, he is outfitted for Valentine’s Day, although the sentiment written on the heart is always true!
Want to post your picture with Smitty? Just click on the QR code with your cell phone to go to the facebook page and post away. Don't forget to tag everyone in the photo!No cell phone? Just go to Facebook and post your photo.
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WIRELESS ACCESS
Hot Spots & Cool SpotsFor the convenience of our visitors and our locals, Smithville boasts numerous free wireless access locations, known as Hot Spots, around Smithville for those who bring their laptop computers or have wireless capable cell phones. Signs are posted in wireless access areas.
Currently, hot spots are located at:
- Restaurants: Pocket's Grille, Comfort Cafe, Subway.
- Smithville Municipal Airport Pilot's Lounge at the airport.
- Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 at 1st Street, 106 Gazley.
- Outside at the Gazebo at First and Main Street (midpoint is at the Chamber office.)
- Riverbend Park also has fee-based wi-fi access available throughout the park.
Also, if you didn't bring your laptop, you can always head to one of the locations around town which have computers ready and waiting for your use. We call these locations our "Cool Spots!" also marked.
- The Smithville Public Library, 605 Main St., also has computers for use with a Smithville Public Library card, and does computer skills training.
- The Smithville Indoor Recreation Center, Hwy 95 at First Street. The computer room is managed by Technology For All, TXC2, and the Smithville Community Network.
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