The Best Things To Do In Cleburne, Texas

Located just 30 minutes south of Fort Worth, Texas, you’ll find Cleburne, Texas, a charming small town worthy of a day trip or weekend getaway. Established in 1867, Cleburne was once a stop along the historic Chisholm Trail, as it was a watering hole for cattle and thirsty drovers too. In the late 1800s after the railroad came to town, Cleburne boomed as a transportation center, connecting smaller towns and larger cities. 

Today, Cleburne’s history is alive and well through its museums, entertainment scene, and nods to its past, including a minor league baseball team known as the Cleburne Railroaders. Here’s how to spend some time in this small Texas town beaming with life. 

What to Do

At the Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum, owner Vicky Lynn Rogers has been collecting memorabilia for more than 30 years, making this one of the most comprehensive collections of GWTW items in the world. The museum has one-of-a-kind pieces, plus rare pieces from the movie, including the mourning bonnet worn by Scarlett O’Hara. There’s also a theater seat from the 1939 premiere of GWTW from the Atlanta Loew’s Theatre, tickets from the showing, jewelry pieces that were sold to promote the movie, dolls, props, and more. The Cleburne Railroad Museum tells the story of the town’s railroad past with more than 2,000 artifacts, model trails, and programming, and the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, located on the Chisholm Trail at Lake Pat Cleburne, includes the county’s original courthouse building, a stagecoach station, and a working blacksmith shop where visitors can take blacksmithing lessons.  

Cleburne’s newest attraction is The Dillon Depot where an HO model train exhibit depicts midcentury, small-town life in vivid detail. There's also an antique mall, plus a vintage soda fountain serving homemade ice cream. At night, see a Broadway musical at Plaza Theatre Company, or a regional music act at Songbird Live. Summer months bring quality baseball for a fraction of MLB prices at La Moderna Field, home of the Cleburne Railroaders. The ballpark is home to some of the best in concessions, including Cleburne’s Loaf ‘n Dog hot dogs, sangria from Stone Trough Winery, fajita fries, and margaritas from the famous Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth (be careful, these margaritas aren’t joking around). Stick around for post-game fireworks every Friday night. 

Where to Shop 

Cleburne’s downtown scene is completely walkable and full of mom-and-pop shops worthy of exploration. New to the area is Trovato Street, a blast from the past full of retro candy plus house-made chocolates. There’s even a root beer bar with a rotating selection of 40+ root beers. Grab a root beer flight or ask about ice cream floats with your favorite root beer poured over the top. At Central Station Toys, visitors are invited to build with Legos, play games, and shop for toys of all kinds. Downtown is also full of boutiques, antiques, and art. 

Where to Eat

Grab a pre- or post-dinner cocktail at Johnson Country Distillery, where strawberry Moscow mules, craft beer, and hand-tossed pizzas accompany live music and good times. There’s also The Break Room Brewing Company, where comfort foods such as meatloaf and chicken fried steak compete with burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and more for a well-rounded menu. (The catfish is top notch.) Carnivores rejoice with Fly By Night Steakhouse, situated on a 250-acre working Brangus cattle ranch. Menu items include “shot gun shells”—cheese-stuffed jalapenos, wrapped in bacon, and panko fried— plus house-cut steaks, lobster tails, salmon, shrimp and grits, and more. For a uniquely Cleburne experience, head to 1949 Burger Bar, a 10 x 10 foot building (the second oldest in Cleburne) that’s been a local favorite for 74 years. They cook their burgers on a cast-iron grill from the 1800s that was belonged to the original owner of Burger Bar. La Cima specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine (the brisket tacos are delicious), and for a down-home breakfast, you can’t go wrong with R&K Café II. 

Where to Stay 

Walking distance from downtown shops and restaurants is the Liberty Hotel, a boutique property with a pool, gym, and complimentary breakfast. Built in 1924, the 50-room hotel is a charming place to rest after a long day around town.