Discover Blanco

Blanco can be explored through several distinct interests: Blanco State Park pairs the Blanco River with swimming, fishing, and boating; downtown, the Old Blanco County Courthouse and Market Days offer a different focus. There is also a shaded city park and wine tastings in Blanco. If you’re looking for a hotel in Blanco, first consider whether river activities or the historic town center is especially important to your trip.

Swimming, Fishing, and Boating at Blanco State Park

Blanco State Park is south of Blanco at the intersection of U.S. 281 and the Blanco River, four blocks south of the town square. Swimming is possible throughout the park along the river. There is also a shallow wading pool beside Falls Dam. This gives you different options for time by the water: the river or the shallow pool.

Fishing is another activity in the park. You can fish there for largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout. No license is required for fishing from the bank inside the park. Visitors may also bring a canoe, kayak, or boat; only electric motors are permitted on boats. The rules therefore distinguish between fishing from the bank and using a boat you bring with you.

The park’s history dates back to the 1930s. In an eleven-month project beginning June 16, 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps built bridges, dams, structures, picnic areas, and roads there. This construction work offers another aspect of the park beyond its riverside activities.

Courthouse, Local History, and Market Days

The Old Blanco County Courthouse was built in 1886 in the Victorian style, based on designs by architect F. E. Ruffini. It is designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is the focal point of the Blanco Historic District. The district encompasses eight blocks in the town center; the courthouse is built of limestone. The historic buildings and the size of the district give the town center a clearly defined historical focus.

The courthouse offers free tours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check the hours before your trip. Blanco Market Days are also held on the courthouse grounds, on the third Saturday of each month from March through December. If you’d like to visit the market, plan for one of these Saturdays and check the specific date in advance.

One block from Courthouse Square, the Blanco Pioneer Museum, housed in a historic home, presents Blanco’s early history and Western heritage. Check visitor details before your trip. This helps distinguish the town center’s different historical highlights: the courthouse as a building and landmark, the Historic District as a cohesive area, and the museum’s focus on the town’s early history.

Green Spaces and Wine in Blanco

Roland and Viola Bindseil City Park, also known as Bindseil Park, has a 0.25-mile accessible path. The public park is shaded by trees and offers picnic areas and benches. The path length gives you a specific reference point for an outdoor visit; shade, seating, and picnic areas describe other aspects of the park.

Wine is also part of Blanco. Esperanza Winery makes wines from grapes grown entirely in Texas. Its tasting room in Blanco welcomes guests for wine tastings without a reservation. Since this is current visitor information, check the hours before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Johnson City

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