Burnet: History, Park Trails and Events

When planning a trip to Burnet, you can choose what to focus on during your stay: history and culture, walking and hiking trails, golf, or an event. The offerings differ considerably in nature. Historic sites and collections provide a cultural focus; parks, an 18-hole course and seasonal markets appeal to other interests. If you’re looking for a hotel in Burnet, first consider which activities you want to shape your stay. This will help you align your accommodation search with the activities that matter to you.

Historic Sites and Museums

Burnet’s Historic Business District includes many historically significant buildings. Visitors can stroll along the district’s wide sidewalks. This makes the district a starting point for a history-focused city walk. The Burnet County Historical Jail was built in 1884. The Burnet County Historical Jail and Visitor Center is located in the renovated former county jail at 109 S. Pierce St. in Burnet.

Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum includes a 1,500-square-foot, climate-controlled museum and eight historic structures arranged around a fortified path. The exhibits cover Fort Croghan, early settlers, ranching and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Fort Croghan is open from the second weekend in April through the second weekend in October, Thursday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since seasonal information may change, check the hours before your visit.

The Highland Lakes Squadron Museum preserves historic World War II aircraft and other artifacts. This offers aviation history as a distinct cultural focus alongside settlement history and ranching.

Trails, Parks and Golf

The parks offer different features: Haley-Nelson Park has walking and hiking trails and also offers disc golf. Hamilton Creek Park has lighted walkways on both sides of the creek. Haley-Nelson thus combines trails with another recreational option; Hamilton Creek stands out for its lighted walkways on both sides of the water. Consider whether walking and hiking trails with disc golf or the creekside walkways are more important for your stay.

Delaware Springs Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course. Golf is therefore a distinct way to plan your stay, separate from the park trails and historic attractions.

Annual Events and Market Visits

The Burnet Bluebonnet Festival is an annual tradition in Burnet. Vendors can register; registration is also available for the 5K and for an entry in the Grand Parade. Visitors can cheer on the Wiener Dog Races. These different options give the festival a range of ways to take part, without requiring any one event to define the entire visit.

In 2026, the Burnet Farmers & Crafts Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Historic Burnet Square, in the 200 block of Main Street. The season typically runs from mid-April through November. Offerings include fresh produce, eggs, artisan baked goods and handmade products. Since the schedule may vary in later years, check the information for the relevant year when planning a future trip.

Regional Destinations Around Burnet

Inks Lake is 9 miles west of Burnet on Park Road 4. Public access to the lake is available from Burnet via Inks Lake State Park. Longhorn Cavern State Park is south of Burnet, in Burnet County; tours of the cavern are offered there. The regional options therefore include a lake with public access via a state park and a destination offering cavern tours.

Discover more destinations: Bertram, Spicewood, Marble Falls

Return to the main travel overview: Burnet County.