Lockhart State Park - Has it all

       Published by The La Vernia News on December 27, 2012


Everyday Journeys

    Harry and Linda Kaye Perez

      The Lockhart State Park is said to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Texas State Park system. In addition to the typical picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking and swimming, it also has the only staff-operated golf course in the system, complete with electric carts and golf club rentals. This park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935 and 1937, was opened to the public in 1941. It encompasses 264 acres just west of the city of Lockhart, off US Highway 183 or the newly opened Toll Road 130, and is 50 miles from LaVernia.

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                     Tonkawas & Texas Rangers

      In August 1840 the Battle of Plum Creek was fought a few miles north of what is now the Lockhart State Park. It was a clash with the Tonkawa Indians, Texas militia and Republic of Texas Rangers on one side and a large Comanche War Party, led by Chief Buffalo Hump (no, I didn’t make that up) on the other side. The Comanche had stolen a large herd of horses and mules, along with other goods and were trying to get back to their home in the high plains of eastern New Mexico, now called the Llano Estacado, with their plunder. Texas history recorded Plum Creek as a victory for the Texans, although the Indians escaped with much of the stolen goods and horses.

      Tip: If you are a disabled veteran or over 65 and a resident of Texas, the next time you go to a Texas State Park and before you pay your entrance fee, ask for a Texas Parkland Passport; some refer to it as the Bluebonnet Pass. It is absolutely free; never has to be renewed; and is good for any state park in Texas. With this card, you will receive a 50% discount each time you enter a state park. If you were born before 1930, your admission is free.

                                                                       Amenities

      Amid the pecan, oak and elm trees are camping sites, both pull-through and tent sites, and a day-use area with picnic tables. There is a playscape for children, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court. Restrooms with showers are available. The large swimming pool ranges in depth from 3 to 10 feet. There is an additional charge of $2.00 per person for use of the pool and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. 

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     On an elevated bluff with a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside is the Refectory. It is a large building with a kitchen, two small rooms, and a large main room with tables and chairs that can be rented for retreats, reunions or meetings. In spring, bluebonnets and other wild flowers blanket open fields. Bass, catfish and sunfish are the favorite catches in Clear Fork Creek. No fishing license is required within the park.

                            Fore!

      There just are not many places you can enjoy a day of golfing for such low fees. So for many, the nine-hole 3,000 yard 35 par golf course at Lockhart State Park is the main attraction. The golf course is open every day of the year.

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Equipment Rentals:

·      Green Fees $9 weekdays, $11 weekends

·      Green Fees $5 weekdays for high school students

·      Electric Cart $11

·      Golf Club Rental $7

·      Golf Club Pull Cart Rental $3

             … and there's more

      After you have had a wonderful day of golf, you can enjoy the evening at one of the top-notched barbeque eateries. Several years ago, both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate passed a resolution proclaiming Lockhart to be the “Barbeque Capital of Texas.” Another interesting feature of the city of Lockhart, besides its history and barbeque, is the Caldwell County Courthouse, located at 110 S. Main Street. It is a magnificent structure; in fact, it is said that it is the most photographed courthouse in Texas. We hope you enjoy your journey to the city of Lockhart and the Lockhart State Park.

 

Smitty's Market (since 1948),  208 South Commerce, www.smittysmarket.com

Kreuz Market (since 1900), 619 N. Colorado St., www.kreuzmarket.com

Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que (since 1978), 1323 South Colorado Street, www.chisholmtrailbbq.com

 Black’s Barbeque (since 1932), 215 North Main Street, www.blacksbbq.com

 

 

 



   © Harry Perez 2012