A blacksmith demonstration during a past Fort Croghan Day in Burnet. The 2025 event is Oct. 11. Staff photo by Jennifer Greenwell
Visit a different era at four events in the Highland Lakes in October. The following exhibits and festivals highlight Hill Country history stretching from the recent past to pioneer days to the Paleoindian period.
Up first:
“Llano Showcase” exhibit
Oct. 4-Dec. 28
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Noon to 4 p.m. Sundays
Llano Fine Arts Gallery, 503 Bessemer Ave. in Llano
The Llano Fine Arts Guild presents paintings by Shea Daniel-Youngblood that express the beauty and charm of Llano, a small town firmly attached to its Old West roots. The San Antonio-based artist travels the Texas Hill Country, stopping anywhere he feels “pulled by a moment, or a shadow, or a stoplight.” Daniel-Youngblood will discuss his work during an opening reception Oct. 4 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the gallery.
“A Time Before Texas” exhibit
Oct. 6-Nov. 5
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays)
The Falls on the Colorado Museum, 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls
The Falls on the Colorado hosts this traveling exhibit that explores the lives of the region’s Paleoindian people, just in time for Texas Archeology Month in October. Over the past 10 years, archeologists have made fascinating new discoveries about the way these prehistoric people lived and how they arrived in what is now Texas. A related discussion on “Living on Hamilton Creek: A Quick Update on the Last 160 Generations” is Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m. Local historian Vaughn Hamilton will talk about the peoples of the past who populated the Highland Lakes area of the Texas Hill Country.
Fort Croghan Day
Oct. 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fort Croghan Museum and Grounds, 703 Buchanan Drive in Burnet
This fun, family-friendly history lesson on pioneer times in Burnet County features hands-on activities and crafts, old-fashioned games and chores, live re-enactments by costumed volunteers, and museum tours. Built in the mid-19th century, Fort Croghan was home to the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, known as the Second Dragoons. It was established to protect pioneers from the Native people, such as the Comanche, who were living on the land before settlers arrived. Today, the fort’s grounds and museum offer a glimpse into daily life on the frontier. Come back Dec. 13 for Christmas at Old Fort Croghan. Outside of special events, Fort Croghan is open from the second weekend in April through the end of October each year.
Oct. 17-19
Railroad District, 100 Train Station Drive in Llano
Experience the rich history of Llano during its annual Heritage Days. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 with a barbecue dinner fundraiser by the Llano County Historical Museum. On Oct. 18, arrive at the Railyard District between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for engaging history re-enactments, a stunning antique quilt show, live music and entertainment, and more. Tour the old Llano Cemetery on Oct. 19 as costumed actors portray important figures from Llano’s past.
Learn more about the Highland Lakes’ past in the 101 History Guide, which features stories on presidential parks, local Black history, a historical marker road trip, outlaws, a haunted jail, and much more.
