In 1854, Alvarado, TX, was established and named after a Spanish officer who fought with the Texans in the Mexican War. It was a trading post and railroad center in the 1800s.
This small town has a rich history, but it’s not just a destination for history buffs. There are plenty of other activities for travelers passing through the area.
Let’s look at how you can do Alvarado, TX, like a local!
Where Is Alvarado, TX?
The oldest city in Johnson County, Alvarado, TX, is situated at the intersection of Highway 67 and I-35W just south of Fort Worth. It’s about a 30-minute drive north to get to Fort Worth and a 45-minute drive northeast to get to Dallas. Waco is about an hour south of Alvarado.
Once you get to the town, you’ll notice the agricultural influence in this rural community. Alvarado Park Lake, a reservoir built in 1966, is on the west side of the city. About 5,100 people call Alvarado, TX, home.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re checking out Fort Worth and want to stay a little closer to the city, pay a visit to the community of Bedford, TX.
6 Best Things to Do in Alvarado, TX
Maybe you’re a mom looking for a chance to relax, a retired couple learning about local history, or a dad looking for fun family entertainment. You may even be a solo traveler looking to meet up with other singles for a night out.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, Alvarado, TX, has something for everyone. Let’s look at the six best things to do when visiting this town.
1. Test Your Axe Throwing Skills
- Address:
6050 US-67 #210
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: Even though Battle Axes has only been open since 2020, it’s a place worth visiting during your stay in Alvarado, TX. There’s plenty of space to hang out with your friends and enjoy an evening of axe throwing.
You can book a competition for 75 minutes or up to three hours. All participants must be 10 years old or older, and minors must have a waiver signed by a guardian. Pricing starts at $20.
2. Visit Country Critters Farm
- Address:
3709 County Rd 617
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: Want a great place to take your family? Visit Country Critters Farm and enjoy an afternoon of family entertainment. Activities include a petting zoo, bounce houses, a tractor and train playground, and a hayride.
Admission is $12 per person, and kids age two years old and under are free. Country Critters Farm has been in business for over 25 years, so they know how to entertain kids of all ages.
3. Get Spooked at Haunted Mead Manor
- Address:
8020 County Rd 508
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: Open during the fall season, Haunted Mead Manor is family-owned and operated. General admission is $10 per person, and parking is $2 per car. After only one season, its success has led the family to expand the haunted experience.
The manor will triple in size by the 2022 season. So if you’re visiting Alvarado, TX, during October, don’t miss out on this haunted adventure.
4. Play at Carver Park
- Address:
405 S Baugh St
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: Like Country Critters Farm, Carver Park is a great place for family fun. It features a jungle gym, swings, and a basketball court.
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the covered tables. It’s only an 18-minute drive from Country Critters Farm, so you could easily enjoy both places on the same day.
5. Get a History Lesson at Alvarado Heritage Center
- Address:
100 W College St
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: The Alvarado Heritage Center preserves the history of Alvarado, TX. There are 18 locations designated by the Texas Historical Commission as historical landmarks within Alvarado.
Currently, the Alvarado Heritage Center is renovating the 108-year-old C.H. Park Hardware Wagon Barn. This will be the future location of the Alvarado Heritage Center Museum.
If you love local history, you’ll enjoy spending hours traveling around the town looking at the various landmarks.
Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6. Attend a Rodeo at M7 Arena
- Address:
8001 FM3136
Alvarado, TX 76009
Why You Should Visit: The M7 Arena hosts open arena days throughout the year where folks can bring their horses. It also hosts rodeo events like team roping and barrel jackpots.
Open daily, the arena is available for private events, so make sure to check the calendar before showing up. There’s plenty of parking and seating for about 100 people. Enjoy a rodeo in Texas!
Is Alvarado, TX Worth a Visit?
Roadtrippers traveling through Texas will usually stop in Dallas and Fort Worth. When you plan your route, plan to stay a few days in Alvarado, TX, and escape the bright lights and heavy traffic of these two cities.
There’s plenty to do, even if it only covers less than five square miles of land. And there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax, be entertained, learn about history, or enjoy the outdoors, Alvarado, TX, has the answer.
When will you plan your visit to central Texas?
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