Stephenville, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Stephenville is a city in the Cross Timbers region of Texas. Acclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World" (okay, maybe there's more than one), it's the home to Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M system, and even has an equine therapy program.

3 sights · 2 things to do · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Stephenville

Stephenville Historical House Museum

Victorian house, old cabin, church, etc.

Billy the Kid Museum

An honorary museum for the upstanding lad.

W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas

Run by Tarleton State, and in the middle of nowhere along I-20, this museum focuses on the industrial history of Texas, on the site of this old coal/brick mill site called Thurber.

Southwest Regional Dairy Center

Take a tour of Tarleton State's dairy operations and learning center.

Science Building and Planetarium

Has video presentations, etc.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 96°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Oct and May. (climate data from nearby Fort Worth)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
MWL Mineral Wells Regional Airport, Mineral Wells — 40 mi away. Directions
FTW Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth — 64 mi away. Directions
DFW Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth — 82 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Stephenville Historical House Museum, Science Building and Planetarium, Southwest Regional Dairy Center
Afternoon Billy the Kid Museum, W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

See

See Stephenville Historical House Museum

Victorian house, old cabin, church, etc.

📍 525 E Washington St🕒 Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM☎ +1 254-965-5880

Maps Website

See Billy the Kid Museum

An honorary museum for the upstanding lad.

📍 114 N Pecan St, Hico🕒 Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM☎ +1 254-796-2523

Maps Website

See W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas

Run by Tarleton State, and in the middle of nowhere along I-20, this museum focuses on the industrial history of Texas, on the site of this old coal/brick mill site called Thurber.

📍 65258 I-20, Mingus🕒 Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun 1PM-4PM☎ +1 254-968-1886

Maps Website