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Kyle is a fast-growing city in Hays County, Texas, on Interstate 35 between Austin and San Marcos. It was founded in 1880 when the International-Great Northern Railroad came through, on land donated by Fergus Kyle and David Moore, and town lots were auctioned beneath a large live oak that still stands downtown. For decades it was a quiet cotton and railroad town, and it has grown rapidly since the 2000s.
The small historic center keeps much of its old character. Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, hosts markets, concerts and holiday events, and the restored railroad depot now serves as a heritage center. Author Katherine Anne Porter spent part of her childhood in Kyle, and her grandmother's house is now a literary center run by Texas State University, with readings by visiting writers.
Kyle calls itself the Pie Capital of Texas, and local bakers keep the claim alive. Lake Kyle Park offers trails and fishing, and Austin, San Marcos and the Texas Hill Country towns of Wimberley and Dripping Springs are each within about half an hour.
The modest house where Pulitzer Prize winning author Katherine Anne Porter lived as a child with her grandmother, now a literary center run by Texas State University. It hosts readings by visiting writers and has exhibits about her life. Tours are by appointment or during events, so check ahead.
Kyle's historic railroad depot, restored as a heritage center with exhibits on the town's founding along the International-Great Northern Railroad and its farm and rail past. A caboose is displayed nearby. Opening hours are limited, so check the city website before visiting.
A shady park on the historic town square, named for Mary Kyle Hartson, a longtime mayor from the town's founding family, with a gazebo, play areas and lawns. It hosts farmers markets, concerts, movie nights and holiday lights. Visit on an event evening to see the town at its liveliest.
A city park around Lake Kyle with walking and biking trails, fishing spots, a playground, picnic areas and open space on the edge of town. It is a pleasant place for a morning walk or an evening by the water. Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited in summer.
A large historic live oak where the first town lots of Kyle were auctioned in 1880, when the railroad arrived. It is marked as a local landmark near the historic center. Stop for a photo and read the marker, then walk over to City Square Park and the old downtown buildings.
A historic building in the old downtown that served for years as Kyle's city hall, before the city moved to larger offices as it grew. It is one of several older buildings around the square. View it on a stroll through the historic center with the depot and the Auction Oak.
A popular bakery and cafe in historic downtown Kyle known for its fruit, cream and pecan pies, along with home-style breakfast and lunch. It helped earn Kyle its Pie Capital of Texas title. Arrive early for the best choice of slices, and order whole pies ahead for holidays.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Liveon001 ©Travis Witt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Anthellimus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Travis K. Witt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Travis K. Witt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
