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Round Rock is a city of about 125,000 people on Brushy Creek, about 20 miles north of downtown Austin. It takes its name from a large, round limestone rock in the creek bed that marked a low-water crossing for wagons on the Chisholm Trail. The rock still sits in Brushy Creek, and wagon ruts cut into the stone nearby can be seen at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park.
The town grew in the 1870s when the International-Great Northern Railroad arrived, and in 1878 the outlaw Sam Bass was shot here in a famous gun battle with Texas Rangers; he is buried in the town's old cemetery. Round Rock remained a small town until Dell Technologies moved its headquarters here in the 1990s, triggering rapid growth.
The historic downtown along Main Street keeps limestone buildings, local restaurants and the town's landmark water tower. Dell Diamond is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, and Round Rock is famous for Round Rock Donuts, whose orange-glazed donuts draw long lines. The Brushy Creek Regional Trail follows the creek for miles through parks and greenbelts.
The large round limestone rock in Brushy Creek that gave the city its name, once used as a marker for safe wagon and cattle crossings on the Chisholm Trail. Wagon wheel ruts are still visible in the creek bed nearby. Use the path from Chisholm Trail Crossing Park; the rock can be slippery.
A small park beside Brushy Creek next to the Round Rock with bronze sculptures of longhorns, cowboys and a pioneer family recreating a cattle drive crossing. Signs explain local trail history. It is free and makes a quick, photogenic stop on the way to downtown.
The Old Round Rock Cemetery holds the grave of Sam Bass, the outlaw who was shot by Texas Rangers in Round Rock in 1878, alongside graves of early settlers and freed slaves. It is a small, quiet cemetery; please be respectful. Nearby Old Town has more historic buildings.
A walkable downtown around Main Street with restored 1800s limestone buildings now holding restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques. It hosts concerts and events in Centennial Plaza and Prete Main Street Plaza. Parking garages and free street parking are available.
A famous local bakery since 1926 on Mays Street known for its glazed doughnuts with a bright yellow-orange color from the egg-rich dough, plus a giant Texas-size doughnut. Lines form on weekend mornings, so go early on a weekday. It is a quick stop near downtown.
A minor league ballpark that is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Games are affordable and family friendly, with a grass berm, a pool area and fireworks nights. Evening games avoid the worst of the summer heat; bring sunscreen.
A large African-themed resort with one of the biggest indoor water parks in the United States, plus an indoor adventure park with rides, arcades and a ropes course. Day passes are sometimes sold to non-guests; check availability and book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.
A city-run family water park in Old Settlers Park with a lazy river, slides, a wave pool and splash areas for small children. It is open in summer only and is less crowded on weekday mornings. Bring sunscreen and shade gear, as Texas summers are very hot.
An outdoor outlet mall off I-35 with more than 100 brand-name outlet stores selling clothes, shoes, home goods and accessories at discount prices. Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds, and check the website for coupon books and sales on holiday weekends.
A large city park in east Round Rock with dozens of sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, a lake for fishing, walking trails and the Rock'N River water park. It hosts tournaments and festivals throughout the year. Parking is free; shade is limited on summer afternoons.
A shaded paved trail that follows Brushy Creek through parks and neighborhoods between Round Rock and Cedar Park, popular with cyclists, runners and families. It passes creek swimming holes and sports fields. Start at Brushy Creek Lake Park and bring water in summer.
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