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Temple is a city of about 90,000 people in Bell County, central Texas, between Waco and Austin. It was founded in 1881 by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway and named after the railroad's chief engineer, Bernard Moore Temple. The railroad shaped the city, and Temple became known as the "Wildflower Capital of Texas."
The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum fills the restored 1910 Santa Fe depot, with locomotives, model trains and exhibits on railroad life. Temple is also a major medical center, home to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in Texas.
Downtown has historic buildings, local restaurants and murals, and the Bell County Museum is in nearby Belton. Miller Park, the Leon River and the Pepper Creek Trail offer outdoor space, and Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake are nearby for swimming, boating and fishing.
Museum in the restored 1910 Santa Fe depot, which still serves Amtrak passengers, telling the story of the railroad that built Temple. It displays locomotives and rail cars outside, plus model trains, signals and artifacts inside. Allow about an hour; check opening days.
Museum and library run by the SPJST fraternal society, preserving the story of Czech immigrants who farmed Central Texas, with costumes, musical instruments, documents and household items. It is free and friendly. Combine it with a kolache stop at a local bakery.
Historic downtown with early 1900s brick buildings, local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and murals, plus the restored railroad depot nearby. It hosts festivals and seasonal events. Park on the street and walk the blocks around Central Avenue in an hour.
Historic downtown theater from the 1920s, brought back as a venue for concerts, comedy and community events after a long restoration. Its marquee and interior recall the golden age of movie houses. Check the event calendar and buy tickets ahead for popular shows.
Arts center in Temple with galleries showing regional artists, a theater for concerts and plays, and classes for children and adults. It hosts exhibitions that change through the year. Admission to most gallery shows is free; check the calendar for performances.
Long-established city park in Temple with shade trees, a playground, picnic pavilions and sports fields, popular with local families. It is a simple, pleasant stop for a picnic or a walk. Parking is free; restrooms and shelters can be reserved for gatherings.
Paved trail following Pepper Creek through west Temple, with bridges, greenbelt views and links to neighborhoods and parks. It is good for walking, running and cycling. Bring water and a hat in summer, and look for birds along the creek in the early morning.
City park on the shore of Belton Lake with a boat ramp, swimming area, fishing spots, picnic shelters and lake views. It is a favorite summer spot for local families. Weekends get busy, so arrive early; check lake levels and posted swim rules before going in.
City water park in Temple with water slides, a lazy river, a splash play area and a leisure pool, open in summer. It is a good way to beat the Texas heat with kids. Buy tickets early in the day, bring sunscreen and check the season dates before visiting.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: CMBJ, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Renelibrary, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Renelibrary, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Renelibrary, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
