Named for a Confederate general, this small town near Fort Worth is a center for the agricultural industry in the region. Cleburne became an important stop on the Chisholm Trail and later the Santa Fe Railroad. The downtown is home to many historic buildings.
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Attractions
Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. This private historical park presents numerous restored pioneer houses and other structures for tours. The park is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Cleburne’s original settlement which was named Wardville. The park is open to and free for the public. 101 Chisholm Trail off Highway 67.
Cleburne State Park. Activities at this park include camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating and hiking. The park is also a wildlife refuge and includes a lake. 5800 Park Road 21.
Layland Museum. This museum, housed in a Carnegie Library building, includes exhibits on the many groups that settled this region: Native Americans, Euro-Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanics. One of the museum’s prized artifacts is a rare Confederate uniform. 201 North Caddo St.
Festivals
JANUARY:
Johnson County Jr. Livestock Show & Youth Fair
General Pat Cleburne Birthday Celebration. This event celebrates he town’s namesake with Civil War reenactors, ethnic bands and dancers and various living history demonstrations. Buddy Stewart Park.
APRIL:
Springfest
JUNE:
Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo. Residents and visitors alike revel in Cleburne’s western style with a parade, live entertainment, dances and traditional rodeo events like bull riding and calf roping. Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds, 1315 S. Main.
JULY:
4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Display.
NOVEMBER:
Pioneer Days. Sponsored by the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, this event offers music, food and fun family activities celebrating Cleburne’s western heritage. Highway 67.
DECEMBER:
Whistle Stop Christmas Lights in the Park. Cleburne rings in the holidays with numerous events which run throughout the month. Hulen Park is decorated with millions of twinkling lights and a Christmas parade winds through the town’s downtown streets. Photos with Santa, caroling concerts and plenty of kid’s activities are on hand. Hulen Park, 1098 Hillsboro St.