Cuero (pronunciation) is nicknamed the “Turkey Capital of the World” as well as the “Wildflower Capital of Texas” thanks to its 1,000+ species. Located south of Gonzales and north of Goliad, the community still has strong ties to its agricultural roots.
Although a sighting of what many claim to be the mythical Chupacabra brought national attention to the small southeast Texas town of Cuero in the summer of 2007, poultry is the true passion of DeWitt Counties denizens.
Each October folks flock to Cuero for some “fowl” festivities during Turkeyfest, a three-day salute to the town’s farming origins.
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Best Things to Do in the City of Cuero, Texas
Shop for pecans.
We can’t drive through Cuero without a stop at the Cuero Pecan House, in operation since 1960. What began as a seasonal business has become a year-around store selling all things pecan. 104 W. South Railroad St. (right in town)
Recall the heyday of cattle at Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum.
This museum traces the story of the cattle drives that etched their way through Texas, starting with Thornton Chisholm and Crockett Cardwell’s 1866 cattle drive from Cuero to St. Joseph, Missouri. Along with an original film on the cattle drive, the museum features the Tinker Collection which showcases the cultures of the Mexican vaquero, the South American gaucho and American cowboys. 302 N Esplanade St
Learn about local history at the Cuero Heritage Museum.
This local history museum showcases the expected exhibits–pioneer housewares and more–but also some interesting exhibits on the town’s long-running Turkeyfest. 124 E. Church St.
Travel back in time at the DeWitt County Museum.
Housed in the historic Bates – Sheppard House, guided tours here include a look at this Victorian home as well as a log cabin. You’ll also find exhibits on the ghost town of Indianola; many residents of the hurricane-ravaged town relocated to Cuero. 312 E Broadway St.
Rent a paddleboat at the Cuero Municipal Park.
Cuero Municipal Park, located on the east side of town, is home to 8.5-acre Cuero Lake, offering rental paddleboats and fishing–or just enjoy the walking trails.
Spot local and migrating birds.
Cuero is located along the Texas Coastal Birding Trail–so you may spot species ranging from herons to egrets. The municipal park is a top birding area as is the Guadalupe River.
Enjoy the Wildflowers.
With over 1,000 wildflower species on record in DeWitt County, it’s easy to see why Cuero has been deemed the Wildflower Capital of Texas. April is the county’s Wildflower Month, although you may find wildflowers in bloom at other times as well. Stop by the visitors center at 210 E Main Street for a brochure of wildflower field locations.
Explore the Guadalupe River Paddling Trail.
This 13.8-mile trail offers scenic views through a variety of flora and fauna. The trail can be paddled whole or in shorter segments. FM 766 for four miles.
Learn at The Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas in Cuero.
This museum showcases the collection of German immigrant and pharmacist Dr. Joseph M. Reuss who once ran a pharmacy in Indianola and later Cuero–and his descendants, also pharmacists in Cuero. 114 E. Main.
Make plans for Turkeyfest.
Cuero’s long-standing title as the Turkey Capital of Texas is apparent at October’s Turkeyfest, the city’s largest annual event.
Weekend grillers turn up the heat in a bid to be the festival’s supreme sizzler in the BBQ cook-off, while other inspiring chefs cook up tastebud-tempting ingredients in the chili and jackpot bean cook-offs. For eye-watering entertainment, participants try to polish off as many peppers as possible in the jalapeno eating contest.
Athletically adept attendees enjoy the volleyball tournament and the adult Turk-Olympics, while a horseshoe-pitching contest offers old-fashioned fun for those looking for a slow-paced event.
The Great Gobbler Gallop
The crowning moment of Turkeyfest, however, is the Great Gobbler Gallop. Residents and visitors gather round to root for the trotting turkey as it races against the clock in an attempt to beat the time set by rival Worthington, Minnesota’s prized poultry.
An event hatched back in 1912, today’s version of the Great Gobbler Gallop has garnered the attention of the media and has been showcased on the Food Network and the CBS Sunday Morning Show.
The community of Cuero not only shares bragging rights as the turkey capital of Texas, the town and surrounding DeWitt County also prides itself as being the wildflower capital of the state. In appreciation of the plants that thrive in Lone Star soil, the festival also offers the fall garden and flower show.
A treat for those with a green thumb, attendees can amble among the annuals and perennials as judges determine the best in show in a variety of floral categories before moving on to the carrots, corn, peaches and pears in the garden crop and orchard crop categories.
Souvenir seekers can find Texas-motifed treasures at the arts and crafts booths, then kick back with an alcoholic libation and listen to live music performed at the Mall Pavilion.
Mark your calendar for Christmas in the Park.
Starting before Thanksgiving and continuing through the holiday season, this drive-through light display is one of the region’s largest. Special nights include hot chocolate, a live nativity scene and more. The event takes place at Cuero Municipal Park.