Schreiner Mansion
This Hill Country city offers a little bit of everything: cowboy fun, fine art, beautiful parks, and more. The rolling hills etched with streams and rivers shaded by tall cypress tress have been the inspiration of many artists, so it’s not surprising that this community is home to many internationally recognized artists and a nationally-recognized Western art museum.
Much of the inspiration for those artists has been the surrounding ranch land and the largest ranch in the area is the famous Y.O. Ranch, started by Charles Schreiner as a young man in the 1850s. At its peak, the Y.O. Ranch grew to over 600,000 acres, covering a distance of 80 miles. Kerrville is the county seat of Kerr County and the home of Schreiner University.
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Attractions
Kerrville-Schreiner Park. Formerly a state park, this city-owned park offers 7 miles of hiking trails, as well as fishing and swimming in the Guadalupe River. Your leashed dog is welcome everywhere except in buildings and at the designated beach. During summer months, canoes are for rent for a river excursion. The park includes 120 campsites. 2385 Bandera Hwy.
Kerrville Wildlife Management Area. Near the origin of the Guadalupe River’s north fork, this 6,000-acre wildlife preserve is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and offers the chance to spot deer, wild turkey, armadillo and many other wildlife species. 2625 FM 1340.
Louise Hays City Park. Bring a picnic lunch for you and Fido and enjoy this 63-acre park on the Guadalupe River. The day-use park includes trails, barbecue pits, picnicking, and river access. 202 Thompson Dr.
Museum of Western Art. This hilltop museum (formerly the Cowboy Artists of America Museum) features work by members of the Cowboy Artists of America. The building is constructed of eighteen boveda brick domes, an old construction method used in Mexico. Western-themed paintings and sculpture fill the museum. Visitors also can take in special programs on the folklore, music, and history of the Old West. 1550 Bandera Highway (TX 173).
Riverside Nature Center. Situated along the Guadalupe River near downtown Kerrville, the Center has an arboretum, walking trails, and gardens and fields featuring native plants and wildlife. 150 Francisco Lemos St.
Schreiner Mansion. This local history museum traces the development of Kerrville and tells the story of Charles Schreiner and the family whose name is synonymous with Kerrville. Charles Schreiner, who became a Texas Ranger at the age of 16, came to Kerrville as a young man in the 1850s, and following the Civil War began a dry goods store and began acquiring land. The Charles Schreiner Company was the first business in America to recognize the value of mohair, the product of Angora goats. Before long, Schreiner made Kerrville the mohair capital of the world. 226 Earl Garrett Rd.
Y.O. Ranch. This historic ranch once sprawled over more than 600,000 acres, covering a distance of 80 miles. Today the Schreiner family still owns the ranch, located in nearby Mountain Home. You can tour the ranch by reservation and view its Texas Longhorn cattle and many exotic species including zebras, giraffes and antelope. 1736 Y.O. Ranch Road, Mountain Home.
Festivals
MARCH/APRIL:
Easter Fest & Cook-off on the River. A barbecue and chili cook-off, washer tossing contests, and live entertainment draw visitors on the Saturday before Easter. A children’s Easter egg hunt is also on the schedule. Flat Rock Lake Park, 3840 Riverside Dr.
MAY:
Kerrville Folk Festival. This multi-day music festival has become a traditional rite of spring for Texans who come to camp and enjoy the live music. Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy.
Kerrville Festival of the Arts.Kerrville’s historic downtown hosts this two-day, pet-friendly celebration of art, craft and music. Artists from all over the U.S. come for the juried art show and sale along with thousands of visitors. Water and Earl Garrett Streets.
SEPTEMBER:
Kerrville Fall Music Festival. Quiet Valley Ranch hosts this shortened version of the spring Folk Festival with four days of music, wine-tasting, camping and arts and crafts. Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy.
OCTOBER:
Kerr County Fair. Rodeo competitions, livestock shows, a parade and carnival highlight this annual fair. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3805 TX 27.
Map
For More Information
Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo courtesy of Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau