The pride of Smithville, the Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 and First St., was built with funds from grants, donations and the city.

The building has a large gym with basketball courts for Little Dribblers games and Little Bumpers volleyball. A room with public access computers, a weight room, two dance studios and a racquetball court round out the activities. Jazzercise, Powerflex, Tae Kwon Do, dance and yoga are also taught.

The large room is also rented for numerous large events throughout the year, and Combined Community Action hosts Meals on Wheels from the building. The Rec Center has activities for children and adults throughout the year.

Colorado River Access: There are two public access sites to the Colorado River. One is under the bridge on Hwy 95/Loop 230 next to the VFW grounds. Exit at the VFW Hall north of the bridge, and head under the bridge.

The second public access point is at Riverbend Park, under the double Hwy 71 bridges in the highway right-of-way.
Though there is no boat ramp at either location, light watercraft and canoes have access to the River. For river conditions, call the Lower Colorado River Authority at 512-473-3333 or 1-800-776-5272, ext. 333.

Kayaks and canoes rentals are available by calling Rising Phoenix Adventures in Bastrop at 512-332-1077

A popular destination for bikers is the park roads of Buescher and Bastrop State Parks. Connected by the winding, hilly 12-mile Park Road 1, both parks offer loops, lots of pine trees for shade and a peaceful ride. Cost is the entrance fee of $4 per person. The Buescher State Park entrance is one mile north of Hwy 71 on FM 153.

Those who prefer more of a challenge look to Rocky Hill Ranch, three miles north of Smithville on FM 153. There are more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails on more than 1,000 acres. Visitors may sign in and pay at the blue building near the trails’ head. Employees are usually on site from noon to dark on Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to dark, Friday through Sunday. If the front gate is locked, call 512-633-8778 or 512-917-2434 for someone to let you in. Riders will need to sign in as a safety precaution. Helmets are required at all times.

Boomer’s Bicycles is located on site features a small bicycle service shop to provide emergency repairs and general components. People and their families who prefer a gentle ride can bike Smithville’s tree covered streets or at any of Smithville’s parks, including the Power Plaza Skate Park, before having a snack at one of our local restaurants. Please note that bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks. Please practice all safety precautions.
Bicycle Rentals may be available by calling Rising Phoenix Adventures in Bastrop at 512-332-1077.

Riverbend Park has a pier on the river where fishing is allowed. Also, there is space and a concreted ramp under the Hwy 95 bridge in town for small boats to load into the river. Please check that the area you are fishing is not private property. Also, contact proper authorities to make sure you have all licenses required.

Smithville is in the middle of six golf courses within 25 miles – three 18 hole courses and 3 nine hole courses.

ColoVista Country Club, a breathtaking 18-hole course, is between Smithville and Bastrop off Hwy 71. Hole 15 is on a cliff overlooking the Colorado River valley. More information is available on their website at www.colovista.com

Bastrop State Park has an 18-hole golf course which is very popular, especially among the senior group who told regular tournaments. The site is at the intersection of Hwy 21 and Loop 150 in east Bastrop. Electric carts and pull carts are available for rent. For more information, call (512) 321-2327 or (512) 303-1368.

Pine Forest Golf Club is an 18-hole course lying along the Colorado River in Tahitian Village. Several tees are overlooked by the cliffs of the Colorado. Approximately 12 miles west of Smithville, take Tahitian down to Riverside Drive. For more information, call (512) 303-6777 or visitwww.pineforestgolfclub.com.

Wolfdancer Golf Club, an 18 hole course about 25 miles west of Smithville, is owned and operated by the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. There is also a 13-acre driving range. For more information, call (512) 308-4770.

The nine hole golf courses are at Frish Auf Country Club in LaGrange to the east, Giddings Country Club in Giddings to the north and the Flatonia Golf Course in Flatonia to the south.

The Power Plaza Skate Park is a concrete dream come true for those who skate board, skate or bike, and the Friends of the Skate Park, who spent several years to raise funds to build the outdoor park. With those funds and a community development grant from LCRA, the park was built at First Street behind the Smithville Recreation Center.

According to designer Doug King, the park has a unique design with aspects from both a street plaza and skate park. “There is a tree in one corner of the park with a flowing "grass river" around the tree and through the rest of the park,” King said. “There are hips, two stair cases, rails, hubbas, a bridge pyramid, grass gaps, wallrides, a snake run around the tree, and lots of ledges.”

The skate park is open to the public during daylight hours, and is under the care of the Smithville Parks & Recreation Department. Protective gear is required at all times.

Please note that skateboarding and skating are not allowed on sidewalks in Smithville.

Bastrop State Park, just 12 miles west on Loop 150 and Hwy 21 in east Bastrop, has a large 60’x 100’ pool with a children’s wading pool. Contact the park for times and fees at (512) 321-2101.

With an active organization promoting tennis, the three lighted tennis courts are filled almost every evening, and are located north of the Smithville Junior High School at 9th and Wilkes. The courts are fenced so call the school administration office at 512-237-2487 for the gates to be unlocked. Please wear non-marking tennis shoes. Skate boards, bicycles and skates are not allowed on the courts.

Smithville ISD allows people to walk the track around the football field at 6th Street & Turney for that extra bit of gentle exercise in a fenced in area. The field is locked at night. Please follow school district rules regarding use.

Mary Nichols Art Center
301 Burleson
512-237-4706

The Art Center features local artists and encourages creativity in children. The center is home to the Smithville Art League which meets the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. Open to visitors every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gazebo at Main St. & First St.
512-629-2213

Hosted by the Lost Pines Art Alliance, the First Saturday Art Festival is held every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown Smithville. The event includes artists’ wares, which are vetted for handmade only and of a quality to qualify as artistic, such as jewelry, paintings, art décor, ceramics, pottery, photography, and more. The event also includes music, refreshments and children’s art activities. Great for families to enjoy.

P.O. Box 121
Smithville Texas 78957
512-360-2822

The LPAA is a group of local Central Texas artists that have joined together to promote the arts and each others artistic endeavors. They gather in Smithville to promote a sense of community and can be found online at www.lostpinesartisansalliance.org

Railroad Museum & Restored Depot
First & Main Streets
512-237-2313

Filled with items from the grand railroad past of Smithville, the museum also has replicas of the first railroad depot in Smithville. The Museum is adjacent to the chamber office and is usually open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 p.m. And, a train depot to the right of the building was restored and shows a glimpse of a time long past.

602 Main St.
512-237-4545

Containing artifacts and photos from Smithville’s early days, the Smithville Heritage Museum is itself a piece of history. Built in 1908, the Victorian structure was donated to the Smithville Heritage Society. The second story contains exhibits that are furnished with memorabilia that reflect early life in the community. The first floor also has memorabilia, but the back room is used for meetings.

In the backyard, a climate-controlled building keeps the archives of books and photos. Members of the Historical Society usually can be found archiving information on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in the backyard building. Tours are available by appointment.

Founded in 1980 in Rosanky, 11 miles west on FM 535 then 3 miles north on US 304, the floor holds over 100 vehicles from the past 100 years. For more information, call (512) 237-2635.

Buescher State Park
FM 153, half mile north of Hwy 71, Smithville
512-237-2241

Buescher State Park is over 1,100 acres just northwest of Smithville with the entrance on FM 153, a half mile north of Hwy 71. Activities include non-motorized boating (no ramp/small lake); fishing in a stocked lake for catfish, bass, crappie, perch and also rainbow trout; nature study; hiking on 7.5 miles of trails; and interpretive tours.

The scenic, 12-mile-long, winding, and hilly, paved road between Buescher and Bastrop State Parks is ideal for biking, but should be used only by experienced cyclists.

Plan to go for a leisurely drive with the windows down along the scenic 12-mile drive through the beautiful pines of East Central Texas.

Camping and other facilities include restrooms with and without showers; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; screened shelters; picnic sites; a playground and group picnic pavilion (for day use only, capacity 75) with a fireplace, picnic tables, and a restroom with showers in the area. A 100-person capacity recreational hall is available for day and night use and has a full kitchen, heat, air-conditioning, fans, a patio, a fireplace, and a restroom. Limited Use Cabins sleep four people and have two sets of bunk-beds, a table, chairs, AC/Heat, microwave, ceiling fan, refrigerator, kitchen counter top, and curtains.

The park is open 7 days a week year-round. The gate is locked at 10 p.m. Late arrivals should call the park before 5 p.m. for the combination. Approximately 6 miles between the parks is private land; no camping between parks or trespassing on private land.

Located on Hwy 71, Riverbend Park is the city’s finest outdoor recreational spot and borders the Colorado River. Most of the annual Jamboree celebration is held here.

The park has a walking trail, fishing pier, barbecue pits and picnic tables near the river.

In the fenced in “Chuckwagon Square”, there is a covered stage and dance floor, and acres of old oaks for shade with picnic tables underneath; an ideal place for parties, reunions and special events.

Outside the fence are a lighted softball field and sand volleyball pits for team play.

A large playscape area, open to the public free of charge, is a favorite with the younger crowd and has tables and small barbecue pits, great for birthday parties.

The covered Park Pavilion, with kitchen facilities, hosts the FFA/4-H livestock show and may be rented for other events, such as carnivals and banquets, during the year.

A rodeo arena is also on site, where the Smithville Youth Rodeo Association rides once a month. Two buildings in the park have bathroom facilities.

Nineteen RV hookups are available; call 512-237-3282, ext 7 to reserve space or to rent areas of the park for events. The park is open year round.

Located at the corner of Marburger and MLK Jr. Drive, the park has a playscape, basketball court, picnic tables and barbecue grills, and is host to a number of community events. The Smithville Little League plays at the baseball fields.

“On the Hill,” Keilburg Park is located at the end of Fourth Ave on the west side of Smithville. The park has a standard size baseball field. It is also used for softball and soccer. For more information, call the Smithville Parks & Recreation Dept. at 512-237-3282, ext. 7.

Located along First Street, just east of Main next to the Railroad Museum, the Railroad Park has playscapes, swings, tree-shaded picnic tables, and a couple of train cars from the past. The park now also has the renovated Railroad Depot near the Railroad Museum. Contact the Chamber at 512-237-2313 to see inside the depot or the Railroad Museum.

This brochure covers the Historic District of Smithville and, on the other side, Main Street for a nice walking tour with corresponding numbers in the building window. Filled with facts regarding the buildings and uses of an earlier time, it’s well worth getting a copy.

The brochure was first created in a collaborative effort of the Smithville Historic Society, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, The Smithville Times, volunteers and the Texas Brazos Trail.

Copies may be found at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, Main St. & First St.; The Smithville Times, 303 Main; and at various downtown merchants.

LCRA’s Smithville Rail Fleet Maintenance Facility is located on 100 E. South Second St. The employees maintain more than 1,501 railcars that haul coal year-round from Wyoming to the Fayette Power Plant in nearby La Grange.

As the coal trains approach the dumping station at FPP, Rail Fleet personnel being an inspection and tag any cars they believe should not be returned to service before maintenance. They repair cars damaged in derailments and perform preventative maintenance inspections on the railcars every time they are brought to the shop.

To see the staff at work, call 512-237-2466.