13 Best Things to do in Temple, Texas

Things to do in Temple, Tx: Temple is a famous city in Bell County of Texas, United States. Temple is located near the county seat of Belton. According to the U.S census it has residents of 82,073. Temple is a main city in the Kileen-Temple-Fort Hood metropolitan area and it lies in the Central Texas. It is situated 34 miles from the south of Waco, 65 miles away from the north of Austin and 27 miles away from the east of Kileen.

1881 Temple was established as a railroad town by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad. Temple was named after Santa Fe Railroad, Bernard Moore Temple who was a civil engineer and ex- surveyor in Gulf. In past, Temple was a town of sheds ,tents and a lot of bars. The city was nicknamed as “Tanglefoot” as its streets were very muddy and fluid and challenging people to walk through the town.

Two private schools, the Temple Academy and a public school were founded after the town was incorporated in 1882.The city is famous for its medical facilities. It has three major hospitals: Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center.There are a lot of Parks in the city. The city has over 65 parks and spare time areas. Parks include community parks, nature parks and more. Garner State Park is one of the  Most visited state parks with almost three miles of Frio River access and 1,774 acres of hill country adventure.

 As you are planning to visit this place have a close look over our list of top temptation and things to do in Temple TX.

1.The Czech Heritage museum and Genealogy Center

The Czech Heritage museum and Genealogy Center is placed on a boundary of the central business and historic residence district of Temple, Texas. It’s a small and oldest museum showcasing the stories of Czech people all the way through history. The Czech Heritage museum and Genealogy Center is open for public from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. It remains opened from Tuesdays through Saturdays. Delicious kolaches and some unchanging menu lunch are served daily during the visiting hours of the Museum.

The Czech Heritage museum and Genealogy Center was set as a non-profit organization in 2000. Since 1963 the compilation itself had been mounting up under the name of the SPJST (a fraternal organization in Texas).It includes thousands of things connected to the Czech experience in Texas. A well-preserved 1549 Bible with Slavic ink lettering on white slender paper and a notable library with 23,000 volumes from 1737 are the main attraction in the Museum.  

Address: 119 W. French Avenue, Temple, Texas 76501, USA

2.The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum 

The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum is built in a modernized 1910 Santa Fe Depot and located inside the historic Santa Fe train depot downtown. It hosts education programs, short-term shows and some special events for instance private party and business meetings. The majestic lobby of the depot and Garden Gazebo are available for the ceremony and reception. The Museum is open  from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. It remains opened from Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The collection of museum’s railroad equipment is exhibited on the ground. The magnificent Santa Fe Gardens, Temple Visitor’s Center and Whistle-stop play ground are close to the museum. This museum is helpful for those who have curiosity to learn about the railroads and their history. There is an exhibit highlight the thirty style clothing movement during the war. Also the exhibit displaying different portions of the railroad system like old signals, lights and more.

Address: 315 W Avenue B, Temple, TX 76501, USA

3. Miller Springs Nature Center

Miller Springs Nature Center is an attractive place located between the Leon River and the Lake Belton Dam. The Nature Center is handled by the city of Temple Parks and Recreation Department and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The place includes water ways, wildlife and natural wingding trails. The natural center is open for public, every day from 8 a.m to sunset at free of cost.

The scenic place is best known for entertaining public. Public can take the advantages of picnicking, School group visits, wildlife observation, Hiking, Jogging, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Fishing and Ecological study.The Miller Springs was built as a park in 1954 after the construction of Belton Dam and lake. The area was opened for people from 1960s-1980s without controls which caused destruction problems. The miller springs Alliance took charge of the lease in 1993 and preserved the area.

Address: 401 N. Alexander St. Belton, TX 76513

4. 3 Texans Winery

3 Texans Winery is a family owned and family operated vineyard and winery. Kim Langston owns this pleasant Winery placed in Temple, Texas and his two daughters Lauryn Austin and Lacie Howel are also involved in this business. It was started in 2009 with the planting of 4,000 grapevines and extra 1000 plants were included later in 2015. Some of the appetizing vine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Tempranillo are found in this scenic vineyard.

The Tasting room is a 3600 sq.ft long with a side patio and closest to the vineyard.  There is a gift shop at the front of the tasting room. Items such as jewelry, shoes and clothing are obtainable there for sale. In addition some delicious treats like pretzels, breadsticks and, meats and cheeses, there is also a huge compilation of items like homemade candles, kitchen towels, and other wine accessories. The scenic winery is opened for people from Wednesday – Sunday at 12 p.m- 7 p.m.

Address: 7536 FM2409, Temple, TX 76504, USA

5.Temple Lake Park

Temple Lake Park is located on the southern coast of Belton Lake. It was formed in 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Park provides services like showers, a swim beach, a play ground, two two-lane boat ramps and flush toilets. The 12,300 acre long lake is placed on the Leon River, upstream of the union of the Leon River and the Little River. The park is open for public everyday from  8 a.m- 8:30 p.m.

There are 62 picnic spots in the park and they don’t require any reservations. The park is having one group shelter named Temple’s Pavilion that must be reserved. Sometimes Deer, turkey and other small game mammals are seen. The park is a target for boaters and fisherman. Some popular fish species including catfish, sunfish, white bass striped bass and largemouth bass are found in the lake. Tourists can also take the advantage of Basketball, Volleyball courts, a playground and a swimming beach.

Address: 14190 FM2305, Belton, TX 76513, USA

6. Belton Lake

Belton Lake is a reservoir and manmade lake, 8 kilometers away from northwest of Belton, Texas, United States. The construction started in earlier 1949 and completed in 1954. The lake lies within both Bell County and Coryell County. The Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding. It also provides drinking water for Belton people and nearby societies.

The lake is full of different type of fish. Fish like Striped Bass, Catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass Bluegills, Sunfish, White and hybrid striped bass and Minnows. Visitors can take part in Boating and fishing with charge. Parks such as Oak Ridge Park, Cedar Ridge Park, Winkler Park, White Flint Park and Westcliff Park will make visitors entertaining there.

7. Things to do in Temple, Tx, Whistle Stop Park

The Whistle Stop Park is a nice and perfectly sized public park placed in Temple. The park is having a large wooded playground with several small tables and spectator area with grill. The play area of the park is fresh and most of the parts are shaded with tress naturally. It’s a very good place for kids to discover about shapes. Kids can have fun there with climb, slide and swing. Also they can watch train go by.

 The park is well maintained and the pavilion is perfect place for parties. There is a railroad tracks run close to the park which is nice to see. The train station is having a gift shop and a museum upstairs.  The vintage cars and steam engine are eye-catching. Also there is one playroom for children. The park is open each day from 7 a.m to 6:30 p.m.

Address: 5000 S 5th St, Temple, TX

8.The Hindu Temple of Central Texas

The Hindu Temple of Central Texas was built in December 2001 by a group of Indians who have well settled there.The Temple is placed in Temple, Texas. The construction of the temple was started in May 2001 under the direction of Y.V. Rao. Also credit goes to many devotes who donated to the temple with open hearts. The art of the temple was completed by some brilliant artisan under the guidance of Ganesh Rajagopalan.

The Temple holds Hindu deities, a cultural art performance center, an academic Centre and a dining hall for different programs. The structural design of the temple has two different portions, one is South Indian and other one is North Indian. Different spiritual programs such as Yoga and bhagvat Geeta classes are held for all type of people in the temple.

Address: 4309 Midway Dr. Temple, TX 76502, USA

Opening Hours:

Monday-  9 am-12 pm, 5-8:30, Tuesday – 9 am-12 pm, 5-8:30, Wednesday- 9 am-12 pm, 5-8:30, Thursday- 9 am-12 pm, 5-8:30, Friday- 9 am-12 pm, 5-8:30, Saturday-9 am-8:30 pm, Sunday-9 am-8:30 pm

9. Things to do in Temple, Tx, Temple Mall

Temple Mall is a local shopping mall situated in Temple, Texas. The Mall was started in 1976 and is a single level, 555,400 square foot mall. There were three department stores Dillards’s, Steve & Barry’s and JCPenney. Junior anchors are planet Fitness and Premiere Cinemas. The mall contains a 16 screen all digital Premiere cinema and 60 specialty shops and restaurants.

The mall is one of two local malls in Bell County and other one is Kileen Mall located in close to Kileen, Texas.It was declared on 17 December 17, 2020 that JCPenny will get shut in March 2021 as they  are planning to shut 15 stores countrywide.

Address: 3111 S 31stSt, Temple, TX 76502, USA

Opening Hours:

Monday-Saturday- (10 am-7 pm)

Sunday-13:30-5:30 pm

10.The Bell County Museum

The Bell County Museum was built in 1905. The construction started in 1899 after the appeal of Belton Women’s Wednesday Club to grant a library from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. In 1975 regional officials reward make use of the Carnegie Library to the Bell County Historical Commission. The museum started an operation to make bigger its service by connecting the Carnegie Library and Guffy Building and on May 19, 2006, the extended Bell County commenced.

The Museum is having over 12,000 stuffs in its compilation. The architects of the museum are united with two existing historic buildings from different periods. Inside the museum there is some significant historical artifacts are present. Other demonstrations including 1850’s log cabin which was dismantled from its original location and installed again in the museum and also an award winning guide “Passport Through Time”.

Address: 201 N Main St, Belton, TX76513, USA

Opening Hours:

Tuesday-12 am- 5 pm, Wednesday-12 am- 5 pm, Thursday-12 am- 5 pm, Friday-12 am- 5 pm, Saturday-10 am-5 pm

11. The Cultural Activities Center

The Cultural Activities Center (CAC) is the oldest multidisciplinary arts organization in Temple, Texas and was structured in 1958. The CAC is a not-for-profit organization with the aim of giving support and lending a hand with other arts institutions and providing funds to other organizations. The CAC provides people to play games, to make art, widen talent, to perform and share ideas.

The Cultural Activities Center is an ideal place to sink yourself in the beautiful culture of Temple. CAC is containing four art galleries and a stage for classical musical shows and dance programs. Also there is a wide space area to hold private events and exhibits. It opens at 8:30 -4 pm from Monday to Friday.

Address: 3011 N 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501, USA

12.Ralph Sr. and Sunny Wilson Home

The Wilson House was designed and built by Wilsonart founder Ralph Wilson.Sr and his wife in 1959. The house was built for mostly three services: First, the house was Wilson’s private residence. Second, it served as a model home for his laminate company. Last, it served as a test-lab. In 1997, The Wilson house was bought by Wilsonart from Ralph Wilson’s widow and touched up to its original form in 1959.

The Ralph Sr. and Sunny Wilson Home symbolizes a mixture of ranch and modern style home architecture.  The open interiors and U shaped illustration imitate the effect of the California study house. In July 1998, it was awarded National Landmark status by the Texas Historical Commission and also it was documented for extraordinary interior design on national level.The home is open for public from Monday to Friday.

Address-1714 S, 61st, Temple, TX 76504, USA

13.Lions Junction Family Water Park

The Lions Junction Family Water Park is located in the south of Temple. It’s a perfect size outdoor water park with very good facilities for all ages of people. It is a great place for family fun! Well maintained, hygienic, well staffed and reasonably priced.It has a lazy river, a big pool for adults.

Also there is a variety of pools and slides, artificial rivers, driving boards, aqua climbing walls, splash pads and zones, lounge areas, snack stands.The park gets closed from Monday to Friday and is open for public on every Saturdays at 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm and on every Sundays at 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Address:  5000 S, 5th Street , Temple, Texas, 76502, USA

Best time to visit Temple, Texas

The best time of year to visit Temple, Texas is during the months of March, April and November. You will most likely to experience decent weather with average temperatures fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 26 degrees Celsius (79°F).

Where to stay in Temple, Texas

Staying in the middle of location will allow you to drive short distance and walk to tourist attractions and stores. Here are some indications of hotels in Temple.

Travelodge by Wyndham Temple

This is a perfect place, situated near to Interstate 35, provides rooms with free Wi-Fi and a cable TV. A fridge, microwave and coffee maker are given in all rooms. The Railroad and Heritage Museum is only 3.1 miles away from this hotel.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Temple Belton

Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel is having modern bedding rooms with pull out sofa bed. Each room has a flat Tv with cable connections. This hotel provides an indoor heated pool, a hot tub with air-conditioned rooms. It serves a hot continental breakfast and dry cleansing services. Bell County Expo Center is 11 miles away from this hotel.

Temple Lakefront Hideaway 12 Miles to Downtown

Placed in Temple, this hotel is having a balcony, 3 bedrooms, a living room and kitchen with a fridge and oven. Also Wi-Fi is given for free.

Comfort Inn & Suites Temple

This hotel offers a free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Each room consists of a coffee maker and a desk. All the rooms are having a TV each with cable channels.