While working on an article about viewing bluebonnets in the Hill Country, the Willow City Loop came up came up often in our research. We dug some more and found Willow City has an interesting history beyond its scenery. With that said, we’re taking a closer look at the history and heritage of this Hill Country village.
On the banks of the Guadalupe River, in the center of the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find the town of Center Point. It boasts about 1,200 souls these days, and over the past 170 years or so has gone through one of the most convoluted town histories of any community in the area. From its location to its name to its official designation, Center Point has gone through many changes, and we’ll take a detailed look at those here.
About 20 miles due west of Austin on Highway 290 you’ll find the peaceful town of Dripping Springs. The Texas Hill Country opens up here, in contrast to the big-city environs of the state capital, so the smaller town has earned the nickname “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Let’s take a look at their history, almost as old as the state of Texas itself.
One of the most popular summer activities in the Hill Country is tubing, a scenic and buoyant tour of some of the prettiest vistas in the region. There’s almost an embarrassment of riches in the Hill Country when it comes to great rivers on which you can tube! The Blanco, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Llano, Medina, Nueces, Pedernales, and San Marcos Rivers all have stretches that are ideal for tubing. It’s a great way to beat the heat and connect with nature and your friends and family!