Art Galleries and Museums

Begin your art exploration by visiting our art galleries, museums, and city facilities. A perfect first stop would be The City Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Round Rock. The Downtowner Gallery is an art gallery and public venue that promotes and supports artistic expression. They have rotating exhibits from hundreds of artists from all backgrounds. You can also see artwork in the Round Rock Library, City Hall, Allen R. Baca Center, and more. View enduring pieces at these unique locations!

Music in Round Rock 

Round Rock was just named a Music Friendly Community in Texas. It was recognized as a city that fosters the musical community and offers local and visiting artists opportunities to play and develop their talents. Many artists live in Round Rock and play at community events like Music on Main in Prete Plaza and Beaujolais Nights. If you want to find additional live music during your visit, make sure to check out the Round Rock Arts and Culture Facebook Page for weekly music updates.

Murals & Sculptures

Saunter through the streets of Round Rock and admire our sculpture installations and scenery. We have handpicked sculptures throughout the city that bring beauty to our landscape. Take a sculpture stroll with our curated guide.

We also have captivating murals and photo walls throughout the city! We have interchangeable canvas art that hangs on the walls surrounding Prete Plaza. There are also murals at the following locations: Dell Diamond, Round Rock Sports Center, The Kenney Fort Pub, Round Rock Library, Round Rock Tavern, Salt Traders, Rudy’s,, and more!

performing arts

To be or not to be, that is the question. Well, we know these performing art locations are the places to be! We have an array of locations to participate in and watch the performing arts. We have the Sam Bass Theatre, Penfold Theatre, Centennial Plaza, Central Texas Philharmonic, Round Rock Community Choir, and more!

Art-Friendly Businesses  

Our local businesses are big supporters of artists in Round Rock! Here are some local businesses that support the arts.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions:  Has authentic African artifacts and artwork throughout the resort and convention center. They also have an Amatuli Market with live music, art vendors, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Papi’s Pies:  Has award winning cherry pies and an extraordinary art gallery with artwork from local artists!

Piranha Records: Experience groovy vibes while perusing through Piranha Records! This record shop is a hidden treasure in Round Rock and has plenty of vinyl records and products to explore.

The Ruby Hotel: The Ruby Hotel is very involved in the arts and always looks for ways to showcase local artists. They have live music lineups, an artist of the month feature, and a charming mural to pose by.

Bass Pro Shops: Did you know Bass Pro Shops has artwork on display? They have art installations throughout the shop, and they have an underwater-themed bowling alley where you can bowl under the sea!

Arts & Culture Events 

Round Rock has many art-centric events that attract thousands of people from across the country yearly. Here are some of our upcoming events!  

Labor Day Concert (September 1st): Work hard, rock harder! Celebrate Labor Day with a concert in Prete Plaza featuring Sammy’s Satin Sounds and The Belltower!

Music on Main (Year Round): Music on Main is a Round Rock tradition where locals and visitors gather downtown to listen to tunes and relax under the Texas sky. The bands that will be featured range from professional local groups to upcoming regional entertainers.

Round Rock Arts Fest ): Our streets will come alive with art during Round Rock Art Fest (formerly known as Chalk Walk), a three-day free festival that draws in people from all walks of life. There will also be live music, theatrical performances, kid-friendly activities, and vendors!

PopUp Art Show: This art show features local and regional artists selling and demonstrating their work once a month throughout the year.

Round Rock DiwaliFest: Diwali is a celebration of light! Celebrate the triumph of good over evil with delicious foods, cultural dances, and custom Rangoli (sand art)!

Beaujolais Nights : The Georges Dubeouf Company named Round Rock the “center of the universe on Beaujolais Day.” This highly anticipated event is a sophisticated soiree where guests can enjoy jazz and wine from the first bottle of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau!

Model Train Show : This is a treasured holiday tradition in Round Rock, and it’s happening again this year! The annual Tinplate Tracker Model Train Show features exquisite displays and is a delight for families and visitors to enjoy!

For more arts and culture events, click here.

Create your own art 

Get your creative juices flowing and create a masterpiece of your own. Round Rock has creative outlets for all artists! Channel your inner Picasso at Painting with a Twist, mold a creation like Michelangelo at the Ceramic Lodge, or craft the night away like Chip & Joanna at Board & Brush!

We can’t wait for you to explore the art scene in Round Rock,Texas. Our city is your blank canvas, so add some color to your trip!

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Downtown Historical Architecture 

Transport to another era with a stroll through downtown Round Rock. As you walk from Main Street to Lampasas Street, you’ll notice historical architecture made of classic limestone. Most buildings downtown were built between 1876 and 1881, with some facades from other eras. Some notable buildings to visit are The Old Broom Factory, the J.A. Nelson Co. Building, the Otto Reinke Building, and the Masonic Lodge/Old Post Office Building. These buildings have ornate windows and arches, decorative features, and fine stonework. Each building has informational placards with historical details.  

We have a comprehensive historical walking tour you can use to fully immerse yourself in history. This tour is 1.7 miles and should take approximately 1 hour to complete. The route includes the National Register of Historic Places-Commercial Historic District, as well as several historic sites and homes outside the boundaries of the district. This tour will give you an in-depth look at what life in Round Rock once was.

For more information on historical properties, click here. 

Historical Homes

Nelson-Crier House (Woodbine Mansion) 

The Nelson-Crier House (Woodbine Mansion) has been in the heart of Round Rock for decades. This mansion was built in 1895 and was a central hub for trade. The historical estate was remodeled in 1931 by a Dallas Architect to a classic Greek revival style with an iconic columned porch. This Texas Historical Landmark now serves as a sophisticated wedding and event venue. 

President’s House Trinity Lutheran College

This home was built around the 1900s for the president of Trinity Lutheran College and was originally located on the corner of Main and College Street. It currently resides at 104 S. Georgetown Street and is still in prime condition.

Palm Valley House 

The oldest building on Main Street is the Palm Valley House. This quaint early frontier-style building was moved to Main Street from the Palm Valley area and is now a historical landmark.

Palm Mansion

This dignified home was built in 1912 by Swedish pioneer Andrew J. Palm, whose family occupied it for 63 years. The home is now the property of the Williamson County Old Settlers Association and was restored to its original state in 2003.

To find more historical homes in Round Rock, click here.

Historical Parks & Trails

Old Town Round Rock

Round Rock was originally named Brushy because it was a settlement located near the banks of Brushy Creek. This area, now known as Old Town, grew despite constant flooding. After the International and Great Northern Railroad arrived in 1876, the commercial area of Round Rock was forced to move to the east, creating what is now New Town Round Rock. Today, Old Town Round Rock has special historical interest, and several businesses have been restored for visitors to view.

For more in-depth information on Old Town Round Rock, click here. 

Chisholm Trail Crossing Park  

Walk along history on the Chisholm Trail by Brushy Creek. This trail ran from Kansas south to the Rio Grande and was used to drive cattle overland in the late 1800s. Visit Chisholm Trail Crossing Park during your visit, where you can see bronzed sculptures and figures that depict life along the Chisholm Trail. 

The Round Rock

The famous “round rock” is located near Chisholm Trail Road in the middle of Brushy Creek. This ancient boulder was so significant they named our city after it in 1854. The round limestone rock once marked a convenient low-water crossing for wagons, horses, and cattle. If you look closely at it, you can even see wheel imprints from wagons that crossed brushy creek back in the day.

Veterans Park

Veterans Park is a 2.54-acre park that pays tribute to Central Texas veterans who have served our country. We honor all of the branches of the U.S. Armed forces with a six-columned monument and engraved bronze plaques to pay tribute to our soldiers.

Round Rock Memorial Park

We honor history at Round Rock Memorial Park. This centrally-located community park is near Brushy Creek and has a path running along with it. Throughout the park, there are several informative plaques and a commemorative WWII torpedo.

Koughan Memorial Water Tower Park

The iconic Round Rock Tower was originally constructed in 1935 by the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company.  This 130-foot tower holds 60,000 gallons of water, but was taken out of commission as a water tank in 1986. It now stands as a landmark in the heart of downtown Round Rock.

Round Rock Cemetery

The Round Rock Cemetery tells a wide variety of stories from people from all walks of life. The famous train robber, Sam Bass, is buried in this cemetery at the entrance on the north side of Sam Bass Road. There is also a slavery burial ground in this cemetery.

Historical Figures

Jacob M. Harrell

One of the first settlers of what was to become Old Town Round Rock was Jacob M. Harrell. He moved to the banks of the Brushy Creek in 1848 after being the first Blacksmith in Austin.

Sam Bass

The “Beloved Texas Bandit,” Sam Bass, is a famed outlaw known for his devious deeds. He was a bank and train robber who was notoriously reckless. One of his most famed robberies was when he and his gang robbed a train of $60,000. Sam spent most of his time in Texas and had a plan to rob a bank in Round Rock. Before he arrived in Round Rock, a former crony, Jim Murphy, tipped off the Texas Rangers that he was coming. The Texas Rangers ambushed and wounded Bass on Friday, July 19th, 1887, in downtown Round Rock. Bass died from his wounds two days later on his birthday. You can find the death site directly across Round Rock Avenue. There is a Texas Historical Marker commemorating the shootout. Sam Bass is now buried in the Round Rock Cemetery.

For the full story on Sam Bass, click here.

For a walking guide of the Great Round Rock Shootout, click here.

A.W. Grimes

Williamson County Sheriff Deputy, A.W. Grimes, is often overshadowed by the outlaw Sam Bass, but he still is a prominent figure in Round Rock’s history. On Friday the 19th, 1887, A.W. Grimes approached Sam Bass to investigate if he was carrying two pistols and was unfortunately killed by Sam and his gang. He is still honored to this day for his bravery and for defending the law.

Historical Legends 

Local Legends

The Round Rock Historic Preservation commission announces local historical legends yearly. This program recognizes people who contributed to Rocks Rock’s founding history through development, preservation issues, and achievements. Visit our local legend page to see the 2021 Legends.

Folklore Legends

It wouldn’t be a full history guide without a folklore legend. There is a famous legend in Round Rock, known as the mysterious hairy man. Legend has it a young boy became separated from a settlers caravan one stormy night. For years he lived amongst nature as a hermit and terrorized anyone who entered his domain. To this day, travelers swear they have seen a large hairy man lurking in the bushes near Hairy Man Road. Do you dare to visit Hairy Man Road and see for yourself?

Museums and Informational Centers

Williamson County Old Settlers Association

The Old Settlers Association of Williamson County is located off Palm Valley Boulevard and is a history hub for visitors. It was organized to gather fragments of history and perpetuate them for future generations. At this location, you can see the Rice’s Crossing Store, historic cabins, the Palm Mansion and more.

Firehouse Museum

Get a firehose blast from the past at the Firehouse Museum. The Old Settlers Association and Fraternal Order of the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department welcome guests to the Firehouse Museum to view vintage fire engines and equipment from 1884 and beyond.

Round Rock Visitors Center

The Visitors Center in Downtown Round Rock is the go-to spot for history seekers. We have knowledgeable staff members that can share information about our city and history. We also have visitor information and copies of our Historical Walking Tour for guests to use.

Sources:

https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-departments/planning-and-development-services/historic-preservation-2/

https://www.wcosa.org

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Downtown Round Rock has had a creative glow-up! Our city is on a mission to turn every nook and cranny into an artistic masterpiece. As you wander through the downtown district, you’ll stumble upon art at every turn—with galleries, sculptures, festivals, live music, and imaginative murals. Here’s your curated guide to exploring the downtown art scene in Round Rock, TX!

Public Art Galleries

Embark on your art exploration at the City Arts Center on Main Street, open Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. Gallery attendants will offer insider tips about the City Arts Center and beyond. The rotating exhibits feature thought-provoking pieces crafted by local artists. After viewing the work here, you can view additional exhibits in the Round Rock Library, City Hall, Allen R. Baca Center, and more!

Sculpture Stroll

As you meander through our historic downtown, you’ll find sculptures sprinkled throughout—each with its own story to tell. Curious about the backstory? We have it for you! Our digital Sculpture Stroll will help you uncover the secrets behind each masterpiece. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual walk or want to pinpoint locations on the Public Art GIS Map, your artistic adventure is just a step away.

Murals and Outdoor Artwork

In Round Rock, we believe everywhere can be a canvas for art—seriously, anywhere! From parking garages to bathrooms and even traffic signal boxes, you’ll find unexpected bursts of creativity at every turn. Our charming city has murals and outdoor artwork beckoning to be viewed.

Music on Main Street

Round Rock was named a Music Friendly Community in Texas. It was recognized as a city that fosters the musical community and offers local and visiting artists opportunities to play and develop their talents. Many artists live in Round Rock and play at community events like Music on Main, Parklet Shows, and Beaujolais Nights. If you want to find additional live music during your visit, check out the Round Rock Arts and Culture Facebook Page for weekly music updates.

Artistic Events

Round Rock has many art-centric events that attract thousands of people from across the country yearly. Here are some of our upcoming events!  

Labor Day Concert (September 1st): Work hard, rock harder! Celebrate Labor Day with a concert in Prete Plaza featuring Sammy’s Satin Sounds and The Belltower!

Music on Main (Year Round): Music on Main is a Round Rock tradition where locals and visitors gather downtown to listen to tunes and relax under the Texas sky. The bands that will be featured range from professional local groups to upcoming regional entertainers.

Round Rock Arts Fest (Oct 4th-6th): Our streets will come alive with art during Round Rock Art Fest (formerly known as Chalk Walk), a three-day free festival that draws in people from all walks of life. There will also be live music, theatrical performances, kid-friendly activities, and vendors!

PopUp Art Show (Ongoing Starting September 28th): This art show features local and regional artists selling and demonstrating their work once a month throughout the year.

Round Rock DiwaliFest (October 26th): Diwali is a celebration of light! Celebrate the triumph of good over evil with delicious foods, cultural dances, and custom Rangoli (sand art)!

Beaujolais Nights (November 21st): The Georges Dubeouf Company named Round Rock the “center of the universe on Beaujolais Day.” This highly anticipated event is a sophisticated soiree where guests can enjoy jazz and wine from the first bottle of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau!

Model Train Show (December Date TBA): This is a treasured holiday tradition in Round Rock, and it’s happening again this year! The annual Tinplate Tracker Model Train Show features exquisite displays and is a delight for families and visitors to enjoy!

For more arts and culture events, click here.

Bring home a part of Round Rock!

Did you spot a piece of art that speaks to your soul? Take it home with you! Many sculptures throughout our downtown are available for purchase—check our Public Art Map for details. Our galleries, coffee shops, and local spots like Merry’s Mud Pottery House feature artwork you can bring in your carry-on or ship home. Bring a part of Round Rock into your home!

We hope you enjoyed exploring the artwork in downtown Round Rock. Ready to broaden your artistic horizons? Use our comprehensive art guide to explore other parts of our city!

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Dia de los Muertos

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2019
Location: Centennial Plaza
Time: 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

The Dia de los Muertos Festival features traditional dance performances and music, altar displays and craft booths. It is a Mexican holiday when deceased friends and family members are remembered and honored. Traditionally, grave sites of the departed are decorated with marigold flowers, photos and favorite food and beverages. This festival pays tribute to the traditions celebrated in Mexico for centuries.

Round Rock Market Days
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2019
Location: Prete Plaza
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Start your Christmas shopping early with artisanal finds at this unique marketplace. Round Rock Market Days features vendors ranging from food to arts, crafts, musicians, farmers and more. Normally held at Centennial Plaza, Market Days will be temporarily located at Prete Plaza on November 2, 2019, to accommodate the Dia de los Muertos celebration.

Music on Main
Date: Wednesdays, November 6 and 13, 2019
Location: Prete Plaza
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Music on Main is a Round Rock tradition where families and friends gather Downtown on beautiful nights to hear good music and relax under the Texas sky. The bands that will be featured range from professional local groups to upcoming regional entertainers. Fall Music on Main will offer a snow cone and pretzel vendor with hot chocolate, a face painter and balloon artist and a small artist fair. Parking is free!

Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Show
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Location: Clay Madsen Recreation Center
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar is an opportunity for Central Texas exhibitors and crafters to sell and display their unique, handcrafted and creative merchandise. Find handcrafted gifts for friends and family, right before the holiday season! Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a can of food or colorful children’s adhesive bandages that will be donated to a local children’s hospital.

PopUp Art Show and Art Walk
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Location: Prete Plaza
Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Shop for original artwork and other art gifts created by local artists at Main Street Plaza in downtown Round Rock. Every two weeks, Round Rock Arts & Culture presents a different collection of artists, who show original artwork and handmade items ranging from jewelry, postcards and prints, leather crafts, and more! The event also features live music, and art lovers are encouraged grab some to-go food and refreshment from downtown businesses and make a day of it! 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Date: Various show times starting November 15, 2019
Location: CD Fulkes Auditorium
Time: Evening and matinee showtimes

MAD Productions in Round Rock presents a production of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale this holiday season. This new dramatization, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. Check local showtimes and bring the entire family on an exciting theater adventure!

Beaujolais Nights
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2019
Location: Centennial Plaza
Time: 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Photo by Henry Huey via Twitter

Partaking in tradition nearly 70 years old, Round Rock will crack open the first bottles from this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau harvest at the same time as the rest of the world – on the Third Thursday of November. Join in the free fun by uncorking this unfussy French wine under the twinkling stars at this live jazz soirée with food, music, wine and good times with friends, old and new.

We support the arts in Round Rock, Texas! Click over to our Calendar for more events, and be sure to peruse our Arts & Culture pages for more activities. Sign up for the Go Round Rock newsletter to stay up to date on arts events, foodie news and more!

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The historic walking tour is not just an ordinary stroll; it’s a journey through time! You’ll explore ten of Round Rock’s most significant locations as Rell and Jessica provide insightful takeaways. They visit the Woodbine Mansion, one of Round Rock’s most iconic mansions, the Sam Bass death site where the notorious outlaw met his end, the Old Broom Factory, and so much more!

So what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence! Watch our full tour and time travel to historic Round Rock! If you are in town and want to get your very own stop by the Round Rock Visitor Center. See you soon!

Explore Like a Local- Historic Walking Tour

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Looking for a fun way to pass the time that doesn’t involve Netflix or Zoom? Test your knowledge of Round Rock with this crossword puzzle and see if you can solve all of the clues about the history, businesses, and activities home to Round Rock!

You might even discover something new about the city you love! Make sure to share this puzzle so your friends can participate as well, and maybe even give some helpful hints!

Download and print a copy here.

Click here to see the answers.

The post How Well Do You Know Round Rock? appeared first on Round Rock TX.

Dell Diamond

Greetings from Round Rock, the Sports Capital of Texas! We had to start our mural tour with the iconic postcard inside Dell Diamond. During the seventh-inning stretch sneak off to the wall near Goodstock Grill for a photoshoot! This mural is sure to score with the fam.

Sharon Hart Prete Plaza

The City of Round Rock likes to “beautify” every nook and cranny of the city, so you will see public art throughout. The main epicenter for artwork is in Prete Plaza in the heart of downtown. Radiant creations adorn the walls and attract visitors near and far.

Papi’s Pies

Cherry pie and a photo shoot? Yes, please! Papi’s Pie is dedicated to the arts, and they have lovely compositions from local artists. They have a vivid outdoor friendship mural that was created by local artists. It’s a slice of art heaven in Round Rock!

The Ruby Hotel

Live it up at the Ruby Hotel and get a photo of this fanciful mural. The Ruby Hotel is also a big supporter of the arts, and they have pop-up galleries every last Tuesday of the month.

ALLEN R. BACA CENTER PARKING GARAGE

Along Brown Street and West Main are three picturesque greeting cards! What originally was a typical parking garage structure has now been transformed into a Kodak moment. Get your camera out and strut your stuff.

Haute Boutique

Capture a heavenly moment at Haute Boutique! These stunning angel wings mural on the west side of the boutique are begging for a photoshoot. Snap a divine selfie after you shop and let your Instagram soar!

Urban Eat.Drink

Eat, drink, and get a photo by this mural! Urban Eat.Drink has a gorgeous outdoor mural with vibrant colors and stunning creative work. Make a wish on the dandelion while you’re there!

MC Escher Inspired Round Rock Mural

We have our eye on this 60ft mural in Round Rock, TX! It’s located next to an optometrist and showcases city landmarks like the iconic water tower, longhorns, and the famous Round Rock. The mural has an MC Escher-inspired geometric pattern that highlights Texas’s monarch migration and hints at the importance of eye care with its optical illusion!

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking

The octopus mural at Salt Traders is so tenta-cool! Seize the moment and take a selfie in front of it after you enjoy a heaping plate of fresh seafood.

The Kenney Fort Pub

Do you hear that? This mural is calling! Trick your friends into believing you jetted off to London by posing in front of the British-inspired murals at The Kenney Fort Pub. Your Instagram followers will be gobsmacked when they discover it was taken in Round Rock!

Monster Mini Golf

Frodo and other famous figures come to life at Monster Mini Golf! The paintings here are precious, and the artist did an impeccable job. Plus, the artwork glows in the dark, which adds an extra exciting touch!

The Yogurt Experience

Looking to add some color to your day with a refreshing cup of fro-yo and a vibrant mural backdrop? Look no further than The Yogurt Experience! Their wide selection of delicious yogurt and toppings will satisfy your cravings and make you smile. Visit them to brighten up your day!

Tru Hotel

This mural TRU-ly represents Round Rock! It has it all, sports, donuts, music, and more! If you’re staying at the Tru Hilton Hotel, make sure to get a photo after your continental breakfast!

Waffle Love

Come for the waffles, stay for the artwork! Waffle Love creates a waffle and art wonderland. It’s bright, fun and the food is fantastic!

Round Rock Sports Center

Celebrate your triumph with a shot in front of the Round Rock Sports Center photo wall. It’s a winning backdrop to remember your time playing sports in Texas!

Embassy Suites

The Embassy Suites in Round Rock has wall art aplenty. They have Round Rock inspired murals near the elevators on floors with guest rooms! In addition, there is a Texas-inspired mural in the Bar Louie that is connected to the property.

The murals tell the story of Round Rock and showcase our artistic culture. See them for yourself and capture the essence of our city! If you take a photo and post it on social media, tag us at @goroundrock, we love to see your shots!

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Stop 1: Round Rock Visitors Center (231 E Main Street, Suite #150)

The Visitors Center in Downtown Round Rock is the go-to spot for history seekers. We have knowledgeable staff members that can share information about our city and history. We also have visitor information and copies of a full Historical Walking Tour for guests.

Stop 2: Nelson-Crier House/Woodbine Mansion (405 E. Main Steet)

The Nelson-Crier House (Woodbine Mansion) has been in the heart of Round Rock for decades. This mansion was built in 1895 and was a central hub for trade. The historical estate was remodeled in 1931 by a Dallas Architect to a classic Greek revival style with an iconic columned porch. This Texas Historical Landmark now serves as a sophisticated wedding and event venue. 

Stop 3: Trinity Lutheran College (104 S. Georgetown Street)

This home was built around the 1900s for the president of Trinity Lutheran College and was originally located on the corner of Main and College Street. It currently resides on Georgetown Street and is still in prime condition.

Stop 4: J.A. Nelson Building (201-203 E. Main Street)

The J.A. Nelson building is a gorgeous structure in the heart of downtown. It has ornate windows and arches, decorative features, and fine stonework. This building was once the site of a large general store, hardware store, and bank. The Nelson Hardware company supplied many materials for the historic homes that still stand today.

Stop 5: Andrew J Palm House (212 E Main Street)

The oldest building on Main Street is the Palm House, built in 1873. This quaint early frontier-style building was moved to Main Street from the Palm Valley area and is now a historical landmark. 

Stop 6: Koppel Store (101 E Main Street)

Henry Koppel built this grocery store and remained in the family until 1902. After that, it was sold to different owners and was a fabric shop and also a greyhound bus station.

Stop 7: Saloon/Rock Theater (116 E Main Street)

The Saloon/ Rock Theater was once a barber shop, billiards, and saloon. Then it was transformed into Round Rock’s first permanent movie house. Owner W.W. Rucker who also served as the mayor, brought big-time movies into town, including Stagecoach with John Wayne on opening weekend.

Stop 8: The Old Broom Factory (100 E Main Street)

The Old Broom Factory circa 1900 is a Round Rock icon and was one of the town’s major employers. This broom factory produced a gold medal-winning broom at the 1904 World’s Fair.

Stop 9: Sam Bass Death Site

Sam Bass, a well-known train robber and outlaw came to Round Rock in 1878. Deputy Sheriff A.W. Grimes and Sam Bass were both killed in the gun battle, and Sam Bass died at this location. Both are now buried at the Round Rock Cemetery on Sam Bass Rd.

Stop 10: Koughan Memorial Water Tower Park

The iconic Round Rock Tower was initially constructed in 1935 by the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company.  This 140-foot tower holds 50,000 gallons of water but was taken out of commission as a water tank in 1986. It now stands as a landmark in the center of downtown Round Rock.

We hope you enjoyed traveling back in time and traveling to Round Rock, Texas! We take pride in being a city that preserves its history for locals and visitors to enjoy. If you’re hungry for more history, check out a History Buff’s Guide to Round Rock.

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