Take the long way back.

River parks, Texas history, prairie roads, and painted churches are all within an easy drive.

Three drives worth leaving camp for.

Times are approximate from Twin Oaks. Follow each official link for current hours, tickets, and seasonal conditions.

About 17 minutes

River and Historic Columbus

Make one easy loop through the closest dining, art, history, and outdoor stops.

Beason’s Park and Columbus Paddling Trail

A Colorado River launch, picnic stop, and historic crossing. Check water conditions before paddling.

Official details

1886 Stafford Opera House

A Second Empire landmark on the historic square. Interior access may require advance arrangements.

Official details

Santa Claus Museum

More than 5,000 Santa figures in one genuinely unusual local museum. Hours are limited outside December.

Official details

Live Oak Art Center

Changing exhibitions inside Columbus’s historic Brunson Building. Admission is currently free.

Official details

Hound Song Brewing Co.

House-brewed beer and scratch-made food near the square. Check the current weekly schedule before leaving camp.

Official details
About 32 to 41 minutes

Texas history and prairie

These stops work as focused half-day outings, especially in cooler weather.

San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site

A museum and reconstructed town block at the former capital of Stephen F. Austin’s colony.

Official details

Stephen F. Austin State Park

Brazos River scenery, trails, wildlife, and picnic space. Trails may close when muddy.

Official details

Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum

Hands-on model-aircraft history, a factory wing, and a restored homestead in Schulenburg.

Official details

Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

Native coastal prairie, quiet auto touring, and a rare conservation story. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Official details
About 46 to 48 minutes

Make a day of it

Pack water, leave after breakfast, and give these routes room on the calendar.

Splashway Waterpark

A full family waterpark in Sheridan with a date-based operating calendar and ticket pricing.

Official details

Painted Churches of Texas

A country-road route through ornate church interiors shaped by Czech and German communities.

Official details

Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery

A Colorado River overlook with Texas history, brewery ruins, trails, and picnic space.

Official details

Come back to a quiet porch.

Twin Oaks keeps the fire pits and the pool close when the day trip is done.