Gatesville was established in 1849, taking it’s name from nearby Fort Gates, an U. S. Army Post, established to protect settlers from Native American attacks. The town grew and changed over time to become an economically substantial city that was much larger than surrounding cities. 

Gatesville is known as the “Spur Capital of Texas” due to a collection of over 10,000 spurs housed in the Coryell Museum.

Dining

The Feed Mill is located in Gatesville’s historic downtown area and serves up steaks, burgers, chicken fried steak, catfish, and other down-home cooking entrees! You can also get American and Mexican classics at Ranchers Steak House & Grill and Junction on Route 36. Or, if you’re in the mood for barbecue, you’ll be happy with lunch or dinner at J & M Hill Country Bar-B-Q or Bare Bones BBQ. 

Shopping

Are you wanting to get in touch with your Texas side? Leon River Mercantile can get you fully outfitted in Western wear from head to toe, or you can pick up some Central Texas souvenirs. The Parrot Imports has one of the largest selections of imported pottery, metal art, furniture in Central Texas. There are also several boutiques and gift shops to check out, like Bakers Market, Vintage Royalty, and 1854 Mercantile. 

Outdoors

Gatesville has plenty of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy! Raby Park and Faunt LeRoy Park are connected by a walking trail and also share a fun disc golf course. Stroll outside, feed the ducks, explore the grounds, or have a picnic! For more structured fun, spend the morning or afternoon at Gatesville Country Club’s 18-hole, semi-private golf course. You should also visit nearby Mother Neff State Park, which is one of Texas’ earliest state parks and has canyon hiking trails, prairie flowers, camping, picnicking sites, and even a gift store! 

Historical Sites

The Coryell Museum & Historical Center showcases an attractive collection of local historical artifacts and documents related to the settling and building of Central Texas and dating back to the Republic of Texas. Built in the late 1890s, the Coryell County Courthouse is another historical site worth visiting for a look back into early Gatesville. 

Arts & Entertainment

Last Drive In Picture Show shows a double feature of recent movies each night right at dusk. The theater is open all through the year with the exception of Christmas Eve!  The Bone Yard, an outdoor venue at Bare Bones BBQ, frequently features performers such as Kevin Fowler, William Clark Green, and Gene Watson. Gatesville’s historic City Auditorium is home to the monthly Country Music Hall of Fame Show. If you’re looking for something more active and interactive, there are plenty of Events happening in Gatesville as well. Gatesville Shivaree is a festival featuring fun for the whole family during the first weekend of June. The annual Riding Club Rodeo takes place the last Thursday-Saturday of July. The Cruzin Cruzers Car Show, Spurfest at the Museum, and the Gatesville Old Time Fiddlers Contest all take place in the downtown area on the third Saturday of September.