From berries to llamas: Star-Telegram readers share their favorite day trips in Texas
The Star-Telegram asked our readers about their favorite day trips within a couple of hours of Fort Worth, and you answered. Here are some of your favorite destinations.
Want more? Check out our list of 10 day trips worth making this spring.
Mother Neff State Park
- Where: 1921 State Park Road 14, Moody
- Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Suggested time to visit: Spring
About two hours south of Fort Worth, Mother Neff State Park sits along the Leon River near Waco. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Mother Neff is one of the earliest state parks in Texas and is named after Isabella Neff, who donated six acres in 1921.
This state park offers trails for beginners and skilled hikers, with paths leading to the Wash Pond, a rock tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and a cave used by the Tonkawa tribe in the 1800s. One reader suggested the best time to visit is in the spring.
For those wanting to take more than a day trip, visitors can camp or stay at a 16-person lodge priced at $200 nightly.
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Echo Springs Blueberry Farm
- Where: 7235 Farm to Market 607 N, Murchison
- Open: Around Memorial Day weekend to the third week of July
- Hours: Daily from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Suggested time to visit: Summer
Two hours outside of Fort Worth in East Texas is Echo Springs Blueberry Farm. The farm is open to the public for picking and purchasing blackberries and blueberries during the summer.
The timing of the farm’s opening for the year is dependent on the weather, but it’s usually around Memorial Day weekend, a staff member said. When going to the farm, leave your furry friends behind and have either cash or card on hand for purchases.
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Ham Orchards
- Where: 11939 County Road 309, Terrell
- Opens: Mid-May to mid-August
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Suggested time to visit: Summer
A little over an hour east of Fort Worth is another summer-exclusive day trip spot: Ham Orchards. Take a drive to Terrell to see the approximately 50,000 peach trees and other fruit trees, along with two blackberry patches.
While the peaches are not open to the public for picking, they are handpicked by staff and sold in the Farm Market Store on the property. Visitors can purchase produce, jarred products and more from the store and bring home a pie or cobbler baked fresh from the kitchen.
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Old Fort Parker Historic Site
- Where: 866 Park Road 35, Groesbeck
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Suggested time to visit: All year
This historic site is about two hours south of Fort Worth. Visitors are taken back to the 1830s, when the fort was built, and learn about early frontier life in Texas. The fort is surrounded by 12-feet-high log walls.
In 1836, members of the Parker pioneer family were killed in a raid by Native Americans. Nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker was captured and spent most of her live with the Comanche. She was the mother of Quanah Parker, who would become the last chief of the Comanche.
One reader said, “The history of Fort Parker, which still stands, is fascinating.”
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Llamaland Tent Camping
- Where: 9059 Co Road 2403, Tool
- Hours: Daily 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m
- Suggested time to visit: Spring
About an hour and thirty minutes from Fort Worth is a Hipcamp site called Llamaland Tent Camping. Here, visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy nature and llamas.
Up to 35 guests are allowed per camping site, according to Llamaland’s listing on Hipcamp.com. Campfires are allowed, and toilets are available for guests. The campsite is secluded but within driving distance of local conveniences.
One reader said, “Our family spent every weekend tent camping at Llamaland last March 2021. Judy, the host, provides excellent hospitality and there are many sites to choose from. The llamas roam the property along with their gentle Great Pyrenees farm dogs, plus a cat or two.”
