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city in Texas, United States
North America > United States of America > Texas > Hill Country > Central Hill Country > Kerrville

Kerrville is a city of 24,000 people (2020) in the Texas Hill Country. It is known for its parks that line the Guadalupe River, which runs through the city.

Get in

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Almost all major US airlines provide service to San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the two closest major airports to Kerrville. Amtrak provides service to both San Antonio and Austin, as well. Bus service is provided into Kerrville by way of the Kerrville Bus Company. Kerrville has a small municipal airport, but access by automobile provides for a fascinating tourist experience and access to the beautiful surrounding hill country.

Kerrville is on Interstate 10, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio and about 100 miles west of Austin by way of Highways 290 and 16.

Get around

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There are a few taxi services, but otherwise public transportation is non-existent in Kerrville. Renting a car is most optimal. A few rental car companies are available in town, such as Enterprise and National/Alamo.

  • Downtown Kerrville. A historical site along the Guadalupe River. Water Street parallels the beautiful river for several blocks, and is home to many fine eateries and watering holes. Downtown shops are located in the same buildings that were built in the early 20th century. 
  • Guadalupe River. The river is beautiful in this area of the Hill Country, and several local roads and highways provide wonderful access to the river. Highway 39 from Ingram (west of Kerrville) meanders along the banks of the river and crosses it several times via low water crossings. The crossings are popular spots for swimming and fishing. Be warned, private landowners become cross when tourists (or locals for that matter) trespass on their property, and Texas law gives homeowners the right to use fire arms when they feel threatened by a trespasser. The area along Highway 39 is home to many nationally famous summer camps. Frequently you can find campers along the river canoeing, swimming, and horseback riding. 
  • Louise Hays Park. A wonderful escape in downtown Kerrville that can be accessed by foot from either side of the river, north or south, or by car from the south side (Thompson Drive). Tranquility Island is just across a footbridge in the park and is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, as well as many weddings. 
  • Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, ☏ +1 830-896-2553. Artwork by talented artists dedicated to preserving the American West. It also has a fine children's "hands-on" area, gift shop and beautiful grounds. 

Before you go, check out the extensive calendar of events on the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau website or stop by the visitor/welcome center at 2105 Sidney Baker (right next to Cracker Barrel, just south of I-10 exit 208).

  • Center for Fitness, 1407 Water St, ☏ +1 830-257-7070. M-F 6AM-7:30PM, Sa 8AM-1PM. 10,000 sq.ft. fitness facility with 2 indoor pools, cardio, and strength equipment. Classes include low impact aerobics, step, group strength, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and water aerobics. 
  • James Avery Craftsman (Off I-10 exit 205). The company headquarters has a retail shop as well as welcome center where you can view craftsmen at work and watch a 15-minute video on the history of James Avery Craftsman. 
  • Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St, ☏ +1 830-895-2911. Offers changing exhibitions by area arts groups; free admission and closed Mondays. 
  • Kerrville Arts & Crafts festival. Near the Kerr County Ag Complex on Highway 27 east of town. Held annually in May. 
  • Kerrville Folk Festival. South of town on State Highway 16. Begins in May. 
  • Kerrville-Schreiner State Park, 2385 Bandera Hwy (Highway 173), ☏ +1 830-257-5392. Camping is also available. The park is split by the road. The southern side is by the Guadalupe River, the north side has a few hiking trails, some of which lead up some wooded hills. It's a bit of a trek, but the view at the very top makes it more than worth it. 
  • Mooney Airplane Co., 165 Al Mooney Rd, ☏ +1 830-896-6000. Headquartered in Kerrville the expansive plant manufactures up to 100 airplanes a year. 90-minute tours are available. 
  • Rio 10, 1401 Bandera Hwy, ☏ +1 830-792-5127. Local movie theater and the flagship of the Rio Entertainment Inc. chain. 
  • Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St, ☏ +1 830-257-4837. Offers a self-guided nature trail leading to the Guadalupe. A great spot for birdwatching and learning about native Hill Country plants and trees. Exhibit area and gift shop inside. 
  • Y.O. Ranch. In nearby Mountain Home. Home to many exotic wildlife and outdoor recreational activities. Not to be confused with the hotel of the same name. 
  • H.E.Butt Municipal Tennis Ctr., 800 Tennis Dr (off Sidney Baker, so. of Hal Peterson Middle School), ☏ +1 830-896-7955. M-Th 8:30AM-9PM, F Sa 8:30AM-5PM, closed Sundays. Fourteen lighted courts open to the public. Pro shop. Lessons available. $2 per person. 
  • Schreiner Golf Course, Country Club Rd. (at Sidney Baker St.), ☏ +1 830-257-4982. M 11AM - dark, Tu-Su 7AM to dark. 18 hole course nestled among the rolling hills.  Pro shop, electric golf carts, putting greens, showers and lockers.  Reservations required.  Open year-round. 
  • Hill Country Shooting Sports Ctr., 1886 Cypress Creek Rd., ☏ +1 830-995-5118. Hours vary, see website. Offers skeet, 5-Stand, International trap, sporting clays, rifle and pistol ranges, pro shop and clubhouse. Facility is an official Defensive Training Ranch and the Training Facility for the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team. varies. 
  • Hill Country Museum, 226 Earl Garrett (downtown), ☏ +1 830-896-8633. varies. Beautifully restored and furnished Victorian mansion of early Kerrville prominent businessman Capt. Charles Schreiner. Hours vary, (latest is W-Sa 11AM-4PM). Call for times. This museum offers a glimpse at Kerrville during the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s. Admission charged. 

Downtown shops along Water Street, Earl Garrett Street, and Main Street are locally owned and have a ton of local flair.

  • Riverhills Mall, 200 Sidney Baker St S, ☏ +1 830-896-0606. Located across the river from downtown, the mall has three major department stores (JCPenney, Belk, and Bealls) as well as stores with local flavor. The mall is rarely crowded and has nearby restaurants. 

Artwork

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If you're looking for art, Kerrville and surrounding towns have numerous privately owned art galleries, as well as three nonprofit public art galleries which frequently have art by local artists on sale.

  • Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Listed above in the See section. 
  • Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Rd S, ☏ +1 830-367-5121. In nearby Ingram. 
  • Museum of Western Art. Listed above in the See section. 

According to City Hall, Kerrville is home to almost 90 restaurants. Kerrville has so many restaurants that overlook the Guadalupe River; some offer outside dining.

  • Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, 1718 Sidney Baker, ☏ +1 830-257-6222. 
  • Billy Gene's, 1489 Junction Hwy, ☏ +1 830-895-7377. Excellent homestyle cooking. 
  • Cowboy Steakhouse, 416 Main St, ☏ +1 830-896-5688. Famous throughout the area, though a bit on the pricey side. 
  • Francisco's, 201 Earl Garrett St, ☏ +1 830-257-2995. 
  • Hill Country Cafe, 806 Main St, ☏ +1 830-257-6665. 
  • Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant, 215 Junction Hwy, ☏ +1 830-895-2441. The flagship location of the regional chain. 
  • 1011 Bistro, 1011 Guadalupe St, ☏ +1 830-895-1169. 
  • Alpine Lodge, 1001 Jct. Hwy, ☏ +1 830-257-8282. daily. Full service dining at Inn of the Hills Resort & Conf. Ctr. Daily bfst buffet. Lunch buffet features carving station and three entree choices. Evenings: W pasta, F seafood, Sa prime rib buffet, Su champagne brunch. Full menu and bar. Banquet facilities. moderate. 
  • Good Taste Asian Buffet, 1303 Sidney Baker St., ☏ +1 830-895-2878. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-9:30PM. Chinese buffet, sushi, salad, soup and dessert bars. Seniors discount; 3 and under free. moderate. 
  • Branding Iron, 2033 Sidney Baker, ☏ +1 830-257-4440. 6:30-2PM, 4-10PM. Southwestern specialties, steaks, seafood, soups, sandwiches and appetizers. Lunch buffet M-F; Champagne Brunch on Sunday. mid range. 
  • Chili's on the River, 1185 Jct. Hwy, ☏ +1 830-895-2445. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Burgers, salads, ribs and fajitas. Patio overlooks the Guadalupe River; some outside tables. Full service. moderate. 
  • Del Norte, 710 Jct. Hwy, ☏ +1 830-257-3337. M-Sa 7AM-2PM. Old fashioned cafe service, with home cooked food at good prices. Friendly staff. A local favorite. affordable. 
  • The Humble Fork Kerrville, 701 Water St., ☏ +1 830-955-5528. Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-3PM. Restaurant, bar and soda fountain set in the historical downtown former Opera House. 
  • Rails, a Cafe at the Depot, 615 Schreiner St., ☏ +1 830-257-3877. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. Casual dining in a beautifully restored train depot. Outdoor patio, extensive wine list, daily specials. 
  • Save Inn Restaurant, 1806 Sidney Baker St., ☏ +1 830-257-7484. 6AM-2PM daily. Home cooked meals. Breakfast all day. Daily lunch specials and desserts. A local favorite! affordable. 
  • The Lakehouse, 1655 Jct Hwy, ☏ +1 830-895-3188. M-Sa 11AM-8:30PM, Su 11AM-3PM. Family dining on the Guadaulpe River. Catfish, seafood, chicken-fried steak. Request a table to overlook the river. Outside dining available. moderate. 
  • Cafe At The Ridge, 13439 South Ranch Road 783, ☏ +1 830-896-0420, . M closed, Tu-Th 8AM-8PM, F Sa 8AM-9PM, Su 9AM-3PM. (updated Feb 2018)

Drink

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Contrary to popular beliefs, there are many popular watering holes in and around town.

  • Inn of the Hills Pub, 1001 Junction Hwy (Highway 27 near downtown), ☏ +1 830-895-5000. About the only place for dancing. They play primarily country music, but mix in some pop and hip-hop as the night progresses. The crowd here includes mostly middle-aged folks, and may be too loud and crowded for some tourists. 
  • Ol'Watering Hole, 1109 Broadway (at A Street near downtown), ☏ +1 830-257-4653. A hole-in-the-wall dive bar that is a lot of fun. The bartenders are friendly and very helpful, while the place is a little crowded on busy nights. They have great music many nights, and you will find a very mixed crowd. 
  • Pier 27 River Lounge & 8 Ball Pizzeria, 1521 Jct. Hwy, ☏ +1 830-896-7437. Pizza place with drinks. 

Sleep

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Hotels are plentiful in Kerrville because of the large tourism industry.

Budget

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Mid-range

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Splurge

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Connect

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As of Dec 2021, Kerrville has 4G from AT&T Mobility and 5G from T-Mobile / Sprint.

Go next

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  • Fredericksburg is only 25 miles up Highway 16, and the drive through the hill country is pleasant.
  • Nearby Bandera is home to many dude ranches and styles itself the "Cowboy Capitol of the World."
Routes through Kerrville
El Paso ← Sonora ←  W  E  → Comfort → San Antonio
Jct W E ← Fredericksburg ←  N  S  → Bandera → San Antonio
END ←  N  S  → Bandera → Jourdanton


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