In the Area
Here are just a few of our favorite nearby activities. See the resource library in the ranch house for even more possibilities.
Magnolia Market and Silos is the premier shopping destination for trendy home decor, but includes so much more than that. Chip and Joanna Gaines put Waco on the map with their hit show "Fixer Upper" and continue to inspire with their unique blend of old and new. Take a photo by the Silos or play a game of wiffleball. Grab a drink at the Magnolia Coffee Company or take in the ambiance of The Old Church. There's something for everyone at Magnolia Market.
If you've ever dreamed of riding off into the sunset on a horse, this is one activity you won't want to miss. You'll journey through meadows and woods and end with an unforgettable ride along a limestone bluff that overlooks the Brazos River Valley. Led by experienced wranglers, the two hour adventure includes drinks and snacks and is sure to please horse lovers of all ages.
Historic Hico is a small town full of friendly people and rustic charm. Murals abound, making this a great place for photo ops. Explore Hico Mercantile, a collection of over 30 artisan shops. Sample truffles made by world class chocolatiers at the Wiseman House. If you're a history buff, the Billy the Kid Museum is sure to wet your whistle and disc golf fans will love City Park.
Enjoy everything a Main Street City has to offer in beautiful downtown Clifton. Visit antique shops with vintage collectibles. Learn about Clifton's Norwegian roots while exploring the Norse Historic District, the Bosque Museum, and the Art Center. When you're ready to relax, watch a movie for $5 at the Cliftex, the oldest operating movie theatre in Texas. End your day at your choice of casual food or an upscale bistro offering gourmet fare.
Tonkawa Falls is a beautiful rural park in Crawford, midway between Cranfills Gap and Waco. The scenic area includes a 15 foot waterfall, limestone cliffs, a big swimming hole, and 35 acres of wooded land. The falls were named after the Tonkawa Indians who once inhabited the area and left behind petroglyphs in nearby rocks. This is a great place to have a picnic or cool off on a hot summer day.
Homestead Heritage is an agrarian community made up of those pursuing simplicity, sustainability, and quality craftmanship. The artisan craft village is open to the public and includes a blacksmith shop, gristmill, gift barn, fiber store, pottery shop, cheese cave, wood shop, and much more. Be sure to check out their new coffee shop and the award winning restaurant, Cafe Homestead, which is now rated #1 in Waco.
Just a few minutes down the road from Starry Creek Ranch is one of the best kept secrets in the Texas park system -- Meridian State Park. One thing you won't find here is a crowd. The intimate 505 acre park has big shade trees and a 72 acre lake that is often stocked with rainbow trout. The hiking and biking trails include scenic overlooks of the lake and are great places to spot birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Adventure lovers won't want to miss Siloville, a giant grain silo used for climbing and zip line adventures. Here is your chance to rappel from the top of a 66 foot silo and zipline through rural Texas! Check out their obstacle course and other fun features too, including kid-friendly climbing activities. Experienced staff will guide your journey and make it enjoyable for beginners as well as experienced climbers.
Golf courses near Starry Creek Ranch range from small and intimate to world class. Bosque Valley is a well-maintained 9 hole course that rests along the Bosque River (15 minutes from ranch). White Bluff in Whitney offers two outstanding 18 hole Bruce Lietzke courses and Glen Rose has 36 holes of Championship golf at Squaw Valley. Surrounded by scenic vistas and only 45 minutes from the ranch, it is one of the top courses in Texas, receiving a 4.5 star rating from Gold Digest.