Art is everywhere. And that rings true in Cleburne, Texas. From its beautiful landscapes to historical landmarks and everywhere in between. If you’re looking for a stunning background for engagement photos, family sessions or a shameless selfie, Cleburne has it. Here you will find some of the best places to get the perfect picture for a special occasion or all for the ‘gram.
Must-See Murals
While exploring Cleburne, be sure to notice the vibrant murals that bring its buildings and walls to life.
Cleburne’s past is honored in Wright Plaza with murals by Cleburne’s own Stylle Read, a Western artist that specializes in murals. Historical highlights include renderings of the Johnson County courthouses in 1854, 1883, and 1913, as well as cattle drives, the 1906 baseball team, locomotives and aviation firsts. Another Stylle Read mural is set in the 1950’s with a blue and white ’47 clipper bus. The mural is painted on the building purchased by the Central Texas Bus Line which was remodeled into a bus station in 1933.
An ode to Cleburne can be seen at Bennett’s Printing by artist Kristen Soble. The side of the building makes the perfect backdrop for your next social post with built in hashtags (#bettertogether).
Celebrate a loved one with the beautiful “Shannon’s Wings,” painted by Cleburne native, Kyle Range. The mural located behind 210 N. Main Street, honors the life of the owner’s daughter and includes her initials, doves and butterflies. Years ago, this building housed a motorcycle shop, so the painting includes nods to Harley-Davidson as well as local ties with the Santa Fe locomotive and cattle drives of the Chisholm Trail.
At the Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum, “never pass up new experiences… they enrich the mind.” Three must-see murals include the silhouettes of Rhett and Scarlett as you enter, the famous couple come to life with the use of real rose bushes, and a replica of Tara that fans go crazy for.
Historic Landmarks
When art and architecture merge together, it allows Cleburne’s cultural heritage and rich history to be preserved and recognized.
In Hulen Park, you will find the Spirit of Cleburne, the AT&SF Steam Engine No. 3417. This iconic locomotive reflects the city’s railroad history. Built in 1919, it’s just one of five that still exist from the original 50 that were built by Baldwin Locomotive Works.
Once home of the 1904 Carnegie Library, the Layland Museum features beautiful Greek Revival-style architecture. The front entrance with its grand columns and ornate detailing creates a stunning backdrop for photos.
From the moment you arrive at Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum have your camera ready. You are immediately welcomed with a life-size cattle drive along an 80-foot stone wall. Photo opps are around every corner, from a saloon and jailhouse to a blacksmith shop or a restored stagecoach. There is a setting for everything when it comes to life on the trail in the 1800’s.
Stunning Landscapes
As the writer Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
Cleburne’s beauty can be seen throughout Cleburne State Park with its vast forests, 100-acre lake, open fields of wildflowers and of course its wildlife. If you’re looking for an action shot, there are 13 miles of trails, or paddleboards and kayaks are ideal for this no-wake boating waterway.
Another location for water lovers is Lake Pat Cleburne. Spanning 1,500 acres, this body of water creates a stunning canvas for a beautiful Cleburne sunset. For a panoramic view of the entire lake, head to U.S. Highway 67 to get the perfect picture.
Not far from the lake is Winston Patrick McGregor Park, a 10-acre park that features native plants, a pond and seasonal botanicals. Pose under the gazebo or get pictures of the kids.
Photo Courtesy of: Jim McHale, Sandra Jordan, Jhan Beaupre and Texas Parks & Wildlife,