Back in the day, it was the natural springs that brought travelers to town. Sadly, those springs have dried up, but fortunately the town still flows with things to do.
Culture
Sulphur Springs Town Square
When you first arrive, head toward the action on the Sulphur Springs Town Square (which is actually a pentagon. Ha!). On the grassy lawn you can lounge, play chess or visit the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial. They also boast the prettiest glass public toilets you’ve ever seen. Part art, mostly functioning restroom, the stall has a two-way mirror, so you can enjoy the outside show while you attend to your private matters, and no one can see you inside.
Smack in the middle of town square, you’ll find the Hopkins County Courthouse. Constructed in 1884, the Romanesque revival architecture makes this building one of the finest courthouses in Texas.
Got Milk? Sulphur Springs does, and you’re sure to have the “dairy” best time at the Southwest Dairy Museum learning about the history of the dairy industry and the process of making milk. You can even test your milking skills on the mechanical cow or grab an ice cream at the soda fountain!
Another must-see stop is the Leo St. Clair Music Box Collection. This collection of over 150 music boxes includes sculptures you’d never expect to find like a lacy gun and a stubborn donkey. And the best part is that all of them still play music! You’ll find this Texas curiosity tucked away in the Sulphur Springs Library.
Food
No luck on the lake? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of fish to chow down on around the lake including at A.J.’s Fish House NOW BILL SMITH’S BUFFET in nearby Alba, TX. It’s an all-you-can-eat fried feast. So forget about your diet, slip on your comfiest pair of pants and devour mountains of cornmeal battered catfish, chicken and shrimp to your stomach’s content.
The Potato House
Sadly, the Potato House has closed since we filmed this episode.
Outdoors
If you know bass fishing, then you know Lake Fork. Twenty minutes outside of town, this 39-mile lake is full of Texas-sized bass. The largest fish caught in its waters weighed 18.18 pounds and remains the Texas record! So grab your buddies and have the ultimate battle to see who can catch the most behemoth bass. There are lots of friendly local guides, and we highly recommend Mike McFarland who can show you all the tricks. And thankfully, if you reel in more branches than bass, there are plenty of other fish in the lake — no, really! Try fishing for Black and White Crappie or Sunfish.
Keep Exploring
Sulphur Springs, TX
