It doesn’t matter if you’ve already visited Cleburne; it’s time to return for another trip. This time, there’s more to see and do in this charming city. From watching a game at the new stadium to cheering on paddlers at a dragon boat race, here are the top new things to do in Cleburne, Texas.
Cleburne Railroad Museum
Located on Main Street, Cleburne Railroad Museum is an exciting new venue for history lovers to learn about the area’s past. The current location is a temporary spot for visitors to learn about the city’s 75-year history with the railroad industry. Visitors can browse through several exhibits of vintage photographs of railroad workers and steam engines, and admire well-preserved artifacts used by the workers. Bring the kids along for them to play with the miniature town display where trains travel in and out of tunnels. The museum is open from Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s advised to call in advance to request a tour for your group.
Cleburne Railroaders
If you know your history, you’ll know the Cleburne Railroaders baseball team has a past – despite being newly formed in 2017. In 1906, the Cleburne Railroaders won the championship in the Texas League. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the team disbanded shortly after and became a distant memory—until 2017. This year, guests are invited to attend the first few games played by the Railroaders at The Depot. Cheer on your favorite team and its mascot, “Spike,” a ferocious-looking railroad spike donning a baseball hat. Spending time at The Depot is a family-friendly activity where it’s common to watch a game and have parties. The Depot has its own gift shop where fans can purchase Cleburne Railroaders goods to show their support.
Cleburne Dragon Boat Festival
Don’t let summer pass by without experiencing excitement and culture at Cleburne’s inaugural Dragon Boat Festival on Lake Pat Cleburne. For people unfamiliar with the custom, a dragon boat is a traditional Chinese design resembling a dragon that holds up to 20 paddlers. The boats are 40 feet long and weigh approximately 500 pounds. Locally sponsored teams will have its own dragon boats and paddlers will rapidly race their way to the finish line. The two-day event will have new races every 15 to 20 minutes, keeping spectators busy during their visit. Come hungry, as food vendors will be present serving tasty eats for your convenience.
Plaza Theater Company
One of Cleburne’s most hopping attraction, Plaza Theatre Company will begin a new expansion project. The Plaza Theatre Company will make the former Liberty Event Center its new home and will assume a new identity as Plaza Theatre Company at Dudley Hall. This new location will comfortably seat up to 300 guests while still maintaining the intimate theatre-in-the-round feel that Plaza patrons have come to expect during the ten year run of the Company. Plaza’s current location in downtown will remain a vital part of the operations of the company. This facility will become the permanent home of Plaza Academy - Plaza Theatre Company’s young people’s theatre program- Plaza Junior.
Photo Courtesy of Cleburne Times Review and Monica Faram