Texas Hill Country is the Lone Star State’s prime outdoor destination. But it’s not mountaintops and dramatic views that make this a vacation mecca—it’s water. More than 800 freshwater springs percolate to the surface in crystalline rivers and lakes, and the the spot where the North and South Llano rivers meet spawned the town of Junction in 1876. One of the town’s first civic projects was a dam for power and irrigation, and Junction eventually became the commercial hub of Kimble County, named for an Alamo defender, George Kimble. But that has never meant many more than 2,500 people enjoying life in the county seat. Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are the most popular ways to pass a day in Junction these days.
Planning a Visit? Stay at Junction North Llano River RV Park.
Rolling hills and open spaces still define Junction. Wild turkeys also are a big part of the landscape. The largest concentration of Rio Grande Turkeys in the American Southwest gather in South Llano River State Park south of town. The gregarious birds winter in large flocks around the cottonwood riparian areas growing by the river. Turkeys can be spotted year-round, especially along the scrubby brush and open grasslands of the Fawn Trail that loops up open slopes for three miles. Next door, the Walter Buck State Wildlife Area is a destination to hike, watch birds and polish wildlife photography skills. Hunting for turkeys and deer can be done on private ranches in the area.
You can find out what is important to the folks in Junction at the Kimble County Historical Museum which contains artifacts and photographs back to its founding days. One of those things is sports. Around town they still talk about the Junction Boys, survivors of an arduous ten-day summer training camp organized by legendary football coach Bear Bryant in his first year at Texas A & M in 1954. The ordeal inspired a book and movie – and also Bryant’s only losing season.
Junction fancies itself as the friendly “Front Porch of the West” and the town throws it biggest community party on Labor Day weekend. The Kimble County Kow Kick in City Park is held under the pecan trees lining the banks of the Llano River. It’s a fantastic day of arts and crafts, food, games and rides for the people of Texas Hill Country.
