Crawford vacation rentals

Crawford is a small central Texas town with an interesting history. The rural prairie and farmland-dotted landscape is home to the Tonkawa Petroglyphs, which were carved into the creek bed by the Tonkawa tribe who once inhabited the area. Just northwest of town is the iconic Prairie Chapel Ranch, which served as a former president’s home and was referred to as the Western White House during his term.

Tonkawa Falls is a popular city park that doubles as a swimming hole on hot summer days. It’s also a great spot for lounging in the shade with a picnic as you watch the water cascade 15 feet over rocky cliffs. Near the town center, you’ll find a handful of trendy coffee shops, local eateries, bars, and traditional Texas-style barbecue joints. Crawford’s central location makes it a convenient base for day trips by car to neighboring towns and major cities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Waco.

Crawford’s weather stays warm and sunny year round, with the highest temperatures and lowest levels of rainfall in the summer months. Spring and fall boast pleasantly warm temperatures and cool breezes, making conditions ideal for outdoor recreation, such as swimming, cycling, and hiking. During spring and summer, vibrant wildflowers such as bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and firewheels blanket the landscape. Things cool down a bit in winter, though it never gets too cold, and the region very rarely sees snow. Crawford is a quiet town but is surrounded by bigger cities that frequently host events. Waco, for example, hosts several food and wine festivals throughout the year, as well as events that celebrate the history and culture of Texas.

Tonkawa Falls

Tonkawa Falls sits within a lush park that provides a haven for outdoor recreation. Tall trees offer shady spots along the slow-moving creek ideal for hiking, picnicking, or simply relaxing on the rocky banks to take in the area’s natural beauty. The scenic waterfall and swimming hole below are lined by pocketed limestone boulders.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Nestled within 100 acres of riverside woodland around 20 miles east of Crawford, this significant archaeological site is home to Columbian mammoth skeletons. In 1978, receded waters revealed the remains, and the excavated specimens can still be seen from where they were discovered by hikers, although they’re now protected by a climate-controlled shelter. The site also offers scenic trails, dotted with honey-locust plants that grew here during the Ice Age.

Magnolia Market at the Silos

The Magnolia Market at the Silos is an iconic landmark and shopping complex that inhabits two city blocks in downtown Waco, just 20 miles east of Crawford. Abandoned cottonseed silos have been transformed into a buzzing retail location. Outside, the complex features a lawn with benches and picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a bite to eat or a drink after perusing the market.