Texas Towns to Love: Stephenville

A stone building with tall arched windows stands next to a row of shops with red and green awnings; cars are parked along the street.

Stephenville, Texas. Population just more than 20,000. Founded in 1854. Home of Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A & M family, and close to Fort Worth. Stephenville considers itself the Rodeo Cowboy Capital of the World. Sometimes called Rodeoville, Stephenville is a place where small town vibes meet western charm, and you don’t want to miss it!

If you’re looking for a spot where southern hospitality blends with cowboy culture for a truly unique flavor, then Stephenville is the place to be. This spot is steeped in history and brimming with fun activities that will keep visitors busy for a weekend, a week or even longer. You’ll never tire of the welcoming atmosphere and rustic charm of this unique Texas town. Pack your cowboy boots and get boot-scootin’ to Stephenville, Texas, for a memorable getaway like no other. 

Six must-do activities in Stephenville, Texas, 2025

  • Tour the Southwest Regional Dairy Center. Interested in livestock? Or have kids who have questions about where milk comes from? Call and schedule a tour at the dairy center and observe cows be milked and learn more about raising cattle. Live out your cattle-rancher dreams at this Tarleton State University spot. 
  • Check out The Ditch Water Discovery Center. This three-acre educational facility informs visitors about the importance of water. Learn about sustainable practice and conservation efforts to care for earth’s most precious resource: water. Check out the events tab on the website to see all the awesome activities this center has planned for the community. 
  • See the moon and stars at Tarleton’s Planetarium. Engage in a full dome immersive experience at this 86-seat science and technology spot at Tarleston. Check out the calendar for a full schedule of showings, including holidays specials and family-friendly programming that is open to the public. 
  • Say cheese at Veldhuizen Cheese. Tour the farmstead and learn the ins and outs of the cheese-making process. The behind-the-scenes tour lets visitors peek at the aging cave and learn about the different cheeses made at this facility. This spot is fascinating, and, bonus!, you can eat yummy cheese while you’re visiting. 
  • Step back in time at the Stephenville Historical House Museum. The museum grounds are open daily for visitors to peruse and engage with historical buildings and artifacts from a bygone era. On the grounds, visitors can interact with a carriage house, school house, log cabins and more. 
  • Check out the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame. Located in downtown Stephenville, this walk of fame recognizes the cowboys who helped bring recognition to the area and really made western culture an important piece of the area’s history. Pay tribute to these gone but not forgotten individuals in Stephenville. 

Stephenville area lodging

When your travels bring you to the Stephenville area, consider a stay in nearby Glen Rose. Located in Glen Rose, Oakdale RV Resort is a great spot to call home while you enjoy Glen Rose as well as nearby Stephenville and soak up all of the smalltown charm the area oozes. The oldest RV Park in Texas, Oakdale RV is a great spot to hang up your cowboy hat and stay a while. Happy travels!