Forgetting it was the weekend, I kept wondering why the courthouse was closed. Anyway, there were…read moreplenty of historical plaques, markers, and other signs to read and enjoy. After walking around the courthouse taking pictures and enjoying the sites and sounds, I soaked in the neighboring stores along the square/plaza. Tons of stuff to enjoy and occupy my time. Don't miss out on what Cleburne has to offer.

Johnson County is named for Middleton T. Johnson (1810-1866), native of South Carolina for 7 terms…read morean Alabama legislator, and a leading Texan after 1840. He served in the 9th Texas Legislature, Texas Rangers, Mexican War, and Civil War. The county was created and organized 1854, from land earlier in counties of Ellis, Hill and Navarro. I spent a week in Cleburne, which the county seat of Johnson County and visited downtown a couple of times. The courthouse here is visible from a good few miles away and this historical marker is located outside the courthouse, which is where I saw it and photographed it. This marker stands in front of the impressive and historic courthouse in downtown Cleburne. It reads, "Organized in 1854, Johnson County located its seat of government in Wardville and Buchanan before moving in 1867 to Camp Henderson, which later became Cleburne. The Buchanan Courthouse was moved to the new county seat and used until 1869, when the county constructed a new two-story brick building. By 1880, that facility had become too small, and three years later a magnificent second empire courthouse, designed by W.C. Dodson, took its place." "Fire destroyed Dodson's 1883 building on April 15, 1912, and the commissioners court chose German-born Otto Lane (1864-1947) and Welshman Frank Witchell (1879-1958) to design their new house of justice. While many firms of the time were designing Beaux Arts or Late Victorian structures, Land and Witchell were fond of the increasingly popular Prairie School style as inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. Johnson County courthouse drawings are attributed to architect Charles E. Barglebraugh, the project architect for Lang and Witchell who trained under Wright." "Completed in 1913, the courthouse is very similar to Land and Witchell's Cooke County courthouse in Gainesville, Texas. Designed on a basic Beaux Arts plan but modernized with Prairie style elements and Sullivanesque details, the Johnson County courthouse features a prominent clock tower and an impressive six-story interior atrium topped by a stained art glass dome." "At the dawn of the 21st Century, the Johnson County courthouse remains in service as the center of county government." The outside of the building is lovely and I was told by Jim (in the Published Page Bookshop across the street https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-published-page-bookshop-cleburne?hrid=dKj6y-Vzj7e_3CwS0OUZ7Awhich you absolutely need to go visit) that the inside is amazing. But it was securely locked up at 6pm when I was here. YELP: I'VE BEEN HERE. I'VE SEEN THIS MARKER. I HAVE A PERSONAL CONSUMER EXPERIENCE. [Review 16047 overall - 233 in Texas - 1552 of 2021.]

One of the best Segway tours I've ever had! Tim was an incredible guide--friendly, knowledgeable,…read moreand genuinely fun to be around. When I showed up and found the place closed, I called to check, and Tim kindly agreed to give me a tour even though I was the only guest. He made sure I felt comfortable throughout and kept the experience engaging with local history and stories. We cruised around the Trinity Garden, which ended up being one of my favorite parts. On top of that, he shared fantastic restaurant recommendations. It felt more like exploring the city with a friend than a formal tour. Huge thanks to Tim for making it such a memorable experience. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for something unique and enjoyable!

One of the coolest things to do in Fort Worth Texas. We planned the Segway tour a couple of weeks…read morein advance. This was my first time trying the segways. It's actually so easy to learn. I spent about 10 mins trying all the different things our tour guide asked me to practice. I pickled it up very easily. Everyone did so as well. Anyone can ride segways. I wish we had more segways all over the country. Tour started off in the downtown Fort Worth area. We stopped at many historic destinations along the way. Tour guide was very funny and very knowledgeable. My favorite part was by the riverside. Absolutely gorgeous weather to ride Segways and made our trip even more memorable with lots of great pics. Our tour guide took some incredible pics of us. Highly recommend this experience if you're trying to do something cool and fun.

This faded marker stands in front of the Carnegie Library and points out the very earliest history…read moreof the settlement here. The marker reads, "Had wood, water. Was used after 1854 start of Camp Henderson (named for land owner-townsite donor) for decisive public meetings. In 1867 Camp Henderson became county seat. Then men at 4th of July picnic here named town "Cleburne", for Civil War commander of many local veterans." Cleburne is the seat of Johnson County and it was formally incorporated in 1871. The city was primarily an agricultural center and county seat until the Santa Fe Railroad opened a major facility there in 1898. It was was the site of a prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers during World War 2. [Review 16097 overall - 277 in Texas - 1602 of 2021.]

If you needed a reminder that you're still in the South, then this Confederate Soldiers monument on…read morethe grounds of the Johnson County Courthouse will do that. This granite obelisk is different than others I've seen in my travels in that it not only has lights built into it, there is a (non-functioning) fountain. The marker indicates that it was erected by "Pat Cleburne Chapter, U.D.C. [United Daughters of the Confederacy], December 1917" and at the foot, it says "Confederate Soldiers". As this is the city of Cleburne Texas, it might be worth pointing out the history of General Cleburne who in 1864 suggested that the South arm slaves to fight for the Confederacy and in return, they would be emancipated. It never really took off, but there it was. [Review 16049 overall - 234 in Texas - 1554 of 2021.]

Having ridden the Amtrak train to and from Austin multiple times, I wanted to visit the Cleburne…read moredepot. I remember this as one of the stops along the way. The office wasn't open, but I did walk around taking pictures of the premises. Everything seemed very well maintained and clean. A Caboose is located on property and is fun to go check out. If you have never ridden a train, please make Amtrak a bucket list item. You won't regret the experience.

Amtrak is just better than any other method of travel. You get a relaxing journey, where you don't…read morehave to focus on the drive. Sleep, watch movies, read books, check out the Observation Cars & the Lounge Car, and just enjoy the time it takes. Sometimes going super far, super fast isn't the best way to enjoy the journey. Airplanes are also INCREDIBLY unsafe, as is air travel post-COVID Era. Much less safe than Rail Travel.

Carver is a very large park with all sorts of outdoor activities to keep you and your kids well…read moreexercised. The "spray ground" looks very cool though it's now closed for the season. Baseball field with bleachers and a press box, basketball court, picnic tables, playground, a picnic pavilion and a walking track. All of it in quite good condition and fronted by a large paved parking lot. The baseball field is lighted and fenced, including protected dugout areas and bleachers on both sides. Very cool. [Review 16013 overall - 201 in Texas - 1518 of 2021.]

Hidden gem. Usually pretty empty. Lots of parking, nice bike trail. Splash pad for the kiddos.read more

Currently an open space with a stage area, there apparently used to be a playground here but is no…read morelonger. It is now a passive park. If there are benches, I didn't see them today. There is street parking. [Review 16015 overall - 203 in Texas - 1520 of 2021.]

Bradford is a smaller neighborhood park not far from downtown Cleburne. The main feature here is…read morethe fenced in basketball court. There are a couple of picnic tables that are outside the fencing and are nicely shaded. The surface of the court is in reasonable condition but needs a repainting. There is street parking. [Review 16012 overall - round number 200 in Texas - 1517 of 2021.]