Luling, Texas Travel Guide

Exhibit in Central Texas Oil Patch Museum

Luling is well-known as a Texas oil town. Discovered in 1922, fields pumping this "black gold" can be seen throughout the area.

Even before its oil field days, Luling had a reputation as a tough Texas town, one frequented by gunslingers like John Wesley Hardin and Ben Thompson. Called "the toughest town in Texas," the town was also a cattle center and the end of a railroad line to Chihuahua, Mexico.

When oil was discovered, the town's economy switched to that profitable industry. Today nearly 200 pumps continue working within the city limits. The Chamber of Commerce has commissioned an artist to transform several pump jacks into moving sculptures in the shapes of cartoon characters.

Attractions

Palmetto State Park

Francis-Ainsworth House. This 1894 historic home can be seen on tours conducted by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The home is filled with period antiques and is open on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Located in the 200 block of South Pecan Street.

Central Texas Oil Patch Museum and Luling Chamber of Commerce. We really enjoyed this museum, located adjacent to the Chamber office; for a small town (free, donations) museum, it's very well done. Learn more about Luling's oil business, staring with Rafael Rios No. 1 (an oil field 12 miles long and two miles wide) and pick up information from the Chamber. Located at 421 Davis Street.

World's Largest Watermelon. OK, it's not really a watermelon but the painted water tower. (There are two water towers in town; you'll want the one on the east side. Just look up...you can't miss it.)

Pump Jacks With over 200 pumpjacks in the city, Luling has painted and decorated many of the pumpjacks with everything from football players to butterflies to watermelon slices. They make good photo stops

Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail. In the 1870s, both a gristmill and cotton mill were built at this site to harness the power of the San Marcos River. Although destroyed by flash flood, the cotton gin was rebuilt although it later went on to become an electric plant. Recently this site became part of Texas’s first paddling trail, operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. You’ll put into the river six miles upstream then come out at Zedler Mill, located within city limits. (There’s a dam beyond the mill so be careful not to go beyond the mill.) Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/paddlingtrails for information on local canoe rentals, shuttles, and even GPS coordinates along the river. Located five miles west of Luling where Highway 90 crosses the San Marcos River. www.tpwd.state.tx.us and www.zedlermill.org.

Luling Hotels

Hotels & motels in Luling Find special rates on hotels in Luling through our booking partner, IHSAdvantage. We selected this booking company because we found they offer the largest number and variety of Texas properties.

Where to Eat

Luling City Market

Festivals

Luling Watermelon Thump, late June

For More Information: visit the Luling Chamber of Commerce