Landmark Inn State Historic Site is a five-acre site under towering trees along the peaceful Medina River. Its buildings reflect the commercial, industrial, residential, municipal, nonprofit, and historic preservation stories of Castroville, a planned suburb of San Antonio just one day's wagon ride west. Today the site is just 25 minutes from excitement of downtown attractions.
The site has a permanent museum exhibit, "A Landmark in Castroville," in the historic inn, as well as numerous historical markers on the property. Check the online calendar on the homepage for weekly public programs, major events, and tours.
The Landmark Inn History Store is stocked with items that help tell the story of the site, that reflect the city's Alsatian identity, and that serve the needs of visitors.
Visitors may picnic on one of the many benches and tables throughout the grounds. Other amenities include fishing in the river, grills, trails, public restrooms, and a 20-stall parking lot. Most of the grounds have at-grade access to buildings and resources, but natural areas and historic steps may present some barriers. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited throughout the site.
Nearby Attractions
While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites:
- Steinbach House – a small Alsatian house, originally built between 1618 and 1648, that was relocated to Castroville.
- Castro Colonies Heritage Association - Living History Center, 309 Paris Street, open Satruday's 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Castroville Pioneer Home Walking Tour – historic walking tour featuring over 50 homes and commercial structures originally built in the mid- to late-1800s.
- Castroville Regional Park – located in the southwest part of Castroville, consists of 126 wooded acres on the Medina River.
- Frontier Times Museum – a 40,000-piece collection of old west, pioneer, and prehistoric artifacts in Bandera.
- Medina Lake and Canal – constructed between 1911-1912 as an irrigation reservoir. An extensive canal system delivers water to 34,000 acres of blackland prairie farmlands below the Balcones escarpment around Castroville.
- Paradise Canyon – a little piece of heaven on the Medina River; great for tubing, swimming, and fishing.
- South Texas Maize – cornfield maze in Hondo.
- Sunny Day Farms – provides much needed sanctuary to farm animals that have been abused, neglected, and abandoned.
For additional travel and history information, see the following resources:
