Temple is a city close to the seat of Bell County in Central Texas. Located approximately 30 miles east of Fort Hood, the city is home to an extensive medical and healthcare industry community highlighted by the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. Temple is an attractive city for relocation in 2021 because of its relatively low cost of living and its central location relative to Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.
Temple was founded as a railroad town by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad company, and incorporated in 1882. It was named after a civil engineer within the company, Bernard Moore Temple. Shortly after, the Missouri-Kansas-Temple Railroad was built through the town, and the company made Temple a division point on the line.
The city of Temple exploded in its early years. Very shortly after the town’s founding, it already had two private schools, including the Temple Academy, which would go on to host one of the largest Thanksgiving Day parties in town until 1923. It grew from a population size of 4,047 in 1890 to 78,439 by 2019 and only continues to go up as more and more people are charmed by its local culture and the natural beauty surrounding it.
Whether you’re a newcomer to town or a multigenerational native, there’s plenty of new and exciting things to enjoy in Temple and the surrounding towns that will occupy for a long time! Here are some of the best picks around.
Fun for the Whole Family
Temple is considered one of the best places in Texas to raise a family and enjoy a small-town atmosphere without being more than a day’s trip away from much larger metropolitan areas. Here’s some excellent places to visit in town for both children and adults.
● Temple Railroad Heritage Museum: Railroads have been integral to Temple’s founding and its growth as a town. Any resident with an interest in history and a passion for the place they live should give the railroad museum a visit. It includes both permanent and traveling exhibits, giving all the more reason to visit more than once! See what could be in store for you and your family and learn fascinating stories about the early days of Texas.
○ Address: 315 W. Ave B, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5172
● Lions Junction Family Water Park: Lions Junction has everything you need to beat the Texas heat and make for an unforgettable family outing. It features towering three-story water slides, a lazy river, a splash zone, a swimming pool with a diving board, an aqua climbing wall, as well as concessions and plenty of places to relax and soak up some sun. Check out their website for their hours and special events!
○ Address: 5000 S. 5th Street, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5920
● Temple Symphony Orchestra: The Temple Symphony Orchestra has been a local gem for over 24 years, performing several times throughout the year at their favorite venue, the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center. Families and individuals of all ages can enjoy a night of beautiful music and learn more about musical education and why it has been so invaluable throughout history.
○ Address: 2600 South 1st St., Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 778-6683
● Czech Heritage Museum: Temple is home to the oldest Czech cultural or heritage museum in Texas, starting in 1963 when newspaper editor Nick Morris first received a donation of books for what he announced would be the first Czech library in Texas. Explore the rich history of the Museum for yourself and learn more about the incredible journey many Czech immigrants faced to ensure their history was preserved.
○ Address: 119 W. French Avenue, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 899-2935
● Temple Public Library: Whether you want to find a quiet place to crack a book open and read, explore some wonderfully entertaining and educational events, or use free internet access and studying materials to the fullest, the Temple Public Library is a truly unique space which anyone can make good use of, regardless of reading level, age, or budget.
○ Address: 100 W Adams Ave Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5555
Temple Restaurants & Outdoor Dining
Temple features some of the best dining experiences in the area, especially in its beautiful and walkable downtown and main street.
● 3 Texans Winery: text A female-owned, family-run vineyard operated by a mother and her two daughters, 3 Texans Winery has been a gem of Temple since 2009. Grab tickets for one of their special events or become a member of their Wine Club, earning you two bottles of wine, 3 free glasses, and special discounts for only $70 every quarter! Bring the whole family to enjoy the rolling scenery, a glass of wine, and such fun as a harvest celebration, crawfish boil, or even painting sessions
o Address: 7536 FM Road 2409, Temple, TX
o Phone: (254) 277-0024
● Moose & Goose Winery: A vineyard dedicated to full-bodied fruit wines, Moose & Goose hand-crafts all its own vintages, making each glass a unique experience to surprise the palate. Whether for a birthday celebration or a romantic date, you can enjoy a beautiful farm setting, picnic, and go wine tasting.
o Address: 6300 Middle Road, Suite B, Temple, TX
o Phone: (254) 262-4555
● Tour Temple / Corky’s Bar: If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Temple that blends comedy, beer and wine sampling, and live performance, look no further than Tour Temple! Tour Temple seeks to promote local businesses, tourism and nightlife in the heart of Temple by offering self-led or guided tours of downtown, whether on foot, by shuttle, or even by limo! Corky’s Bar is the Tour Temple bar, offering beer, wine, small plates and a main stage for comedy and music shows.
○ Address: 13 S 2nd Street, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 859-0656
Arcades & Other Gaming Activities
● Spare Time Texas: One of the most classic family pastimes (and for good reason!), bowling can be enjoyed by almost any group, whether a family looking for an afternoon of fun, an outing with coworkers, or a casual date night or even double-date. Lace your shoes up and give Spare Time a shot!
○ Address: 5434 205 Loop Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 781-4400
● BitBar Temple: One of the most unique spots in Temple, the BitBar is a combination bar and retro arcade, featuring gaming favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Take a step into the past and enjoy a delicious cocktail while you enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, some of their many arcade cabinets and game selection!
○ Address: 2501 Airport Rd, Ste B, Temple, TX
○ Contact: bitbartemple@gmail.com
Outdoor Things to Do | Best Places for Leisurely Walks in Temple
● Whistle Stop Playground: With picnic pavilions, grills, and a large playground, Whistle Stop Park is a perfect destination for birthday parties, walks, or family outings. Trains pass by the park regularly, explaining its name, and it’s a delight for children to watch them go by. Make a visit today!
○ Address: 22 S 11th St Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5690
● Lions Park National Recreation Trail: One of the most popular trails in all of Temple, Lions Park is almost a must for visitors and locals alike. Wander through the lush floodplain of Bird Creek, enjoy the range of recreational amenities open to the public, or go people-watching along the trail while enjoying a picnic or barbecue. The trial serves the community of Temple and beyond, so feel free to have fun the way you most enjoy!
○ Address: Lions Park, 4320 Lions Park Road, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5411
● Oak Creek Park: Oak Creek Park is a smaller park nestled between neighborhoods on Forest Trail. Take a moment to go for a walk or run, play a game of basketball, or set kids loose on the great playground they’re sure to enjoy.
○ Address: Oak Creek Park, Temple, TX
○ Phone: (254) 298-5690
Climate Controlled Storage Units in Temple – Amy’s Attic Self Storage
With temperature-controlled units and superior customer service, Amy’s Attic Self Storage is ready to serve Texans. Amy’s Attic Self Storage is proud to announce the opening of a new storage facility in Temple, Texas in Fall 2021. If you are interested in renting a storage unit in Temple or have questions about the leasing process, then please call (254) 771-3838.
