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Small-town charm and natural wonder found in Palo Pinto County

Strawn is a quintessential small town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. The town’s charm lies in its friendly residents, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. From the legendary Mary’s Café and the soon-to-open Palo Pinto Mountains State Park to the picturesque Possum Kingdom Lake and its iconic Hell’s Gate, Strawn offers both residents and visitors an authentic Texan experience.

Established around 1880 as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad, Strawn was named after Stephen Bethel Strawn, one of the first ranchers. Coal mining brought immigrants and a boom to the town and it grew quickly. Today, Strawn is a quiet rural town with some unique attractions I wanted to share with you.

Not just a small town with Possum Kingdom Lake

Visitors to Possum Kingdom Lake may not realize that part of a southern portion of the lake has a Strawn address. Well-known Sportsman’s World and Hell’s Gate are two attractions that mark Strawn as their home.

Sportsman’s World is a residential community located on the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in fishing, boating, and other water activities.

The lake offers a variety of fish including bigmouth bass, stripers, catfish, and crappie available.

Hell's gate aerial view Strawn, TX

Hell’s Gate is one of the most famous landmarks at Possum Kingdom Lake. Known for its picturesque cliffs and rock formations, Hell’s Gate creates a stunning backdrop against the clear waters of the lake. The vibrant atmosphere at Hell’s Gate makes it a favorite destination for Texans looking to have fun on the water.

While visitors have jumped from Hell’s Gate in the past, it is illegal for amateurs to jump off cliffs higher than 20 feet at Possum Kingdom Lake. However, in past summers professional divers met at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series to take on the towering cliffs. Hell’s Gate is also known for its spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows it holds every year. 

Strawn returned to the past to help tell the story of a legend

This spring brought the small town of Strawn a unique opportunity. Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” brought in crews to transform the town into an Old West backdrop to film a few scenes for the Western series.

Bass Reeves, the titular character of the show, was a famous lawman and one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. Reeves was known for his fearlessness, integrity, and ability to bring law and order to the Wild West.

This six-part series will air on Paramount+ and stars David Oyelowo, Dennis Quaid, Garrett Hedlund, Donald Sutherland and other stars. The series wrapped up filming in June and will be released later this year. Check out the series and see if you can catch a glimpse of Strawn, Texas.

A new state park means new possibilities for Strawn

The newest Texas state park in more than 25 years will open in 2024 in the Strawn area. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park will offer a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing and birdwatching. Situated on over 4,800 acres of rolling hills and scenic vistas, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. There are more than 10 miles of trails that wind through the park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. Some trails are designed for hiking and mountain biking, while others are designated for equestrian use. 

The park’s main attraction will be the beautiful 90-acre Tucker Lake. Visitors can enjoy several available campsites for overnight stays, including walk-in tent sites, RV sites, and equestrian campsites. The park will also have a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a handicap-accessible boat dock, a pavilion, a couple of natural playgrounds, and a visitor’s center.

Strawn will hold the only road entrance to the park ensuring future economic opportunities for the town. The park is currently under construction with the expected opening sometime in 2024. But you can visit their Facebook page for updates or visit the park’s TPWD website for more information.

There’s just something about Mary’s

One of the main attractions in Strawn is Mary’s Café, a restaurant known for its iconic chicken-fried steak. Mary’s reputation attracts locals, travelers, and food enthusiasts from far and wide, and has been featured in numerous publications and television shows.

Mary’s Café is housed in a historic building that adds to its rustic and authentic charm. The delicious food, combined with the friendly service, creates an unforgettable dining experience for visitors. Due to its popularity, Mary’s Café can get busy, especially during peak hours, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table if you plan to visit.

Strawn is a must-see destination in North Texas

In conclusion, Strawn continues to preserve its heritage while embracing modern opportunities for growth. The fusion of Strawn and the picturesque Possum Kingdom Lake creates an unforgettable destination that beautifully encapsulates the essence of North Texas. I hope you all come visit soon to see all of the attractions mentioned in this article. Please, let me know when you are heading out here!

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