If you’re like us, you’ve got a soft spot for small towns with big stories. From sea to shining sea, the vast landscape of America is dotted with history, legends, and one-horse towns that serve as the backbone of modern society. 

While not exactly a one-horse town anymore, Jacksboro, TX offers a myriad of attractions and is a shining example of the history that runs deep through the land. Whether you’re into old forts, old-time downtowns, or quirky local museums, Jacksboro has it all. Join us on a trip back in time as we point out some of the best things to do in Jacksboro, TX.

Historical Sites and Museums Near Jacksboro, TX

Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site

The first stop on our historical road trip is Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site—just south of Jacksboro. Picture this: it’s 1867, and the Texas frontier is buzzing with soldiers, Native Americans, and settlers all trying to make their mark. Enter Fort Richardson, a rugged outpost that was smack in the middle of it all.

These days, Fort Richardson is more about peace and quiet than frontier skirmishes. You can wander through the old buildings—like the hospital and the officer's quarters—and feel like you’ve stepped into a cowboy movie. They’ve even got a museum packed with artifacts and stories that bring the old fort to life. 

If you’re into the great outdoors, the park’s got some killer trails for hiking or biking, plus picnic areas where you can lie under the stars just like the soldiers did (with a few more modern comforts).

Jack County Museum

Next up, we’re heading into the heart of Jacksboro to the Jack County Museum. This place is a time capsule filled with all sorts of goodies that tell the story of Jack County’s journey from wild frontier to modern-day Texas.

The museum is housed in the old post office, and exudes that perfect small-town feel right from the get-go. Inside, you’ll find everything from Native American artifacts to pioneer tools, plus loads of old photos and documents that show just how much grit it took to build a life out here. 

The exhibits are fun and varied—one minute you’re looking at vintage ranch gear, and the next, you’re diving into the local oil boom. Treat it like a history scavenger hunt—you’re guaranteed to stumble on something cool.

Plus, the museum is always mixing things up with special exhibits and events. So even if you’ve been before, there’s usually something new to uncover.

Jacksboro Historic Square

No visit to Jacksboro is complete without a stroll around the Town Square. This downtown area is straight out of a postcard, with historic buildings that capture that old-time feeling. The square has been the heart of Jacksboro since the early days, and it’s still going strong today.

The crown jewel here is the Jack County Courthouse, a grand old building that’s seen its fair share of history. But the whole square is packed with character—vintage storefronts, quaint cafes, and little shops where you can find all sorts of treasures. The best part? Many of these buildings have been standing for over a century, so just walking around feels like stepping back in time.

If you’re a fan of charming towns (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), you’ll love exploring the square. If you time your visit right, you might just catch one of the local festivals or events that turn this historic spot into a lively hub of fun and festivities.

Fort Belknap

Feeling adventurous? Take a little road trip about 25 miles out of Jacksboro to visit the Marker and Gravesite of Fort Belknap near Newcastle. Fort Belknap might not be as well-known as Fort Richardson, but it serves as its own little slice of history.

Back in 1851, Fort Belknap was one of the first forts built to protect settlers on the Texas frontier. These days, there’s not much left of the fort, but the historical marker and the old cemetery give you a sense of what life was like out here on the edge of civilization.

It’s a quiet, reflective spot, perfect for soaking in the history and maybe imagining what it was like to be a soldier or settler facing the wild unknown.

Young County Historical Museum

Last but not least, head over to Graham, Texas, and check out the Young County Historical Museum. This place is like the big sister to Jacksboro’s museum, offering a deep dive into the history of the entire region.

The museum is packed with fascinating exhibits on everything from cattle ranching to the oil boom that put this part of Texas on the map. There’s tons of local flavor here—old photos, artifacts, and documents that show how people lived, worked, and thrived in these parts. 

Just like Jacksboro’s museum, the Young County Historical Museum keeps things fresh with special events and exhibits that shine a spotlight on different parts of the area’s history.