Granbury
A Victorian courthouse square on a beautiful lake — with a famous resident buried nearby
Quick Facts
Spring and fall for the most comfortable weather.
About Granbury
Granbury's Hood County Courthouse (1891) is one of the finest Victorian structures in Texas, and the square around it is one of the most charming downtowns in the state — preserved, walkable, and full of good shops and restaurants. Lake Granbury, formed by a dam on the Brazos River, brings waterfront recreation and a yacht club atmosphere to this small city. And somewhere nearby, according to local legend, Jesse James is buried under an assumed name.
Things to Do
Courthouse Square
One of the finest Victorian courthouse squares in Texas. The Hood County Courthouse was completed in 1891 in Richardson Romanesque style and anchors a square of 19th and early 20th-century commercial buildings. The square is alive with restaurants, boutiques, ice cream shops, and galleries.
Granbury Opera House
A restored 1886 opera house on the square that presents professional theatrical productions year-round. The quality consistently surprises visitors expecting small-town amateur theater.
Lake Granbury
A 36-mile-long reservoir on the Brazos River with boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside dining. The downtown boardwalk runs along the lake for a pleasant waterfront stroll.
Jesse James Grave Site
Local legend holds that Jesse James faked his death in 1882 and lived out his years in Granbury under an assumed name. The "grave" is in a local cemetery and draws visitors with a tolerance for colorful historical speculation.
Where to Eat
Nutshell Eatery & Bakery
A breakfast and lunch institution on the square, known for exceptional baked goods, soups, and the best quiche in Hood County.
Revolver Brewing
One of North Texas's best craft breweries, founded in Granbury and producing Blood and Honey (a Texas institution) and an excellent range of seasonal beers. The taproom is excellent.
🗺️ Getting There
35 miles southwest of Fort Worth on U.S. 377.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for the most comfortable weather. Summer brings lake crowds. December is surprisingly beautiful — the courthouse square decorated for Christmas is a genuine holiday postcard.
🤠 Did You Know?
“Granbury also claims to be the burial site of John Wilkes Booth — the assassin of President Lincoln — who allegedly lived out his life in Granbury under a fake name. The town has two famous alleged fake graves. It's more than most places.”