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The Kerrville Destination is located primarily in the state of Texas, encompassing the cities of Harper, Tarpley, Lakehills, Segovia, Mason, and the namesake of the destination, Kerrville, among others. Kerrville is located in Kerr County, 62 miles northwest of San Antonio.[1] The Guadalupe River runs through the region and is home to the Kerrville Wildlife Management Area. Various animals can be found in this part of the destination, namely white-tailed deer, armadillos, gray foxes, wild turkeys, and bobcats.[2] Kerrville experiences weather that, on average, ranges from 36°F to 93°F throughout the year. Reportedly, for warm weather activities, the "best time of the year" to visit the area is early June to early September.[3] Various attractions in the region include the James Avery headquarters, Schreiner Mansion, Kerrville Folk Festival, and the Museum of Western Art.[5][4] The city of Kerrville has a current annual growth rate of 0.89% and was reported to have a population of 24,917 people as of 2023. White residents comprise most of the population, with other races living in the area, including African Americans or Black, Asian, and Native Americans.[6]
Situated west of San Antonio and Austin, Texas, is the Kerrville Destination. The region is located only in the state of Texas but is relatively close to the United States and Mexico border; however, the boundaries of the destination do not extend to the border. Roosevelt, Segovia, Tarply, Lakehills, Hondo, Harper, and Kerrville, which is the region’s namesake, are all cities located within the destination. Kerrville, Texas, is a city situated in Kerr County that offers natural areas, cultural events, and notable establishments. The city is located in what is known as “Texas Hill Country” and features various parks that adorn the Guadalupe River, which flows through the center of the city.[4]
Draws to the city include the Kerrville Folk Festival, a celebration of music and art; the Kerrville Triathlon, established in 2011; and the Kerrville Renaissance Festival, launched in 2017. Kerrville is also home to the Mooney Aviation Company. Additionally, the Museum of Western Art is open to visitors; established in 1983, the museum showcases the works of artists specializing in the themes of the American West.[4] Other attractions in the region include the James Avery headquarters, which is reported to be “one of the most recognizable jewelry brands in Texas.” The Schreiner Mansion offers tours to those wishing to explore the home commissioned by Captain Charles Schreiner and designed by Alfred Giles.[5]
The population of Kerrville, Texas, has a relatively diverse demographic. As of 2023, the city has a population of 24,917 people, ranking it as the 126th largest city in Texas and the 1570th largest city in the United States. Kerrville is experiencing gradual growth, with an annual growth rate of 0.89%. Since the last census in 2020, the population has increased by 2.71%. The demographic composition of the city reveals a predominant percentage of white residents, accounting for 82.87% of the population. Other racial groups consist of individuals from various backgrounds, including other races (8.2%), two or more races (5.81%), black or African American (2.39%), Asian (0.48%), and Native American (0.25%).[6]
Kerrville, Texas, the namesake of the Kerrville Destination, is located in Kerr County and is situated in a region characterized by its geographical features. Positioned at the junction of Texas Highways 16 and 27, the town is 62 miles northwest of San Antonio via Interstate Highway 10. The official elevation of Kerrville is 1,645 feet above sea level, although many residential areas in the relatively hilly township are even higher. The geography of the area has played a significant role throughout history, with evidence of human habitation dating back approximately 10,000 years. The original settlement, named after James Kerr, was established on a bluff north of the Guadalupe River in the eastern portion of Kerr County.[1]
The Guadalupe River, specifically the North Fork area, is home to the Kerrville Wildlife Management Area, which the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department operates. In this area, various forms of wildlife can be found. Specifically, species include white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, bobcat, wild turkey, gray fox, skunk, armadillo, javelina, and bobwhite quail. There are also multiple species of migratory birds and reptiles.[2]
Kerrville, Texas, experiences a climate characterized by relatively hot and muggy summers as well as short, cold, and windy winters. The city often has partly cloudy skies throughout the year. The temperature in Kerrville typically ranges from 36°F to 93°F, with rare instances of falling below 25°F or exceeding 98°F. For those seeking hot-weather activities, the “best time of year to visit Kerrville” is reported to be from early June to early September. During the hot season, which spans approximately 3.6 months from May 29 to September 17, Kerrville sees average daily high temperatures above 86°F. August, on average, stands out as the hottest month, with an average high of 92°F and a low of 70°F. On the other hand, the cool season lasts for around 2.9 months, extending from November 23 to February 21. During this period, Kerrville experiences average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January, specifically, is generally the coldest month, with an average low of 37°F and a high of 61°F.[3]
The namesake of the Kerrville Destination, Kerrville, Texas, has a history that dates back to its creation in 1856. Originally part of Bexar County, Kerrville became the county seat of Kerr County, named after James Kerr, a Texas Declaration of Independence signer and early settler. Although the seat briefly moved to Comfort, Texas, from 1860 to 1862, Kerrville has primarily served as the county seat. Joshua D. Brown, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, played a role in naming the county after his friend James Kerr. In May 1856, Brown donated four acres of land for a public square, and the county seat was initially called Kerrsville before the "S" was later dropped. Kerrville attracted a fairly diverse group of settlers, including Anglo-American pioneers and German immigrants. In the 1870s, it emerged as a center for cattle raising and shipping. The town's growth continued, and in September 1889, the citizens voted to incorporate Kerrville as a city. Joseph A. Tivy became the first mayor, leading the city's early development. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kerrville witnessed relatively significant advancements. A city marshal was appointed, and a volunteer fire department was established in 1891. City water works, and electric services were introduced in the 1890s, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents. By the mid-20th century, agriculture, medical services, and tourism became the primary economic drivers for Kerrville.[7]
Harper, Texas, another city in the destination, has a history that dates back to December 15, 1847, when a petition was submitted to create Gillespie County. The Texas legislature responded by forming Gillespie County in 1848, carving it out of Bexar and Travis Counties. The first white settlers arrived in Harper in 1863, namely the families of Eli McDonald and Matthew Taylor. An early event in the area's history was the McDonald massacre of August 1864, commemorated by a historical marker located south of U.S. Highway 290. During this incident, two family members were killed, and Kiowa Indians kidnapped five others. In 1883, George Franklin Harper established a post office in the area, and the town was named after him. By 1985, Harper served as a hub for a large ranching region and boasted several churches, a fire department, ambulance services, a public school, and expanding residential subdivisions. The population of the area surpassed 1,000 by the year 2000.[8]
Utopia River Retreat is a hotel that can be found in Utopia, Texas. The property has a total of roughly 22 acres and offers ten different places to stay, ranging from one-bedroom cabins, two-bedroom cabins, and a large house that has two master suites. The large house is a historical building made of stone that's been a part of the town for over one hundred years. Utopia River Retreat has a river known as the Sabinal River that flows through the land and right next to the cabins, which allows guests to take part in water activities if they so desire. Other nearby state parks and natural areas are available for guests to visit, and Utopia River Retreat hosts significant life events such as weddings and birthdays.
...Read MoreRoddy Tree Ranch is located near San Antonio in Texas hill country. There are 9 units and various activities guests may participate in on the 45-acre property. Also on the premises is 800 feet off river access to the Guadalupe River where guests may fish, kayak, and canoe as they desire. At the center of the property, there is a volleyball court, a basketball court, a fire pit, a catch and release pond for fishing, two swimming pools, and a large pavilion visitors may use at their leisure. Keith and Gretchen, the property owners, strive to give guests a relaxing and memorable stay. Their motto is "Lazy days and stary nights." There is an amphitheater and canteen that host music venues and concerts along with weddings and other events. The property was established as the Roddy Tree Ranch in 1997. Keith and Gretchen have added many of the cottages, buildings, and amenities to the property, and continue to renovate and upkeep the establishment.
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