Many hunters know about Jacksboro, but the small town offers an amazing adventure. From the historic Fort Richardson to the future site of Back to Space’s Lunar Landscape Experience, this town northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area gives families an opportunity to experience history and nature.
Part of the Texas Forts Trail, the restored fort housed at Fort Richardson State Park carries a long history ranging from the mid-1800s to 1940s and beyond. A National Historic Landmark since 1964, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the property in 1968. Since then, the park expanded to over 450 acres, and several of the 55 original buildings dot the landscape as restored pieces of history. Visitors may arrange guided tours Tuesday through Friday, but on the weekends, the park opens the buildings with rangers available during self-guided tours.
In November, historical re-enactors take over Fort Richardson, presenting an authentic experience of the Civil War. Visitors pay only the standard entrance fee and get to see how soldiers lived at the fort during the 1800s.
Besides the historical site, ample day-use spaces provide spots for picnics, including a playground and covered pavilion. Rustic cabins and campsites enable visitors to enjoy a full weekend of hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, paddling and geocaching. With 12 miles of trails, be sure to take one to the Rumbling Springs Area. An underground spring rises to the surface, with the gentle sound of water flowing along the trail. Quarry Lake lies behind headquarters for fishing, and the North Park offers a sandy beach for swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking on beautiful Lake Jacksboro.
Ironic to the historical nature of Fort Richardson, wind turbines dot the horizon overlooking the state park. Jacksboro has never been a stranger to innovation. That represents one reason Danielle Roosa, granddaughter of astronaut Stuart Roosa, chose the small town for her brainchild of Back to Space’s Lunar Landscape. When someone incorrectly identified their favorite astronaut as Lance Armstrong (the cyclist), instead of Neil Armstrong, she resolved to renew education and interest in space exploration.
Delayed because of the pandemic, BTS plans to open near the end of 2022. The Lunar Landscape experience will not only reacquaint kids and adults with historical events, it will also educate them on space travel’s current and future exploration.
On 33 acres of land beside Lake Jacksboro, the facility will be a truly immersive experience. Chief Marketing Officer Heather Sisson shared her enthusiasm over this one-of-a-kind destination, describing what will become the new pride of her hometown.
On entering, full sensory virtual reality engulfs visitors, simulating a rocket landing on the moon, and certain to catapult fresh interest in space. In different rooms, the Lunar Landscape will offer game play and multiple exhibits that let each person experience the same thing astronauts did in the past. In a constantly changing environment, families may want to return for a fresh experience more than once or twice.
Beyond the sense of walking on the moon, they also plan to host concerts, festivals and numerous events. With the possibility of lakeside lodging, Lunar Landscape continues working with the city. When finished, Jacksboro truly will become a destination people visit to experience life from the past, present and future.
In the meantime, visit Jacksboro, get acquainted and plan many return trips. You can go camping or stay at one of the hotels, the Richards Ranch, or JRs Chophouse B&B while enjoying the hospitality of this quiet town.
Editor’s Note: For more information visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-richardson and www.backtospace.com/lunar-landscape/.
Photo of Back to Space’s Lunar Landscape Experience courtesy of Back to Space. Photos of Lake Jacksboro and Fort Richardson by Lisa Bell.
Written by Lisa Bell
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