Hutto combines small-town charm with a convenient location in the Greater Austin metropolis. Spend time in this Central Texas city and explore its historic downtown, parks and, of course, hippos.
Count how many Hutto Hippos you can spot throughout town. According to local legend, a circus train stopped for a layover in Hutto in 1915. A hippopotamus took this opportunity to disembark from the train and wallow in nearby Cottonwood Creek. This caused a huge uproar, which still hasn’t quite died down.
The hippo is now the town’s beloved symbol and its school mascot. Count how many of the town’s more than 300 hippo statues you find, from a large one in front of Hutto High School to smaller ones in residents’ yards. Say hi to Henrietta the Hippo, a 7-ton (6,350-kilogram) statue that welcomes visitors to Downtown Hutto.
Explore small-town America at its best in the Hutto Commercial Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Go for a leisurely walk down its streets and appreciate the quaint buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800s. Peruse its quaint shops and savour a delicious meal in the restaurants. Photograph the Hutto Welcome Mural, a large painting at 101 East Street that depicts the city’s history. Head to Downtown Hall of Fame for an all-in-one dining and live music experience.
Enjoy the outdoors in Hutto’s many parks. Play a game of horseshoes or volleyball at Fritz Park. Have a picnic by the waterfront or use the boat launch at Hutto Lake Park. Cool off at Glenwood Splash Pad, which features seven different splashing water features.
Get moving with Hutto’s range of outdoor sports options. Play a round of golf at Star Ranch Golf Course. This 18-hole golf course provides a first-class experience for players of all levels. Go for a scenic trail ride at Maverick Horseback Riding.
Hutto is a little city which offers a lot, from its unique hippos to its spacious parks. It is also just 28 miles (45 kilometres) from downtown Austin. Drive for 30 minutes to enjoy the considerable amenities and cultural attractions of the state capital of Texas.
