Take a journey through eras of time in Round Rock, TX. Our city proudly preserves history while embracing the future. Begin your journey in the 1800s at Chisholm Trail Park, where you’ll feel like a pioneer crossing the creek with your own wagon, then sip cocktails in a lounge that captures the intrigue of a 1920s speakeasy. After, explore other decades through attractions inspired by moments from the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond! Our Retro Guide to Round Rock will make every stop feel like a time-traveling experience!
Chisholm Trail Crossing (1800)
Follow the winding path along Brushy Creek, and you’ll be walking through a living piece of Texas history. In the late 1800s, this land was part of the legendary Chisholm Trail, where cowboys drove thousands of longhorn cattle from Kansas down to the Rio Grande. Today, Chisholm Trail Crossing Park keeps that spirit alive with striking bronze statues of riders and herds, capturing the energy and determination of the past. Nestled in the middle of Brushy Creek is the famous “round rock,” the smooth limestone boulder that gave our city its name in 1854. Long ago, the rock marked a safe, low-water crossing for wagons, horses, and cattle making their way through the frontier. If you look closely, you can still spot faint wagon wheel grooves on its surface; it’s a reminder of the travelers who once forged their path across Brushy Creek.
Woodbine Mansion (1895)
In the heart of downtown Round Rock stands the Woodbine Mansion, once known as the Nelson-Crier House, where history and romance intertwine beneath the shade of old magnolia trees and oaks. Built in 1895, it became a proud landmark of community life, later transformed in 1931 into a graceful Greek Revival estate with stately white columns and broad, inviting porches. Today, this Texas Historical Landmark is used as an elegant wedding venue, where couples celebrate their love surrounded by timeless beauty and the lingering whispers of the past.
Hoot & Annie Speakeasy (1920)
Behind an unmarked wooden door at Main and Blair lies Round Rock’s hidden gem, The Hoot & Annie Speakeasy located within the Round Rock Tavern. Step inside and you’re transported to the roaring 1920s, with swanky music, candles flickering, and secrets shared over crystal glasses. Every cocktail is a masterpiece, crafted with care by expert mixologists who pour a bit of story into every sip. It’s the perfect hideaway for those who crave a touch of mystery, a dash of elegance, and a night that feels stolen from another time.
Piranha Records (1970)
The groove is alive at Piranha Records, tucked off Sam Bass and I-35. Step through the door and you’re instantly transported to the 1960s and ’70s, when vinyl reigned supreme and music was an immersive experience. Long before streaming, every vinyl pop and crackle was cherished, and that magic still hums here. Rows of records, CDs, and vintage treasures line the walls, glowing beneath lava lamps and the soft haze of incense. Whether you’re digging for a classic or chasing that nostalgic spark, Piranha Records is where the spirit of rock and roll spins on!
Pixel Palace Arcade and Bar (1980)
Walk inside Pixel Palace Arcade and Bar, and you’re instantly transported to the 1980s. Neon lights glow, arcade machines buzz, and vintage TV ads flicker behind the bar. The air smells like pure nostalgia, with Pop-Tarts, Bagel Bites, pizza rolls, and corn dogs on the menu, the snacks every latchkey kid remembers. You grab a drink, take a bite, and dive into pinball, skeeball, and retro arcade classics.
Virtropolis VR (Present)
Step into the future at Virtropolis VR in Round Rock, where imagination meets technology. Slip on the Oculus headset, and the real world fades as new worlds come alive around you. One moment you are exploring the pyramids of Egypt, the next you are floating through space, battling creatures from Greek mythology, or wandering the streets of a futuristic city. Every sight and sensation feels real. Whether you are adventuring with friends or exploring on your own, Virtropolis VR invites you to step beyond reality and experience the future of play.
We hope your time in Round Rock was a blast from the past and the future! We’re proud to create experiences that excite visitors and turn every moment into a lasting memory. For more groovy adventures, follow @GoRoundRock on social media and see what’s in store!