A small town full of murals and interesting shops, Hico is a great weekend getaway with plenty of activities for tourists who want to explore or relax. Local legend says that Billy the Kid faked his death and lived out the rest of his life in anonymity in Hico, Texas.
An UltraHD 4K Real Time Driving Tour of Hico, Texas.
A Brief History of Hico, Texas
The town of Hico hasn’t always been in this location. It was originally located near the banks of nearby Honey Creek, but when the railroad came through the townspeople relocated the town to be closer to the train.
The town of Hico is named after Hico, Kentucky which was the birthplace of the founder of the town. Hico, Texas officially incorporated in 1883. Over the years the town transitioned from being a commercial hub for cattle and cotton to now being focused on ranching and tourism.
Where to stay in Hico, Texas?
What to do in Hico, Texas?
Get a relaxing start to your day at one of the diners or coffee shops in centrally located in Hico. 2nd Street Bakeshop and Coffee Co. serves a wide variety of beverages and baked goods in a quaint refurbished victorian house. Koffee Kup Family Restaurant is a well known local diner. In addition to breakfast they also serve lunch and dinner, but are particularly well known for their pies.
Spend the rest of the morning walking around the historic downtown and check out the boutiques on Elm and Pecan Street. Hico Mercantile, Blue Star Trading, Sugar Moon Market, or Hide and Horn are all fun places to wander around and shop for gifts.
Take pictures in front of the different mural walls located around the city, and don’t forget to pose in front of the Hico sign. Pay a visit to Weisman House Chocolates and buy some of the chocolates or take a class.
Offering sandwiches and ice cream Eis is a great places to stop at when you need a break for lunch or a sweet treat.
Then be sure to check out the Billy the Kid Museum, which is one of the unique features of Hico, Texas. Learn about the legend of Billy the Kid and the mythology around Billy the Kid in Hico.
If you have more time in Hico visit Siloville and participate in zip lines or climb a rock climbing wall built inside of an old silo.
Where to stay in Hico, Texas?
Spend the weekend in Hico, and stay at one of the local inns or bed and breakfasts. Choose from a place in town such as Upstairs Inn or Midland Hotel. Or get a room at the Old Rock House B&B. If you are wanting a more country experience at the Hico Hacienda Retreat.
There are also numerous RV parks near the town.
Did Billy the Kid live in Hico, Texas?
Billy the Kid was an infamous gunslinger and outlaw in the days of the Wild West. He was known for stealing, cattle rustling, and murdering many people. Billy the Kid was shot and killed in 1881 at the age of 21 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. His larger than life story captivated the minds of many Americans and was being written about in newspapers on the east coast.
Rumor has it that Billy the Kid did not actually die as was reported, but instead the man who claimed to shoot him helped him fake his death in an effort to evade law enforcement. Many people have come forward claiming to be Billy the Kid.
The Billy the Kid Museum in Hico, Texas purports that Billy the Kid was in fact Ollie L. Roberts who went by Bushy Bill was born in Buffalo Gap, Texas outside of Abiline. After escaping capture he lived out the rest of his life in Hico, Texas, and sought forgiveness for his crimes. This claim was rejected by the Governor of New Mexico, but has received support in the Hico community.