Best Historic Small Town in America
Spanning 8,310 acres and boasting 103 miles of shoreline, Lake Granbury is nestled in the heart of the beloved town of Granbury. USA Today voted the city Today’s Best Historic Small Town in America in 2019, 2020, and 2021. So, look no further than Granbury if you want a glimpse into Texas’s rich history and charming Southern hospitality.
Essentials
When you live on Lake Granbury, all the essentials are a short drive away. The Lake Granbury Medical Center is 6.6 miles away, and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is 65 miles away.
A Source of Inspiration
In the late 1950s, the Brazos River Authority proposed the construction of Lake Granbury. On December 15, 1966, the Zachry Construction company began building the Cordova Bend Dam and completed the project on September 15, 1969. The dam derives its name from Jacob De Cordova—a land agent and entrepreneur.
The damming of the Brazos River created three beloved lakes—Granbury, Possum Kingdom, and Whitney. Plus, the project became a source of literary inspiration, serving as the impetus for John Graves’s book “Goodbye to a River.”
Bass and Catfish and Crappie, Oh My!
If you’re interested in fishing from your boat on Lake Granbury, you can launch from one of the many convenient ramps. The City Boat Ramp on Highway 377 is open year-round, has no fee, and can launch three boats simultaneously. Other boat ramps include Thorp Spring, Hunter Park, Rough Creek Park, and De Cordova Bend Park. Those who want to rent boats or other water sports gear can visit Lake Granbury Marina (also called Stumpy’s) or Rockin’ S.
Anglers can reel in several bass varieties, including largemouth, striped, and white. To catch largemouth bass, you should fish around boat docks and piers and use worms, jigs, and crankbaits. For stripers, the locals recommend using crankbaits and downrigging jigs. And if you’re fishing for white bass, you’ll have the best luck casting out a line during the Spring in the river above the lake; you should use small jigs and spinners.
Lake Granbury additionally contains white crappie, catfish, sunfish, and longnose gar. Anglers can find crappie around docks, submerged brush, and bridge pilings, and they will have the most success using live minnows to catch this species. Fishermen pursuing sunfish will get the most bites during the summer—especially if they use live worms and crickets around the docks.
Small-Town Charm
If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie town, you will adore Granbury. The city becomes incredibly magical during the holidays, showcasing bright lights and hosting beloved annual events. The Christmas Parade, Carriage Rides, Santa’s House, and a Candlelight Tour transform Granbury into a real-life snow globe.
The Granbury shopping scene showcases quaint antique shops, trendy boutiques, and artisan home stores. And if you’re looking for entertainment, you can visit the Brazos Drive-In Theater, Revolver Brewing, or the many superb wineries.
Located in the heart of Granbury, City Beach attracts many visitors to the town. The beach is a local favorite and features a splash park, picnic pavilions, kayak rentals, and plenty of sandy spots for sunbathing.
Dreamy Lake Life
If you’re looking for community and relaxation, there’s no better destination than Lake Granbury. You can have the lake life you’ve always dreamed of at this Texas gem: quiet, quaint, and cozy.