Region: Hill Country
Founded in 1855 on the clear, spring-fed Llano River, the town of Llano
became the county seat in 1856. It was well established by 1860 with stores,
saloons and a hotel, but there was no church in the rough frontier village.
Llano courthouse dates from 1892 and has just undergone a complete restoration
to return the grand structure to its original look.
Presently, Llano is known as the "Deer Capital of Texas" and hosts many
hunters seeking abundance of white-tailed deer during the fall–winter season.
Year-round fishing in the picturesque Llano River and surrounding Highland Lakes
area makes Llano a sportsman's dream destination. Rock hounds from around the
globe descend on Llano throughout the year to hunt for the elusive "Lanite" or
pan for gold in the Llano River. Llano hosts the Texas Gold Panning
Championships held each year in September.
Llano has kept much of its frontier charm and attitude and now brands itself
as "The Way Texas Used To Be." It also is home to many world champion team
ropers and rodeo participants.
The entire downtown square has been designated a National Historic District
and a comprehensive historical walking tour is a must for the short- or
long-term visitor.
Camping and picnicking are available at all city and county parks, with some
including RV hookups, lake and pool swimming, fishing, boat ramp, hiking trails
and scenic views. Black Rock and Shaw Island parks on Lake Buchanan; Robinson
City Park on Llano River; Llano County Community Center (park) on west edge of
town.
Historic Lantex Theater, established in 1927, is one of the few historic
theaters still showing first-run movies on a single screen. Also home to the
Llano Country Opry.