Albany Attractions to Explore
Old Jail Art Center
The Old Jail Art Center is one of Albany’s most treasured landmarks and a destination that continually surprises visitors with its scope and significance. Housed in the historic Shackelford County Jail built in 1877, the museum blends the story of Albany’s frontier past with a world-class collection of art that rivals institutions in much larger cities. Its permanent collection numbers more than 2,200 works, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
Among its highlights are works by internationally celebrated artists including Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Francisco Goya, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, Alexander Calder, Grant Wood, Henry Moore, and John Marin. The collection is especially strong in modern British art, the Fort Worth Circle, and the Taos Moderns, while also housing the William O. Gross Pre-Columbian Collection and significant holdings in Asian art. Visitors can also see ancient Chinese terracotta tomb figures, once part of Jewel Nail Bomar’s collection, and explore the Marshall R. Young Sculpture Courtyard, which features more than 20 outdoor works by artists such as Pericle Fazzini, Jesús Bautista Moroles, and Charles Williams.
In addition to its art, the Old Jail Art Center preserves regional history through collections such as the Sallie Reynolds Matthews historical collection and the Watt Mathews Ranching collection. The Green Art Research Library and Robert E. Nail Jr. Archives provide resources for deeper study, while the museum’s oral history project, SPOKEN, documents the lives of Albany and Shackelford County residents. Lauded by publications such as Texas Monthly, The Texas Observer, and Fort Worth Weekly as one of the best small-town museums in the country, the Old Jail Art Center has earned statewide and national recognition. For locals and visitors alike, it is both a cultural treasure and a vivid reminder of Albany’s unique place in Texas history.
Fort Griffin State Historic Site
Perched high above the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, Fort Griffin State Historic Site tells the story of life on the Texas frontier from 1867 to 1881. Built to serve as one of a line of western defensive forts, it became a key outpost during the turbulent years of settlement and conflict on the Southern Plains. Though only a handful of its more than 90 original structures were ever completed in stone, visitors today can walk among the evocative ruins of the mess hall, barracks, bakery, powder magazine, and first sergeant’s quarters. The site is recognized as both a State Archeological Landmark and as part of the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its role in the history of Texas.
Fort Griffin was more than a military post — it was the center of a booming frontier community. The nearby town, known as The Flat, became infamous as one of the wildest places in the West, filled with buffalo hunters, drovers, gamblers, merchants, and legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Troops stationed at the fort, including Buffalo Soldiers and Tonkawa scouts, played a pivotal role in the Red River War of 1874, helping bring an end to Kiowa and Comanche domination in northern Texas. Though abandoned by the U.S. Army in 1881, Fort Griffin’s legacy lived on through the cattle trails that passed nearby and through the colorful history that has since been celebrated in Albany’s annual Fort Griffin Fandangle, the state’s oldest outdoor musical.
Today, Fort Griffin State Historic Site offers visitors a chance to experience both history and nature in a setting that feels timeless. In addition to exploring the fort’s ruins, guests can camp along the river, fish for catfish, hike scenic trails, or enjoy the playground under the shade of large trees. The park is also home to the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd, descendants of the cattle that carved the Great Western Trail through the region. With minimal light pollution from the surrounding ranchlands, the site has become a haven for stargazers, hosting monthly events where constellations, planets, and galaxies shine brilliantly in the Texas sky.
Aztec Theater
The Aztec Theater has been a landmark on Main Street in Albany since 1927, when Frank Whitney, a local entrepreneur with a passion for film and performance, opened its doors. Built during the silent movie era, the theater originally featured an orchestra pit where a pianist accompanied each film. After Whitney’s untimely death in 1931, the Aztec passed to new ownership and was remodeled in 1939 with its distinctive Spanish courtyard interior and star-painted ceiling that still give the venue its unique atmosphere today. A second restoration in 1994, driven by community support, ensured that the Aztec would remain a vital part of Albany’s downtown.
While its early years were dedicated to movies, the Aztec has evolved into much more than a film house. Its stage now plays host to a steady lineup of concerts, bringing live music to Albany and offering entertainment that appeals to all ages. From regional acts to special performances, the theater’s intimate setting makes every event memorable, blending the building’s rich history with a lively modern energy.
The Aztec is also home to the Albany Mainstreet Playhouse, which produces plays throughout the year and showcases local and regional talent. Audiences can enjoy comedies, dramas, and classics brought to life in the same space where generations before gathered for weekend matinees. Today, the Aztec stands as a symbol of Albany’s dedication to preserving history while embracing the arts, offering visitors a chance to experience culture, creativity, and community all under one roof.
Shackelford COunty Courthouse
The heart of Albany centers around the iconic Shackelford County Courthouse, built from native limestone in 1883–84 under the direction of architect J. E. Flanders from Dallas, with local superintendent Edgar Rye overseeing the build. Set amid a broad courthouse square, the elegant Second Empire–style structure anchors the surrounding historic district, which was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Over time, a cluster of late‑19th- and early‑20th-century Victorian buildings grew up around this square—commercial offices, residences, civic buildings—all maintaining their original charm. Many were constructed from sturdy stone during Albany’s boom following the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1881, and remarkably, most of these structures remain true to their early design, thanks to careful stewardship by local owners . The result is a cohesive and enchanting tableau that preserves the essence of a Northwest Texas frontier town—timeless, authentic, and inviting.
Visitors strolling through this historic district experience more than just architecture—they step into Albany’s living history. The courthouse square is not only a visual centerpiece but also a gathering space and a point of local pride. With its preserved buildings, shaded walkways, and deep sense of place, the district offers a vibrant window into the town’s past, guiding visitors gently toward Albany’s present-day energy rooted in tradition.
Flying A Car Museum
The Flying A Car Museum in Albany offers visitors a trip down memory lane, celebrating the history and beauty of the automobile. Founded by the Flying A Car Club, the museum brings together classic cars, memorabilia, and carefully curated displays that highlight America’s love affair with the open road. From gleaming chrome and polished paint to rare models that defined generations, the collection provides an experience that appeals to both serious car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
In addition to vintage automobiles, the museum is filled with nostalgic items that recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era. Original signs, antique gas pumps, and period décor transport guests back to a time when travel was an adventure and cars symbolized freedom and style. Each piece tells a story, adding layers of history and character to the museum and making it as much about cultural heritage as it is about vehicles.
The Flying A Car Museum has quickly become a must-see attraction in Albany, offering something fresh and different alongside the town’s historic landmarks and cultural institutions. Whether you are a collector, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys admiring classic craftsmanship, the museum provides an engaging stop that showcases Albany’s unique ability to celebrate both its past and its passions.
Webb Memorial Park
Webb Memorial Park is Albany’s go-to destination for outdoor recreation and family fun. At the heart of the park is a 5,392-square-foot swimming pool that serves as a summer favorite for residents and visitors. Complete with a water slide, diving facilities, play features, and designated swimming areas, the pool offers a refreshing escape on hot Texas days and is the highlight of the park during the warmer months.
Beyond the pool, Webb Memorial Park features amenities for all ages and interests. The park is home to the Albany Lady Lions softball team, and its dedicated field also hosts youth leagues and recreational softball games throughout the year. Additional features include a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, a skate park, and a multi-purpose trail perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. A playground provides space for younger children to enjoy, making the park a true hub of community activity.
For those looking to relax or gather with friends and family, the park also offers public picnic shelters shaded by mature trees. Whether you are cheering on the Lady Lions, watching a youth game, spending time at the pool, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Webb Memorial Park provides a welcoming environment where recreation and community come together. With its wide range of activities and its standout swimming pool, it remains one of Albany’s most popular spots for both residents and visitors.
Albany Golf Club
Celebrating 100 years in 2025, the Albany Golf Club is one of the oldest and most cherished golf courses in West Texas. Established in 1925, this nine-hole course has retained its original layout, offering a glimpse into the golden age of the sport. Generations of golfers have walked its fairways, making it not only a place to play but also a piece of living history in Albany. Its centennial year marks a milestone that reflects both the club’s commitment to tradition and its role as a gathering place for the community.
The course itself is known for its rolling fairways and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Each hole presents its own challenges, making the layout engaging for players of all skill levels. Unlike many modern courses, Albany Golf Club embraces simplicity and authenticity. Golfers can enjoy a relaxed, unhurried pace, often without the need for strict tee times, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town golf.
In addition to its rich history and charming setting, Albany Golf Club remains accessible and inviting. Green fees are just $20, and players may bring their own carts or rent one from the club for the same price. Tournaments and community events throughout the year keep the course lively, while still leaving plenty of time for casual play. As it celebrates a century of golf, the Albany Golf Club continues to offer what it always has: a timeless experience built on camaraderie, tradition, and the simple joy of the game.
Hubbard Creek Reservoir
Just a short drive from Albany, Hubbard Creek Reservoir offers visitors the perfect mix of recreation and relaxation. Spanning more than 15,000 acres, the lake was created to serve as a water supply for cities such as Abilene, Albany and Breckenridge. Today, it not only fulfills that vital role but also provides a beautiful destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. Surrounded by open skies and rolling terrain, the reservoir has become a favorite outdoor escape for locals and travelers.
The lake is especially known for its fishing, with healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass. Anglers flock to the Hubbard and Sandy Creek inlets in late fall and winter, when white crappie and white bass fishing are at their peak. With several boat ramps providing easy access, the reservoir offers plenty of opportunities to spend the day on the water. Whether casting from the shore or heading out in a boat, the lake’s diverse fishery ensures an exciting experience for seasoned fishermen and newcomers.
For those seeking more than just fishing, the 27-acre public park at the north end of the dam provides space for picnicking, swimming, and primitive camping. Shaded areas make it ideal for a relaxing afternoon, while open grounds invite groups to gather and enjoy the outdoors. While facilities are simple, the natural setting and expansive views make Hubbard Creek Reservoir a rewarding place to connect with the land and water. Whether for a day trip or a weekend outing, the lake offers a refreshing complement to the attractions found in Albany itself.