Mainstream Attractions
Two of the most well-known hot spots in Archer City include The Royal Theater and Booked Up.
The Royal Theater -- Initially made famous by The Last Picture Show, the Royal Theater has gained a reputation for a center of performing arts in North Texas. The Texasville Opry, the Late Week Lazy Boy Supper Club and numerous plays and performances are hosted on a routine basis at The Royal.
The theater has deep roots in Archer City history. Many share fond memories of the theater as a childhood hang out when it was in operation as the local movie theater. However, a fire gutted the building in 1965, and the building was left in ruins for many years. In the late 1990s, a group of local citizens garnered support to rebuild The Royal, and the theater opened its doors in August of 2000. Visit their website for a complete schedule of events & ticket information.
Bookstores
Booked Up and Three Dog Books feature rare books of most any nature.
Booked Up, owned by Larry McMurtry, is open Monday - Saturday, 10-5. An internationally known source for over 300,000 rare and antiquarian books, Booked up is located in various building around the downtown Archer City area.
Three Dog Books boasts a well selected stock of rare and interesting books for the bookman and the collector .Thousands of signed and first editions available along with reasonably priced reading copies are available at Three Dog Books (north side of the courthouse.) Open "by chance or appointment." Visit their website for upcoming events and to schedule an appointment.
Hunting
Archer County is known for various wildlife, including dove, deer, quail, turkey and wild hogs, as well as coyotes, bobcats and lions. Guided and year-round hunting are available from several individuals in the area. Please click here for a list of hunting opportunities.
Shooting Sports Complex
The Shooting Sports Complex is home to an excellent 4-H Shooting Sports program that has turned out many champions, some receiving national acclaim. A dedicated group of volunteers maintain the complex for the youth
Restored Courthouse
The 1892 Archer County Courthouse was designed by Fort Worth architect Alonzo Dawson. The original construction differs greatly from the courthouse seen today and featured a tall central tower. In 1926, the courthouse was dramatically remodeled by another prominent Fort Worth architect, Elmer G. Withers. The original tower was removed and a third floor of offices was added.
Due to the substantial changes and the importance of Withers, the restoration returned the courthouse to its 1926 appearance and configuration. Metal windows and stone infill from the 1960s were removed. Wood windows were installed to match the 1926 design. The contemporary lowered ceiling of the courtroom was removed and the District Court balcony restored. Wood floors throughout the building were uncovered from beneath layers of vinyl tile. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were replaced and the courthouse was made accessible to people with disabilities.
Archer County Museum & Jail
In, 1909 Archer County had outgrown it's original jail, a16 foot square frame building. Construction on this larger facility was completed in Sept. 1910. The sandstone structure was designed with living quarters for the Sheriff and his family on the ground floor. The 2nd and 3rd floors had cells and a hanging gallows which was never used. The first prisoner held in this jail was arrested for stealing a horse. More than 8000 prisoners were jailed here until the county opened a new facility in 1974.
The old jail now houses a museum of old Archer County items.
City Park
Burkett Park offers many activities including the newly installed Hilbers Playground, located adjacent to the park pavilion. Enjoy a picnic, some time to relax or let your kids run and play.
At the west end of the park, the Archer City Swimming Pool is a local "hot" spot during the summer. Pool hours are 12-6, Tuesday-Saturday.
Next to the swimming pool is the newly opened Miniature Golf Course, open Tuesday - Saturday, 7-10 p.m. The course is available for rent for private parties, birthday celebrations, etc.
Walking trails also descend into the local landscape near the entrance to the Miniature Golf Course.
Historical Markers Located throughout Archer County
Archer County is home to several noted events in Texas History. From the Early Bowman Church and Bowman Cemetery to the D.S. Dudley Wild West Show, if you're a history buff, you can easily spend the day visiting these sites.
For a thorough list of Historical Markers and locations in Archer County, Click Here.
