Mainstream Attractions
Two of the most well-known hot spots in Archer City include The Royal Theater and Booked Up.
The Royal Theater
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 and ticket information.
Bookstores
Booked Up, owned by Larry McMurtry, is open Monday - Sunday, 10-5. An internationally known source for rare and antiquarian books, Booked Up is located just off the south side of the square on Highway 79.
Archer City Country Club
The Archer City Country Club features a beautiful nine hole golf course. Hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Carts are available, and there is a snack bar. The Country Club is located at 1007 S. Ash. For more information please call 940-574-4322 or visit www.archercitycc.com.
Hunting
Archer County is known for various wildlife including dove, deer, quail, turkey, wild hogs, coyotes, bobcats and cougars. Guided and year-round hunting are available from several individuals in the area.
Archer County Courthouse
Due to a grant made possible by the Texas Historical Commission a restoration of the courthouse was completed in 2004, which 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 Jail
In 1909, Archer County had outgrown it's original jail, a 20 x 20 foot square building. Construction on this larger facility was completed in September 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 as well as a hanging gallow, which was never used.
The first prisoner held in this jail was arrested for stealing a horse. More than 8,000 prisoners were jailed here until the county opened a new facility in 1974. The old jail is located at 203 E. Plum; however, it is not open to the public.
City Park
Burkett Park offers many activities including the Hilbers Playground, located adjacent to the park pavillion. 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. The pool typically opens when school is out and closes when school resumes. Private parties are also available.
Next to the swimming pool is the Miniature Golf Course, which is also open during the summer. 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 Bowman Church and Bowman Cemetery to the D.S. Dudley Wild West Show, a history buff can easily spend the day visiting these sites.
City of Archer City, Texas -- (940) 574-4570 -- 118 S. Sycamore Street
The Royal Theater -- Initially made famous by The Last Picture Show, the Royal Theater has gained a reputation as a center of performing arts in North Texas. The Texasville Opry, numerous plays, and performances are hosted on a routine basis at The Royal.
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.
Archer City is a popular place for book lovers. Booked Up is internationally known for its volumes of rare, fine, and scholarly books. Thanks to the restoration of The Royal Theater, which was made famous by the 1971 Oscar winning movie, The Last Picture Show, Archer City has become a center for performing arts. The theater features The Texasville Opry and numerous live stage productions throughout the year.
In addition to finding your own first edition at our antiquarian book store, you can enjoy antiquing and shopping down Center Street, visit our restored Texas Courthouse, browse through the Archer County Museum, or take in a spectacular show at The Royal Theater.
We also invite you to play nine holes of golf at the Archer City Country Club or test your wits on our Miniature Golf Course. You can also relax under our covered pavillion at Burkett Park while your kids enjoy the Hilbers Playground, take a walk through the park on the Nature Trail, or head on over to the City Lake and try your luck fishing off of our pier. If you would like to cool off on a hot summer day, take a dive in our municipal swimming pool.
Looking to stay the night? Try out the unique Spur Hotel located just off the north side of the square on Highway 79. More information on the
Spur Hotel may be found on this page under Accommodations.
Looking to stay longer? We’d love to have you join us in Archer City, Texas. In no time, you will be enjoying our small town life, and we’re just 25 miles from Wichita Falls in case you get the urge to go to the city.
So sit back, relax, and soak up the uniqueness of our town. Whether it’s in person or simply by perusing our web site, you’ll discover Archer City is a great place to be!
