Crumbling walls are all that remains of the building that once housed Salado College. The Native Garden at College Park is an outdoor learning lab for students and adults.

Along a path around the Salado College Ruins (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), there are informational plaques that tell the history of the college.

This site changes with the seasons; it is seeded with wildflowers that bloom in the spring and in the cool fall the native Red Oaks and Flameleaf Sumac put on their splendor of colorful leaves.

Several pocket gardens bordered with limestone have a variety of native plantings including Lantana, Sages, Gregg’s Mistflower, Turk’s Cap, Skullcap, Iris and small native trees such as Mexican Redbud, Mountain Laurel and Possumhaw Holly.  The Mexican Redbud and Mountain Laurel put on their show in the spring and in the winter the Possumhaw Holly is beaded with brilliant red berries that brighten up the landscape.

Historic Site #28

One, two, three goats and a bridge
With a troll whose gullible, just a smidge
So the classic story goes
And how it ends every literate child knows!
Stand-off here or camaraderie?
Well, you’ll just have to come down and see!

On the South approach of Salado’s historic Dodd’s Creek Pedestrian Bridge (which has much to commend it in its own right) you will find this ‘life size,’ cast bronze sculpture grouping by local artist Troy Kelley. Kelley’s most famous local work is that of Sirena, down in the spring, but this detailed ‘stand off’ is well worth a visit all its own.

Finished in 2000 and placed in 2001. You decide who’s the GRUFF here: Billy or the Troll!

Dodd’s Creek Lenticular Truss Bridge is one of many patented truss designs developed in the mid- to late-19th century, this 87-foot lenticular truss bridge features a curved top and bottom chord which forms a lens shape.  This bridge originally was located across Cowhouse Creek and later was moved to Dodd’s Creek.  In 1990, the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation recognized the bridge as a historically significant engineering structure. The Dodd’s Creek bridge was moved to this site (Campbell Branch) in 1997 to improve the flow of traffic, protect pedestrians and enhance the Salado Historic District. (RTHL)

One of many patented truss designs developed by American inventors and engineers in the mid- to late-19th century, this 87-foot lenticular truss bridge represents an unusual truss type in the United States. The lenticular design features a curved top and bottom chord which forms a lens shape. The patent, issued to William O. Douglas of Connecticut in 1878, was the only one given for a lenticular truss bridge in the United States. Most were constructed in the New England area and in New York state. Through the efforts of William Payson, a salesman for Douglas’ Berlin Iron Bridge Company, Texas acquired at least a dozen truss bridges in the late 19th century. The Coryell County Commissioners Court contracted with the Berlin Iron Bridge Company to build four lenticular truss bridges for $16,500 in 1889. This bridge originally was located across Cowhouse Creek and later was moved to Dodd’s Creek. In 1990 the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation identified eight lenticular truss bridges surviving in Texas. Four of the spans were located in San Antonio; the other four were positioned on out-of-service roadways. The only examples of this rare bridge type west of the Mississippi, they are recognized as historically significant engineering structures. The Society for Industrial Archeology and Historic American Engineering Record, a branch of the National Park Service, also have recognized the importance of the Texas lenticular bridges as products of a short-lived but important period of bridge technology in 19th century engineering history. The Dodd’s Creek bridge was moved to this site in 1997 to improve the flow of traffic, protect pedestrians and enhance the Salado Historic District. (2000)

THIS IS A STOP ON THE SALADO LANDMARKS TOUR – PLEASE RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF ANY PRIVATE BUSINESS OR RESIDENTS AT THIS LANDMARK.

This garden provides the backdrop for educational programs, and developed and maintained by the Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and 1st Monday Gardeners.

Stop by and see the Mountain Laurel, Rock Penstemon, Esperanza, Chilie Pequin, Golden Yellow Shrimp Plant, Pink Skull Cap, Mexican Bush Sage, Purple, Trailing Lantana, Tropical Milkweed, Russian Sage, Turk’s Cap, Salvia Greggi, and Gold Lantana flowering plants.

Nestled within a picturesque natural terrain, this garden harmoniously intertwines with gentle walkways and inviting seating, creating an inviting space where the realm of fine art becomes accessible to all.

Immerse yourself in the boundless creativity where a diverse array of artists, have fostered a deep connection to artistic expression.

This enchanting pocket garden was meticulously designed in partnership with Texas Master Gardeners, adding a layer of horticultural expertise that complements the artistic splendor. Through the synergy of these organizations, the Salado Sculpture Garden emerges as a testament to unity, creativity, and the transformative power of art within a natural oasis.

This native garden enhances the concession stand and connects to the quarter-mile trail that is a part of the historic Tablerock Amphitheater.

The hub of the village, the library draws residents and visitors alike. Our mission is to offer technology, pertinent resources, and engaging programs, all geared toward fostering a profound appreciation for reading and lifelong learning. We aspire to  be a bastion of innovation, a haven for communal gatherings, and a catalyst for enriching the intellects and experiences of every patron.

Central to our purpose is the provision of a diverse range of materials and services. We offer an array of books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, e-books, e-audiobooks, databases, and public computers. Furthermore, we extend faxing and printing services to cater to practical needs. Enriching the library experience, we offer free WiFi, comprehensive computer and internet training, resources for job searches, valuable reference aid, engaging Storytime sessions, and a plethora of dedicated events designed to captivate and educate.