If you are looking for things to do in Leonard, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. The city has a number of activities to enjoy for the whole family. The local diner, Old Bank ice cream shop, Grapevine Vintage Railroad, and Leonard Zoo are all family-friendly attractions.
Sweetwater Bar-B-Que
Leonard has been known for its barbecue for over six decades. Famous patrons of the barbecue joint include Elvis, who frequently dined there. There are two distinct meat selections, including white meat and dark meat. Served on a bun with slaw and sauce, the barbecue is known as Leonard’s specialty. Owner Dan Brown began working at the restaurant as a sandwich boy in 1962, and later purchased the spot.
Bluff Dwellers Cave
For adventure lovers, the Bluff Dwellers Cave is a must-see attraction. Discovered in 1925, the cave is two miles south of the town of Noel. It has significant artifacts from the early inhabitants of the area. There are guided tours that last about an hour and a half, and gem panning is available in the museum. This attraction is recommended for people who like outdoor activities, but not necessarily cave-diving.
Uranus Fudge Factory
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Leonard, you might enjoy a visit to the Uranus Fudge Factory. This candy factory sells more than a dozen different flavors. You can sample the treats before purchasing a pound of your favorite. If you’re on a budget, you can also buy a gift box filled with fudge to take home.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or a unique gift, the Uranus Fudge Factory has it all. It offers up to 18 flavors daily, as well as candies, wooden hillbilly cellphones, jellies, jams, and rubber seagull masks. It also offers a shooting range and a food truck park, as well as a competitive axe-throwing arena.
Located on Historic Route 66, Uranus is a unique pit stop that appeals to all ages. Located off of Dixon, this town’s quirky atmosphere is sure to appeal to Route 66 buffs, Branson and Ozarks-goers, Rolla-area students, and soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood.
Leonard Community Center
The Leonard Community Center is a fully equipped meeting and event space. It is located on the west side of town near the intersection of Walnut Street and SW 8th Street. The facility’s rules and regulations govern the use of the facility. If you are planning to host an event at the Leonard Center, be sure to check with the facility’s staff to see if there are any restrictions.
The Leonard Community Center features a gymnasium, auditorium, meeting rooms, and a kitchen. This center hosts many events throughout the year, including basketball games, dances, concerts, and more. It also offers access to Lake Leonard, a manmade lake stocked with catfish, perch, bass, and a variety of other species. Those without boats can also use a fishing pier at the lake.
Pat Leonard was a student affairs vice chancellor who helped establish the student recreation center. He passed away on June 2, 2020, and the facility will be named in his honor. A ceremony honoring Leonard will be held at the student recreation center on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. The ceremony will follow COVID safety protocols. Face masks will be required for this event and all other events at the center.
Cliff Jones, a former Leonard Center student, credits his mentors for his success. He owes a great deal to his father and Mr. Jones for the guidance and advice they gave him. As a result, he is making a difference in the community.
Dining options
If you’re visiting the city of Leonard, you’ll want to consider some of the dining options available. Some of the local restaurants include Bahama Breeze and Louie’s Food & Spirit. Whether you’re looking for fast food or an authentic Cuban meal, Leonard has options for you.
Daycare facilities
Children can attend one of several daycare facilities in Leonard, Texas. The city has four licensed daycare facilities and an average of 1 child care center per 561 residents. These daycare facilities are generally used for children who are not yet old enough to attend school. The child care facilities in Leonard, Texas provide nutritious meals and a structured curriculum that is age appropriate.
The most common injuries that take place in daycare facilities are scrapes and bruises. These can happen from simple paper cuts or from falling while walking. However, parents should be alert for patterned bruises, which may indicate abuse or neglect. In addition, children can get into fights at daycare facilities. Unsupervised, this can lead to serious injuries.
