Slaton, Texas Tour
Welcome to the Slaton, Texas Tour Home page. In many ways, Slaton is indeed the iconic small American town, large enough to have some nice amenities such as restaurants, shops as well as entertaining museums too, but small enough that most people seem to know each other. Not just know each other but actually, be close to each other. One could picture Jimmy Steward walking down the street in “It’s a Wonderful Life” except he would most likely be wearing jeans rather than a suit. Furthermore, it is also a historical town too, founded by the Santa Fe Railway as a company town on June 15, 1911.
Slaton also has a large German influence. Some of the first settlers to the area were German immigrants and later, after the town was formed, the first priest at the Catholic church advertised for German settlers in Midwest and Texas German newspapers. It’s the best place around to celebrate Octoberfest.
This is a town that enjoys its history and retains a lot of it. It’s fun to drive about the city to see the old houses, many from the 1930s, some from the early part of the 20th Century. And of course, there is the town square, seeped in the history of a railway town. Please enjoy exploring a tour of Slaton, Texas
Why Visit Slaton, Texas?
Time Travel
Sometimes we wish we could return to a simpler time. Of course, that’s impossible, but driving down a street like West Garza, with its many houses dating from the early 1900s through 1945, or exploring the historic town square one can get lost in an earlier period. Or what about spending a night in a museum, such as the old Harvey House, now a restored bed and breakfast and event venue? Slaton, Texas was created as a company town by the Santa Fe Railway, and all about the town there are reminders at the Harvey House next to very active train tracks, in the downtown Museum, the 1809 train engine on the square, and the Model Railway Studio.
It doesn’t stop there. A visit to the sprawling Air Museum is exciting for old and young. There are dozens of historic aircraft from ancient biplanes to modern jets, plus a host of museum displays for every war that has been fought with aircraft.
Slaton, Texas is a city that is proud of its heritage and has made a remarkable effort to preserve its history.
Food is Fun
Slaton has some very good restaurants serving a variety of different food, though three establishments really stand out.
For example, Slaton has a proud German heritage and the Texas 1809 Restaurant is the only restaurant in West Texas that serves genuine German Cuisine. It also serves very fine Americana as well. The restaurant is situated just across the street from the 1809 train engine on this historic town square and includes a patio for summer dining. On many Saturday evenings, they also have live entertainment
Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ is on South Highway 84 next to the 9th Street Turnoff. Texas Monthly, Bowers Barbecue, and Texas Monthly Reporter have all raved about this quaint establishment. It may very well be the best Barbeque in the Texas Panhandle, and maybe beyond. It’s certainly worth the short drive to Slaton.
The Slaton Bakery on the Square in Slaton is perhaps the best-known of all the food establishments. With over 100 years of continuous service, they rank near the top of the historic Texas Bakeries. Not surprisingly, some of their baked goods are also distributed to outlets such as H.E.B. Grocery stores. But nothing can beat a trip to the downtown location and the selection of baked goods available.
Shopping
While shopping in Slaton, Texas may not be as unique as some of its eateries if you love antiques, there is a wonderful Antique Mall that occupies the same building as the downtown Museum, It has some 31 stalls that may prove very interesting.
Additionally, there is a gallery with unique art and jewelry, as well as several stores that sell hand-crafted clothing and accessories. The flower shop on the square has been in operation for over 50 years and has a variety of gifts. Come for the food, but enjoy a walkabout and some shopping in this historic district.
Big Celebrations and Big Events
Every year Slaton has some very notable and fun events that attract large crowds for a small city. This is small-town America at its best. Beginning in June, A massive air show takes place in June 2023 on the 10th of the month. The show takes place at Slaton Airport. Next up is the July 4th Celebration at Slaton Park on 15th Street and West Garza. It includes music performed by area musicians, games, raffles, and lots of food. With Slaton’s German heritage, the city celebrates Oktoberfest with its St. Joseph’s Sausagefest on the 3rd Sunday in October. There is great food, music, and of course adult beverages. At the end of October on the 31st, there is the Trunk or Treat Holloween celebration on the Town Square from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, a safe and fun event sponsored by local businesses. Finally on the 1st Saturday in December, there is the Small Town Christmas taking place between 4:00 and 8:00 PM. The Main activities happen on the town Square with food, music, and other entertainment, but other companies around Slaton get in on the act, including the Harvey House where hayrides deliver children for a visit with Santa.
