Downtown Hillsboro is about as uncomplicated as it gets. Our safe city is full of friendly faces, and places to enjoy stress-free strolls, meals, shops, photogenic scenes, peeks inside our museums, courthouse views, and pop up events and festivals.
There's something for everyone here.
Downtown Hillsboro is rich in history and recognized for its lasting commitment to preservation and revitalization. Named one of the original five Texas Main Street cities in 1981, it has earned statewide and national recognition, including being ranked among America’s Top 10 Main Streets in 2018.
Centered around a stunning courthouse square, the district offers a vibrant mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and inviting gathering spaces. Visitors will also discover our downtown has beautifully preserved landmarks, charming upstairs lofts, and a variety of professional offices and salons—all contributing to the unique character and energy of this thriving downtown.
From May through October, downtown comes alive with festivals, concerts, and a popular Saturday farmers market. With three museums located right in the district, there’s always something to explore, experience, and enjoy.
(The following information is being updated)
The Hillsboro City Library
The building is a standing renaissance revival structure, and was built as a U.S. Post Office in 1913 and served this function until 1967, when it was sold to the City of Hillsboro and restored as the public library. The structure was designed as an adaptation of the Foundling Hospital of Florence, Italy, built by the Italian architect Ernest Kroner.
The Texas Theater
Originally the Palace Theater when opened in 1926, it was later renamed the Texas Theater in 1936 under Robb & Rowley. The iconic theater was a popular gathering place showing first-run movies, Westerns, and MovieTone newsreels that kept audiences connected to national news and World War II updates before television became common.
Today, the structure is under review, renovations and fundraising to restore and reopen as a multi use venue.
50 West Elm Street
Originally called the Sturgis National Bank, this building had a high Victorian gothic exterior when built in 1888 by Hughes and Company, a local architectural and building firm. The building was remodeled and the existing Greek revival exterior added after the turn of the century. The Sturgis National Bank was bought by Citizens National Bank which was organized in 1893.
