Northwest of Waco, Bosque County rolls with hills and is dotted with trees. Here, the rivers that bulge into lakes, surrounded by verdant pastures. Clifton, Texas, features a quaint downtown core with shopping, restaurants, art galleries and its Art Alley. It’s that beauty that attracted the early settlers and then the artists. It hosts annual juried art shows and is a cultural hub.
Velkommen to Texas
A few hundred years ago, it seemed like half of Europe boarded ships sailing for Texas. The sun was plentiful, and the land was free if they secured a land grant. The Germans and the Czech Moravians made their mark in Central Texas with biergartens, kolaches and sausage all over the region.
However, a smaller number of Norwegians settled in Texas in the 1850s. Cleng Peerson established Norwegian communities across the U.S., including Wisconsin and Minnesota. After living in the Dallas area, Peerson moved to Bosque County in 1854. Soon after, the Texas legislature granted Peerson a parcel of 320 acres.
Norwegian settlers followed Peerson, including Jens Ringness, whose son later invented the disc plow. Unfortunately, he died young under a cloud of mystery with his life savings missing. His invention was never patented.
Peerson is buried at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, home to the Norse Community and cultural events. To honor his contribution, FM 219 is named the Cleng Peerson Memorial Highway in Bosque County.
Clifton and the surrounding area is the Norwegian Capital of Texas. Visitors will see the Norwegian flag flying across the region and gnomes playfully positioned along the streets.
Even better, according to the BBC, Norwegians use the term texas (with a lowercase t) as slang for wild or crazy. For a native Texan with legendary Texas roots, I take it as a compliment.
Top Arty Things to Do in Clifton Texas
Bosque Museum
Bosque Arts Center
Art Alley + Cell Block
Cliftex Theatre
Edwin Olsen Railroad Museum
Clifton Classic Chassis & The Golden Age Gallery of Art
Heritage Plaza
Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory
Wander Downtown and Spot the Gnomes
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Bosque Museum
This small town museum is a part of the Texas Prehistoric Trail, featuring sites from Florence’s dig site through Clifton and to Glen Rose’s dinosaur tracks. Back in the 1970s, Albert Redder and Frank Watt excavated a grave with a prehistoric man and a teen buried with shells and minerals.
The active dig site, named the Horn Shelter, was originally along the Brazos River. The interpretive display walks visitors through the discovery, one of only three Paleo-American burial sites from 11,000 years ago.
Also, visitors can learn about the diverse history of the area at the native animal display. Walk through exhibits outfitted with early Texas antiques to learn about pioneer history, along with the Norwegians in Texas. Outside, the Jacob Olson cabin offers a glance into the rustic past.
Located at 301 Avenue Q. Open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Adult admission (11 and older) is $5.
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Bosque Arts Center
The arts are alive in Clifton, Texas. The former Clifton College, from 1923, is a multi-use community complex, performance space and art gallery. Marrying the original building with a modern metal addition, it’s home to numerous stage productions with a modern theatre and a historic performance hall.
The Bosque Arts Center hosts artist openings throughout the year, like the Bosque Art Classic. The annual exhibition and sale is a nationally acclaimed show. The 40th Annual Bosque Art Classic opens to the general public on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and runs through Saturday, September 27th.
In addition to fine arts, see photography and pottery. Check out its calendar for monthly events, from concerts to culinary events.
Located at 215 College Hill Drive. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday for special events. Free to enter.
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Art Alley + Cell Block
Most visitors to Clifton do a double-take when a pop of color drags their eyes to this unassuming alley. Local artists created a fantastical outdoor art installation with murals from the ground to the roof on the backs of the historical buildings.
In addition to the must-see arts of Clifton, visitors will find a unique lodging option. The Cell Block is the former jail and is available for the night. It might be whitewashed, but you’ll find jailhouse doors on the inside. As a bonus feature, the roof boasts a seating area with patio lights and a fire pit.
Located between North Avenues D and E.
Cliftex Theatre
See a flick in the 1916 Cliftex Theatre, the oldest continuously running theater in the state. Some weekends bring the classics to the big screen; others see the best of Hollywood’s new blockbusters. Find a seat in an intimate theater with a digital projection system.
Located at 305 W. 5th St. Open Thursday to Sunday with afternoon and evening showings.
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Edwin Olsen Railroad Museum
The blast of the train horn reminds visitors of Clifton’s presence on the main line from Austin to the Metroplex. Nearby McGregor is an Amtrak stop east of Waco.
See the original Santa Fe Depot, built in 1901, at the Edwin Olsen Railroad Museum. Owned by the City of Clifton, it features memorabilia from the golden years of train travel.
Located at 204 N. Avenue E.
Clifton Classic Chassis & The Golden Age Gallery of Art
This is your destination for vintage cars from the golden age at the Clifton Classic Chassis. With nearly 40 cars from the 1940s to the 1980s, get your vintage car fix, especially domestics.
Located at 406 W. 5th St. Open on Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.
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Heritage Plaza
As a small-town Texas artist’s community, Heritage Square in downtown Clifton features public art. The On the Banks of the Bosque bronze by Bruce Greene depicts a cowboy astride his horse, taking a moment to rest.
Located on W. 5th St., across from the Clifton Classic Chassis. Free and open from dawn to dusk.
Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory
Calling the dark sky lovers, the Meyer Observatory offers night-sky programming. The Central Texas Astronomical Society hosts events open to the public.
Located in the Turner Research Station at 14801 FM 182, outside Clifton. Star parties are offered on Saturdays once a month.
Downtown Clifton Shopping
With Norwegian gnomes guiding the way, stroll the main streets of Avenue D and 5th Street. Travelers will find a collection of antique shops with vintage finds, along with art galleries and boutiques.
Market at Mill sells boutique items and vintage pieces. Located at 317 W. 3rd St. in the historic Dansby Feed Mills building,
Bosque County Emporium is located at 121 N. Avenue D.
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Where to Eat and Sip in Clifton Texas
Clifton offers several restaurants in its historic core. In addition, visitors will find a tasting room. I recommend you keep a look for the colorful gnomes that dot the downtown businesses.
The Corner Drug Cafe is in a former pharmacy. Under its beadboard ceiling, you’ll find a menu with breakfast and lunch items along with barista coffee favorites.
Located at 102 N Ave. Dr. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Olaf’s Restaurant is in a renovated gas station with an outdoor patio. A chef-driven menu features American classics along with a Sunday brunch.
Located at 215 W 3rd St., Clifton. Open Thursday and Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Red Caboose Winery is the place to sample the bounty of the area. Wine drinkers will find a wine with varietals like Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Lenoir, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Fran/Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and red blends. Its white varietals include Banc Du Bosque, Viognier, and Roussanne.
Located at 903 S. Avenue G. Open Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Where to Stay in Clifton Texas
In the historic town center, the Screen Door Inn features seven rooms, each named and unique. Enchanting details like clawfoot tubs and writing desks welcome visitors to the area. Breakfast is available at the Corner Drug Cafe, a sister property. Located at 110 N. Avenue D.
The Cell Block is located at 120 Clifton Art Alley.
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