The Original Texas Tourist Guide - Since 1997 with over 60
Categories of Tourist Information. Celebrating Great Years!

Pronounced LAY-key, Leakey has served as the county seat of Real County since 1913. Nestled in an area of striking natural beauty, it's often called “The Swiss Alps of Texas” for its dramatic hill country vistas. Elevations here range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet, where the Frio and Nueces Rivers carve out deep canyons, offering postcard-worthy scenery and outdoor adventure.

The Frio River is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, offering everything from whitewater rapids and serene flats to cool swimming holes and excellent fishing spots.

Real County Courthouse in Leakey, Texas

John Leakey arrived in Texas in 1847 and was one of the first white settlers in Frio Canyon by 1853. The town of Leakey was established in 1883 and named in his honor. A successful businessman, Indian fighter, and pioneer, John—along with his wife Nance—helped shape the area’s early history. Today, several historical markers stand on the courthouse grounds commemorating their legacy.

Frio River at spillway.

Whether you're into fishing, boating, birdwatching, camping, horseback riding, cycling, or simply floating down the Frio River, Leakey has something for everyone. The winding mountain roads and breathtaking overlooks make every drive an experience, and chances are, after one visit, your family and friends will want to return again and again.

The Frio Canyon area holds deep archeological significance. Excavations have uncovered evidence of Paleo-American, Archaic, and Neo-American cultures. In more recent history, the Lipan Apache, Comanche, and Tonkawa peoples lived in or traveled through this land, leaving a rich cultural tapestry behind.

Local Tourist Attractions

The Rio Frio Landmark Oak - Rio Frio 

Visit nearby San Antonio's theme parks: Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio.

Sunset Bat Flights - Concan 

Visit Wonder World, a theme park also known as the 1st show cave in Texas, in nearby San Marcos.

State Parks

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Fredericksburg, TX
Hike up the massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

Garner State Park - Cancon, TX
This park has 1419.8 acres of recreational facilities in northern Uvalde County. There are 10 water acres along the Frio River.

Lost Maples State Natural Area - Vanderpool, TX
This area has 2174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, located north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River. Lost Maples has about 200,000 visitors on an annual basis.

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area - 6 miles NE of Rocksprings
See this unique collapsed cavern. Tours available to the public.

Local Museums

Pioneer Museum - Fredericksburg, TX
Do you think you have what it takes to live in the 1840s? Without smartphones, Facebook, cars, plumbing...?

Vereins Kirche Museum - Fredericksburg, TX
This building is a replica built in 1934 (the original was torn down in the late 1890s), but the Vereins Kirche was the original church, school and fort for the heart 120+ souls that founded Fredericksburg in 1846.

National Museum of the Pacific War (home of the Admiral Nimitz Museum) - Fredericksburg, TX
Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, commander of the US Pacific Fleet in WWII, was born in Fredericksburg on February 24, 1885. The museum is considered of the one finest museums celebrating the war in the Pacific.

Briscoe-Garner Museum - Uvalde
Named after Texas Govenor Dolph Briscoe and President Franklin Roosevelt's first Vice President, John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner . 

Sabinal Canyon Museum - Utopia
Pioneer farm implements and household items, geological and Indian artifact exhibits.

The Real County Historical Museum - Leakey
Celebrating the heritage of Real County for over 100 years.

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum - near Vanderpool
A collection of motorcycles dating from 1910's to the 1980's.

Local Services

• Landscape Lighting / Outdoor Lights San Antonio