Snyder got its start in 1878 as a trading post for buffalo hunters and took its name from W.H. (Pete) Snyder, who operated the trading post. The area was once prime buffalo hunting territory, and on October 7, 1876, J. Wright Mooar shot and killed a rare white buffalo on Deep Creek about 10 miles northwest of Snyder. The White Buffalo is now considered Snyder's symbolic representation of uniqueness. A replica of the White Buffalo stands on the courthouse square, and the White Buffalo Festival held each October pays tribute that early phase of county history. In 1950 Snyder grew from a population of 4,000 to more than 12,000 after the discovery of Canyon Reef Oil Field. Now Snyder is in the center of the largest oil field in the world operated by a single entity. Other industries include petroleum processing, farming and ranching. For more information contact Snyder Chamber of Commerce Office at 325-573-3558.
Things to do in Snyder
A"maze" ing Fun Mazes
This unique attraction allows visitors to navigate their way through a maze cut into a live corn field. Mini-mazes, wagon rides, hay rides, tented picnic areas, and an area full of arts & crafts, antiques and collectibles are also available. Located off of Hwy 84 at Gafford Family Farms. Find Best Western Snyder Lodging nearby. Call 325-573-4136 for more information.
Big Spring State Park
Big Spring State Park is located in an area where three ecological regions merge. To the north and east are the western Rolling Plains; to the south is the Edwards Plateau; and to the west are the southern High Plains. The mixing of ecological regions results in a diverse variety of plant and animal life since representatives from each region often overlap in a relatively small area. Dramatic views from the loop road are one of the featured attractions of the 382-acre park. Early morning or sunset, joggers, walkers, and cyclists circle the loop. Campers enjoy stargazing or watching the sun set off the 200-foot bluff. An elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display is one of the largest in the region. Other activities include camping, picnicking, nature study, and sightseeing. From I-20 westbound, take exit 181A, and the park will be on the left. Call 432-263-4931 for more information.
J.B. Thomas Reservoir
J.B. Thomas Reservoir is located on the Colorado River, 12 miles southwest of Snyder. The lake provides excellent fishing, as well as picnic and camping areas. Camping is also available at Big Spring and Lake Colorado City state parks, located to the south just off Interstate 20. Call 432-263-4931 for more information.
Lake Alan Henry
Lake Alan Henry, on the Brazos River, is one of Texas' most beautiful lakes, and only a 35-minute drive from Snyder. The 2,880-acre lake offers excellent largemouth bass fishing. Call 806-775-2602 for more information.
Lake Colorado City State Park
Lake Colorado City was built in 1949 on Morgan Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, by Texas Electric Service Company to provide cooling water for the power plant, a water supply for Colorado City, and recreation. Morgan Creek Power Plant is the largest modern steam electric station in West Texas. Containing more than five miles of shoreline, the 500 acres of parkland afford numerous outdoor activities for lake swimmers, fisherman, skiers, jet-skiers, campers, hikers, and naturalists. Park visitors of all ages enjoy seeing part of the Texas Longhorn herd. The park is located about 11 miles southwest of Colorado City off Interstate 20 on FM 2836. Call 325-728-3931 for more information.
Scurry County Museum
Scurry County is rich in lore and legends of the Old West. At the Scurry County Museum visitors will find Indian relics, early box and strip houses, a chuck wagon, pioneer ranch and home articles representative of that time. Located at Western State College, 6200 College Avenue. Call 325-573-6107 for more information.
Towle Memorial Park
Towle Memorial Park is a popular municipal park with playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pool picnic areas, courts for croquet and tennis, a fishing lake and prairie dog town. See the last steam locomotive used by the Roscoe, Snyder and Pacific Railroad on display. Located at the south side to eh city on Texas 350.
Wagon Wheel Ranch
Wagon Wheel Ranch is a working dude ranch stocked with Texas Longhorn cattle. Trail rides might include moving a few of these Longhorns. Take US 84 north to FM1142. Call for reservations. Call 325-573-2123 for more information.
Western Texas College Golf Course
Western Texas College Golf Course is a 9-hole course open to the public. It is located on the college campus at 6200 College Avenue. Call 325-573-9291 for more information.
White Buffalo Statue
Located on the courthouse square, the status of the White Buffalo recalls frontier days and rare albino buffalo that were part of Snyder's history, and symbolize the uniqueness of the city. Several historical markers on the square detail the history.
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