Hutto is one of the United States boomtowns. This small city is expanding rapidly in terms of population and public improvement. Even if you’re passing by Austin or Round Rock, Hutto is worth checking out.
The hippo town is full of gorgeous parks where you can enjoy a serene afternoon with the family. Hutto is also perfect if you want a feel of small-town life. The community there is incredibly friendly, and there are constant events and fun throughout the city. So, keep reading to find out everything you need about Hutto, Texas.
About Hutto, Texas
Hutto is a city in Williamson County in the Metropolitan Area that connects Austin to Round Rock. It’s a pretty small city, extending only 7.7 square miles.
This small city is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas too. In just a few years, Hutto’s population went from 1,250 in 2000, to about 30,000 in 2020.
Where Is Hutto?
Hutto is only 22 miles north of Austin, the capital of Texas. It’s also only seven miles away from Round Rock. This superb location allows Hutto to retain its small-town charm while not being secluded.
What’s Hutto Known for?
Hutto is probably most popular for its community mascot, the Hutto Hippo! Though there aren’t any actual hippos in Hutto, the town currently has over 3,000 concrete hippos.
It’s hard to trace the origins of this unique mascot. Some people presume it’s due to the local high school football team looking as big as hippos next to their smaller opponents.
Alternatively, a local folktale tells the story of a passing circus that lost its hippo. The circus workers finally found the hippo relaxing in Cottonwood Creek.
There’s no way to be certain of why Hutto became the hippo nation. It’s certainly a unique mascot though since there’s no other community in the United States popular for Hippos!
What to Do in Hutto
Hutto isn’t a large city by any means, but it definitely makes for the most interesting trip. There are many activities and entertainment options in this small town. You can do any of the following:
- Shopping in the town center
- Visiting the numerous parks around Hutto
- Taking pictures with the many hippo statues
- Visiting Hutto during the holidays to attend the special events and parades
Even walking around Hutto can be quite relaxing. That’s because you’ll get to savor the unparalleled small town life of Hutto. Still, if you’re unsure where to begin, try any of the following options:
Hutto Lake Park
One of the best places in Hutto is Lake Park. The park is fully equipped with restrooms, playgrounds, and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy. The trail along the lake is a mile long, making for great walks overlooking gorgeous scenery.
It’s important that you know it can get rather hot and sunny in Hutto. So, it’s best to visit these parks early in the day or at dusk. This way, you’ll keep yourself safe from the heat, and you’ll get to watch the mesmerizing sunset too.
Fritz Park
If you’re in Hutto, Fritz Park is a must-visit. This park isn’t overly crowded, so you’ll have the benefit of taking private walks along the trails. The park also has multiple playgrounds for children, and well-maintained restrooms.
Fritz Park is one of the best places to have a barbecue in Hutto. That’s because it’s quite spacious, and you’ll have multiple spots to set up your picnic. You might barbecue by the volleyball course, or by the breathtaking flower meadow.
Old Town
You can’t go to Hutto without passing by the Old Town. Once you visit this area, you’ll get a sense of what the small town life of Hutto is really like. The historic district is lined with Italianate-style late Victorian buildings.
You can make a whole day out of only walking around Old Town. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and bars. In fact, the newly reconstructed Farley Street even won the 2013 Texas Downtown Association Award for Best Public Improvement. Needless to say, it’s worth a visit.
Events
There’s a lot of fun to be had in Hutto. In particular, Hutto is famous for the two-day Old Tyme Days festival set in October each year.
If you happen to be in Hutto during Christmas, you might catch the Old Town Christmas festival. They light the big tree at Old Town during this event and celebrate with the Downtown Christmas fair.
If you want a taste of the local brewery found in Hutto, make sure to be there in April for Red, White, and Brews. You’ll get to savor plenty of local wine and beer and enjoy local cuisine and live entertainment.
That’s not all, each Friday, make sure to support the Hippo nation by wearing orange for #HippoNationFridays!
Where to Eat in Hutto
- Downtown Hall of Fame – this highly-rated restaurant serves all-American food, which you’ll get to enjoy while listening to local bands and musicians.
- Happy Panini – There are various food trucks all around Hutto for a quick snack. Happy Panini is the best for authentic Italian sandwiches.
- Hippo Cafe – The appropriately named local cafe serves the best breakfast and lunch in a genuine small town ambiance, allowing you to experience the true hometown cooking of Hutto.
- Stockade Kitchen – This restaurant has the best American comfort food at a reasonable price.
- Taco Casa Hutto – You can’t visit any Texan city without grabbing some authentic Mexican food.
- Julio’s – Popular for their friendly service and large portions, make sure to try Julio’s for a Mexican bite.
- Fast Food Chains – If you don’t like trying new things, Hutto also has various chain restaurants such as Panda Express, Chipotle, Chili’s, and KFC.
Where to Stay in Hutto
- Hamptons Inn and Suites – A perfect location near all most restaurants and shops—only a mile away from the iconic Hutto White Hippo statue too!
- Holiday Inn Express – Though there aren’t many lodging options in Hutto, you can certainly depend on the many locations of Holiday Express.
- Redbud Ranch Cabin and RV resort – Perfect if you’re on a cross-country trip. You can also rent cozy cabins there!
- Austin Marriott North – since Round Rock is only a couple of minutes’ drive away from Hutto, it’d make sense to stay at this top-rated, four-star hotel.
- Towneplace Suites by Marriott – Also in Round Rock, this hotel offers luxury suites, free breakfast, and even an outdoor pool.
- La Quinta Inn and Suites – This hotel is just a few minutes away from Hutto, and seven miles away from Austin.
Weather in Hutto Texas
Like most southern cities, Hutto’s climate is hot and dry. The cold season only lasts for about three months, from December to February. The muggy season lasts from March to September.
This means the best time to visit Hutto is late May to October. This way, you’ll get to experience the small town during the summertime when it’s most lively.
Hutto FAQs
Is Hutto safe?
Hutto is significantly safer than other cities in the U.S. It has lower crime rates than 92% of similar communities.
Is Hutto affordable?
Hutto’s a highly affordable city. Hutto’s cost of living and housing is about 4% lower than the U.S. average. There are also many living options in Hutto, this includes established suburban neighborhoods to newly-built urban houses.
References
- Hutto Hippos: huttotx.gov
- Texas Downtown Association Award for Best Public Improvement: bizjournal.com
- #HippoNationFriday: huttotx.gov
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
