Centerville, Texas
Centerville, Texas
Oakwood, Texas
Leon County lies at the junction of the Blackland Prairies and the Post Oak Savanna, midway between Dallas and Houston. Established in 1846 and named for Martín De León, it offers a balance of history, small-town Texas life, and scenic outdoor caching. From courthouse squares and farm roads to the rolling woods of Fort Boggy State Park, Leon County is a quiet but rewarding place for explorers filling in their county map.
County seat: Centerville
Incorporated cities: Centerville, Buffalo, Jewett, Normangee, Marquez, Oakwood
Unincorporated communities: Concord, Robbins, Keechi, Flynn, Leona, Wheelock Prairie, and rural settlements near the Trinity River bottomlands
Why visit: Right in the middle of Texas, Centerville combines a classic courthouse square with local cafés and a few sneaky caches hidden nearby.
History: Established in 1850 as the new county seat after the formation of Leon County; the 1887 courthouse still anchors downtown.
Parks & starts: The courthouse square, city park, and small roadside pull-offs along TX-7 are ideal for easy grabs or a mini multi.
Pro tip: Great spot to meet other cachers traveling between Houston and Dallas — Centerville sits right off I-45.
Why visit: A bustling I-45 stop with parks, restaurants, and plenty of roadside cache opportunities.
History: Settled in the 1870s and grew rapidly with the Houston & Texas Central Railway.
Parks & starts: Harriman Park, Buffalo City Park, and roadside turnouts along the interstate frontage roads.
Pro tip: Pair your Buffalo stops with a detour south toward Fort Boggy State Park for more challenging hides and wooded trails.
Why visit: A charming railroad town with art murals, antiques, and a growing list of park caches.
History: Founded in the 1870s as a shipping point for the International–Great Northern Railroad.
Parks & starts: Harriman Park (yes, there’s one in Jewett too!), the sculpture garden downtown, and local trailheads.
Why visit: Straddling the Leon–Madison County line, Normangee offers small-town character, quiet drives, and great opportunities for dual-county caching.
History: Founded around 1905 along the Trinity & Brazos Valley Railway; long known for its agricultural roots and community events.
Parks & starts: Normangee City Park and school grounds (with permission), plus FM-39 roadside stops heading toward Flynn.
Why visit: Tiny, friendly community surrounded by farmland and oak stands.
History: Established in the 1890s along the railroad and still home to a few historic churches and family cemeteries.
Parks & starts: Marquez City Park, roadside pull-offs on SH-7, and quiet rural lanes.
Why visit: A small, tree-lined town near the Trinity River and western edge of the Piney Woods — great spot for nature caching.
History: Incorporated in 1904; long known as a lumber and rail town.
Parks & starts: Oakwood City Park and wooded trails along the east side of town.
Leona – Old stagecoach stop and early settlement south of Centerville; small cemeteries and great roadside hides.
Flynn – Quiet rural area between Normangee and Marquez; low-traffic farm roads perfect for quick stops.
Robbins – Northeast Leon County; scenic backroads and forest creeks.
Keechi – East side near the Trinity River; good for river overlook caches.
Concord – Near the FM 1511 corridor; peaceful agricultural scenery.
Fort Boggy State Park (south of Centerville): 1,800+ acres with hiking trails, a fishing lake, and shady picnic sites.
Leon County Courthouse (Centerville): 1887 red-brick beauty restored to its original style
Buffalo City Park & Murals: Quick urban hides between meals or gas stops.
Trinity River Bottomlands: Remote country roads for “lonely cache” challenges.
Railroad Heritage Trails: Found across Buffalo, Jewett, and Marquez — follow the old right-of-way for a nostalgic cache route.
Combine Buffalo → Centerville → Marquez → Oakwood for a satisfying full-day loop.
Many hides here are small, rural, and clever — bring tweezers, pens, and a sense of adventure.
Respect ranch fences and posted signs; stay roadside or public right-of-ways.
Don’t skip Fort Boggy — it’s one of the region’s best mix-terrain caching spots.