Farris Wheel

The **Farris Wheel** at Tara Farms, located just outside Killeen, is a distinctive Central Texas gem known primarily as a premier rustic event venue. While categorized as a "campground" in some listings, it is best understood by local Texans as a versatile **country escape** and event center set amidst the natural landscape of Tara Farms, a private ranch. This family-owned facility blends rustic charm with high-end amenities, making it a perfect spot for everything from romantic weddings to large family **gatherings/reunions** and group retreats.

The structure itself is hard to miss—a gorgeous, barnyard-red building featuring a stunning Austin-stone fireplace and impressive glass-paned overhead doors that open to integrate the indoor space with the expansive Texas outdoors. The venue was built with a vision for fun and community, featuring a super-sized oak **dance floor** that calls out for celebration. Its history, inspired by Texas dance hall legends, infuses the space with genuine Central Texas heritage.

For guests looking for a temporary retreat or an extended stay associated with an event, the property offers accommodations that function like a campground or rustic lodging, providing a quiet and peaceful environment away from the city bustle. The facility's commitment to quality is consistently highlighted in customer feedback, with mentions of **clean and well-stocked restrooms** and an **ample kitchen area**, ensuring comfort during any gathering. It is an excellent destination for a countryside getaway, providing an authentic Texas ranch experience.

Farris Wheel is beautifully situated on Tara Farms, a private game ranch outside of Killeen, Texas. This setting provides the tranquility of the countryside while remaining accessible for Texans traveling from major metropolitan areas like Austin and Waco, which are only about an hour's drive away. Its location off Maxdale Road positions it deep enough into the rural landscape to feel like a true escape, yet close enough to Killeen for logistical convenience.

The facility is conscious of its visitors' needs, particularly concerning accessibility and parking.

Physical Address:
13682 Maxdale Rd, Killeen, TX 76549, USA

Accessibility features for a smooth arrival include:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** The main facility is designed to welcome all guests.
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot:** Designated spots ensure convenient access to the venue.
• **On-site parking:** Ample paved and well-lit parking is available for events and guest stays.
• The rural Maxdale Road location offers a scenic approach, immediately transporting guests into the charm of Central Texas's rolling landscape.

While the Farris Wheel is an event venue at its core, its services extend to lodging and hospitality provisions essential for a multi-day retreat or camping-style stay. These services focus on comfort, convenience, and hosting large groups.

The full range of available services and facilities includes:

• **Event Space Rental:** The main "Red Barn" venue is available for weddings, parties, and corporate retreats, offering a large hall, a front room, and a massive **super-sized dance floor** (35’ x 40’).
• **Guest Accommodations:** For multi-day events, the venue offers three attached cabins/bedrooms for overnight stays. These rooms include private bathrooms and showers, providing a comfortable lodging option for guests.
• **Fully-Equipped Kitchen:** A separate kitchen building provides an **ample kitchen area** that is fully equipped, which is crucial for groups utilizing outside catering or preparing meals for themselves.
• **Restroom Facilities:** Guests can expect high-quality, **clean and well-stocked restrooms** within the main facility, designed to accommodate large event capacities.
• **Bar Area Provisions:** The space includes a stunning mesquite bar area, along with refrigerated space, kegerators, and freezer space, facilitating beverage service for events (BYOB is often allowed).
• **Equipment Rental:** The venue gladly provides tables (round and rectangular) and chairs for up to 200 people, simplifying event planning logistics.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** The property is designated as **Good for kids**, and the expansive outdoor spaces are well-suited for family activities.

The distinct features of the Farris Wheel are what truly set it apart, creating a memorable destination for any event or Texas countryside break.

• **Architectural Charm:** The facility is a vintage, rustic red barn venue spanning 7,200 square feet. Its centerpiece is the white Austin-stone fireplace, and the design skillfully uses six huge glass-paned overhead doors to merge the indoor and outdoor environments.
• **Flexible Spaces:** The event space is highly flexible, including a smaller front room, the main dance hall, a wrap-around outdoor patio with lighting, and extensive outdoor grounds among the trees.
• **Private Ranch Setting:** Located on Tara Farms, a private game ranch established in 1972, the venue provides a picturesque backdrop of rolling native prairies and Central Texas wildlife, offering an unparalleled sense of space and seclusion.
• **Full-Service Event Capability:** The venue is designed as a "one-stop shop" for large events like weddings, capable of hosting the ceremony, rehearsal dinner, and reception, with sleeping accommodations nearby.
• **On-Site Lodging:** The availability of three furnished **cabins** or bedrooms with private showers and bathrooms allows for overnight stays, which is a major convenience for wedding parties or retreat participants.
• **Cleanliness and Comfort:** Customer reviews frequently highlight the excellent condition of the venue, specifically mentioning the cleanliness of the facilities and the overall well-maintained grounds, which is a testament to the family ownership's attention to detail.

The Farris Wheel is a family-operated business that prides itself on direct, friendly communication. Contact the venue directly to inquire about date availability, pricing, and to schedule a visit to the grounds.

Campground Name/Event Venue:
Farris Wheel at Tara Farms

Address:
13682 Maxdale Rd, Killeen, TX 76549, USA

Primary Phone:
(254) 681-4833

Secondary Phone:
(254) 723-4088 (Often listed for direct contact with the owners)

Email Contact:
info@farriswheelvenue.com (The best way to submit detailed inquiries and request quotes)

For Texans planning a major event or seeking a tranquil group retreat space in Central Texas, the Farris Wheel at Tara Farms offers a unique and highly desirable combination of features. What makes this venue exceptionally worth choosing is its ability to provide a complete, private, and customizable countryside experience.

Instead of a transient campground, you are choosing a **fully-appointed destination** that can handle up to 350 guests for a party, and then provide clean, comfortable lodging for a smaller group to stay overnight. The high level of service and the unique inclusions—such as the massive dance floor, the stunning mesquite bar, the full kitchen, and the on-site cabins—eliminate the need to coordinate multiple vendors and locations. The inclusion of **tables and chairs for up to 250 people** is a significant value add for event organizers.

The commitment to cleanliness, especially the **clean and well-stocked restrooms** that are noted in customer reviews, is a major factor for comfort when hosting a large gathering. Ultimately, the Farris Wheel offers an authentic and charming **Central Texas country escape** with the operational convenience of a modern, full-service venue, all tucked away on a beautiful, private ranch near Killeen. It delivers a rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere that is both **Good for kids** and ideal for high-stakes corporate or wedding events.

Farris Wheel

13682 Maxdale Rd, Killeen, TX 76549, USA