Lukenbach, Texas

Luckenbach, Texas

 Lukenbach, Texas, where “Everybody’s somebody in Lukenbach” was established in 1849 by German immigrants. This little Texas Hill Country community has undergone many changes through the years. It once had a population of 494 in 1904, but by the 1960’s, Lukenbach was almost a ghost town. Hondo Crouch, rancher and Texas folklorist along with two partners bought the 9.142 acres known as Lukenbach for $30,000 in 1970. The newspaper ad stated “town – pop.3 – for sale” Lukenbach is an unincorporated community near Fredericksburg, Texas. Downtown Lukenbach consists of a dance hall, the old post office, a working saloon, general store and snack bar.

Today Lukenbach is a gathering place for locals to sing, play music, dance and drink beer. Lukenbach is also visited by many people from all walks of life arriving by car, bus, truck and motorcycle. Lukenbach became a country music venue in 1973 when Jerry Jeff Walker and the Lost Gonzo Band recorded the album Viva Terlingua live in Lukenbach Dancehall. After Hondo Couch’s death four years later, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings memorialized Luckenbach with the song “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”.

I recently visited this iconic Texas location while photographing wildflowers in the Hill Country.

I hope this Blog gives you a pictorial representation of life in downtown Lukenbach, Texas on a Friday afternoon..

 “Let’s Go to Lukenbach, Texas”

1 Post Office

Lukenbach Dancehall
Lukenbach Dancehall
Inside the Dancehall
Inside the Dancehall
Fast Food in Lukenbach, TX
Fast Food in Lukenbach, TX
Back Stage in Lukenbach
Back Stage in Lukenbach
Pickin' and Grinnin'
Pickin’ and Grinnin’
Chillin' in Lukenbach,TX
Chillin’ in Lukenbach,TX
Beverage time at the Saloon
Beverage time at the Saloon
Time to Ride
Time to Ride
First Come, First Serve in Lukenbach, TX
First Come, First Serve in Lukenbach, TX

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5 thoughts on “Lukenbach, Texas”

  1. Once again you have captured the moment in pics and commentary. Keep it up; we enjoy!

    By the way, where are you now??

  2. i really loved this part of your blog. i get to see places i want to go visit and now i feel that i have. and what a good time it would be to sit and grin while listening to the pickin!

  3. Oh, Michael! I’ve never been to Lukenbach. I see where you can get some pretty spectacular photos. That bale of hay upon those wildflowers is certainly a great painting waiting to happen. And the outhouses add some character to the whole setting. Fabulous pictures, Michael!

  4. I have been to Luchenbach (spell check needed) 4 times in my life, and each time I have a different memory!!!! What I REALLY remember (via your photos), is how simple life can be when all you need to do is BE…. Luv you!! Thanks for the history lesson. Didn’t know this at all. I think I just went to have a beer in a decent placer!

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