Welcome to West
Known as the ‘Czech Point’ of Central Texas, this small community is rural and welcoming.
Best known for its deep-rooted Czech culture and tight-knit families, this small Texas city, located in McLennan County, is home to less than 4,000 residents and has been heralded for its hospitality.
Named after T.M. West, the first postmaster of the city, this area was originally settled by farm and ranch families in the 1840s. A railroad brought prosperity to the town in the 1880s, opening the community up to many Czech and German immigrants who opened businesses and shared their European culture.
Today, descendants of the original settlers continue to farm the land and run small bakeries, gift shops, and antique stores. West has become locally famous for their beloved kolaches, the traditional Czech pastry with a dollop of fruit in the middle.
With a nice blend of small-town hospitality and progressiveness, residents here know all of their neighbors by name, and community activities are abundant. The downtown area of West is filled with shops that all display the Czech culture that is so much a part of this small town.
Recognized as the “Czech Heritage Capital of Texas” and “home of the official Kolache of the Texas Legislature,” visitors often frequent this legendary spot.
What to Love
- Small community that is both rural and welcoming
- Filled with small bakeries, gift shops, and antique stores
- Home of the delicious kolache — a traditional Czech pastry with a dollop of fruit in the middle
People & Lifestyle
This small town is filled with a large Czech population — most residents here are descendants of West’s original settlers. An excellent school system contributes to the family-focused vibe of the city, and annual events and gatherings are many.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Traditional Czech bakeries and eateries are abundant in this town, and small coffee shops are also popular. Local favorites include Ready Brew, which is located inside the Comma Co-op. Considered one of West’s hidden gems, this shop serves a variety of coffees as well as paninis, soups, and salads.
Czech American, best known for its down-to-earth diner atmosphere, serves traditional cabbage rolls and dumplings.
Czech Stop, popular with travelers of I-35, is a dining destination that offers a variety of sandwiches, including ham, turkey, and beef on wheat, rye, and white breads. Kolaches are available in every variety.
Things to Do
Westfest: Hosted every Labor Day weekend, this festival salutes West’s Czech heritage with polka bands, folk dancing, a Miss Westfest competition, baking contests, and arts and crafts. The event draws thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond.
Parker’s Park is named after 7-year-old Parker Pustejovsky, who spearheaded a campaign to rebuild West City Park after being destroyed in the West Fertilizer Co. explosion that took his father’s life. This park features a professional-style basketball court funded by the Dallas Mavericks Foundation, plus a tennis court and playground facilities.
West Fair and Rodeo, held every September, features a plethora of delicious food, a carnival with various rides, and a Tractor Pull and PRCA Rodeo action.
Schools
West is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- West ISD, a public school district located 26 miles north of Waco. In addition to West, the district serves the towns of Leroy, Tours, Gerald, and Ross in northern McLennan County. A small portion of Hill County lies within the district as well. This district covers 126.6 square miles.