Helena:The Eerie Town of Texas
Helena, Texas, which served as the county seat of Karnes County between 1854 and 1894, is considered a ghost town in the state. It was named in honor of Helen M. Owings née Swisher, the second wife of Dr. Lewis Owings, an American physician and politician. During the mid-19th century, the town claimed to be the “toughest town on earth.” There are limited available hotels and accommodations in the city, though.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to see Helena, Texas in a festive mood, come the later part of October, during which the Indian Summer Heritage Festival is held. This activity celebrates the vibrant heritage and history of the town, all while involving the community and its tourists. Fortunately, during the festival, the weather is relatively pleasant, with only a few rainy days for the whole month. The fall season is particularly slow for Helena, so expect cheaper room rates at most of the Helena, TX hotels.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While there are currently limited accommodations available within Helena, you can easily drive to the nearby town of Karnes City to book your suites. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Karnes City – Kenedy, Super 8 by Wyndham Karnes City, and Instalodge Hotel And Suites are all within a 15-minute drive from Helena. These hotels provide spacious accommodations for traveling families and are easily accessible from the top attractions in the area, such as St. Matthews Church (nine-minute drive away), Kenedy Ball Park (12-minute drive away), Karnes City Square (around a 30-minute walk).