Just north of Abbott and south of Hillsboro, we stopped at the Northbound Safety Rest Area. There is a twin on the opposite side of the highway for Southbound traffic and from here, they look to be outfitted exactly the same. There is a nice curve at the entrance that will do a lot to help slow people down. There is very little cover so if it's hot, you're not going to find shade for a nap. I did not see any signs prohibiting overnight parking so if you're tired, don't drive sleepy and stop here. We did not go inside for the restrooms. This was a nap stop for us in the campervan before continuing onwards towards Dallas. [Review 382 of 2026 - 699 in Texas - 25567 overall] read more

I always love coming to this rest area. It's so clever with the silo bathrooms and windmill on the premises. They also have lots of gym equipment in the yard area if u want to do a few reps. Lots of area to walk on paved paths if u r in the mood for a walk. Inside one of the buildings are exhibits and vending machines. Think this was expertly designed to allow folks to wander around the site and get the blood pumping and reinvigorate folks to avoid from driving fatigue. And it's cute too! Good job Texas Dept of Transportation!!!! read more

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The Texas Safety Rest Areas have come a long way over the last two decades. I've stopped at this particular rest area often, as it's just about halfway between Austin and DFW. Most opt to stop at Buccee's, but I'm not fond of huge crowds and busy parking lots. I feel there's always an accident waiting to happen, which stresses me out. The Hillsboro Safety Rest Area has both indoor and outdoor restrooms. Both are open during the day, though only the outdoor restrooms are open in the evenings. The building has vending machines and, historical artifacts and literature about the surrounding area. If you need anything, an information booth is usually open during normal business hours. I've found the restrooms always clean, well-stocked, and well-lit, with safety in mind. The property also has a playground, picnic tables under pavilions and workout stations. There is parking for both cars and semi-trucks. Cars take the left side, and semi-trucks take the right side. The rest area is designed so that you take a dedicated ramp to the rest area and a dedicated ramp to return to I-35. This last time I stopped by, I learned that the Hillsboro Safety Rest Area is a stop for migratory butterflies on their way to Mexico for winter and back to the southeastern US in the summer. And wow, there were a lot of butterflies that day! I'll always choose to stop by here on my way up to DFW and back! read more

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Large Roadside rest area. We'll I don't know what's going on with a lot of my reviews. I found this and a bunch more like it in various stages of completion. I'll work on them till They are completed. I started this review nearly a year ago. As you might guess by my photos I liked it. It was clean and well maintained. I slept in my van for about 8 hours without being hassled. I recommend this Road side rest area. read more

Really nice resting place stretch your legs from driving. The facility is very clean! read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - At the Rest area in Hillsboro TX - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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Stopped here on our way to Austin. very large rest area. They do have separate bays for cars and truck - which is a great thing. Parking is plenty. Restrooms are very clean and well maintained. Looked like brand new with some nice interiors. They have a few vending machines as well. Around 8 in the night, it was still a busy place! read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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When you've just sat through 45 minutes of traffic to get through Hillsboro and the crushing weight of the liquids you've taken in to stay hydrated Vega you to stop - this is a great area to pull over. It's a safe rest area with picnic benches and most importantly fairly clean restrooms. So - stretch those legs and get a little relief before you jump back on the highway. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Pit stop at the rest area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

We were on Interstate 35S headed to the town of West to visit, and grab some Kolaches. Stopped here, grabbed some drinks from the vending machines and borrowed the restrooms located in replica grain silos. Restrooms were clean and plenty of ample parking. read more

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So, there's not much to say about this rest stop other than getting a parking space here is very easy. The bathrooms, for the most part, are spotless. Ironically, it's a pretty stylish-looking bathroom with tiles etc. There are two silos that are also bathrooms and a room across the way with vending machines. I'm told people can park and sleep here with no issues as well. read more

I always love stopping here. Lots of room to walk my dog and it's always clean. The sidewalk loops around the buildings and gives my dog and me some good exercise. Bonus ~ I got to see some Monarch butterflies flying around. So pretty. read more

Male janitor did not leave women's restroom but insisted I go. Being pregnant I couldn't help it. Once I starting using the facilities the janitor started coming to my door as I could see on the reflection of the wet floor. I did not feel safe. I was on survival mode automatically. read more

This rest stop was in the right place at the right time. We were driving south on Interstate 57 on the day of the Eclipse and traffic had been slow when we saw signs for this rest stop. We had not really planned to stop as we had only a little over an hour to go to reach our destination in the area of Total Eclipse. But we had heard that some rest stops were closed ahead, probably so they wouldn't all be jam packed with people wanting to park there during the Eclipse; I have to admit I had thought about myself. So because traffic was slow and sometimes stop and go, we agreed we should stop. As we pulled in we found ourselves in the middle of a zoo with more cars than spaces to park, traffic backed up as people waited for a space to open up. But it didn't take too long before we were able to park. Of course there were lines inside with women's much longer than men's, as usual. But the lines moved and surprisingly the restrooms were very clean. As we made our way back onto the highway and continued to our destination close to the center of the Eclipse zone, we passed other closed rest stops and were glad we had stopped read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Sign notes The Longest Garden - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

Nice clean rest stop. Had vending machines, clean restrooms and a old tractor inside. Was easy access from I35. Nice place to take a break then get back on the road. Very much liked the windmill and gardens. read more

Very clean, nice place to stop. Good snack and drink selection. Machines take debit cards

Wow, when did my beloved but often misguided red state start actually spending money on decent public works like this beautiful roadside rest stop just outside of Hillsboro? I must say that this place (opened Fall 2013) makes me proud. Perhaps our out of state visitors will get the correct impression that Texans do believe in hospitality for our guests, as well as for our own. So, what can you expect during your visit? Gorgeous architecture, clean & plentiful modern restrooms, vending machines for drinks & snacks, nice outdoor spaces to stretch your legs or have a picnic, some interesting artwork, a fully functioning wind-powered water pump exhibit, and a few history lessons to boot. Oh, there's a twin station on each side of the highway, so whether you're headed north or south, you're covered. Bring your own hand soap. For some reason, there was none during our visit. We stopped specifically for the cool playscape and cross training stations. It felt great to work out some energy before our long trip back to Austin. That's right, back to the crunchy, soft, true blue heart of Texas. There's another set of these cool renovated stops just down the road south of Temple if you feel nature's call before arriving back in the State Capital. More info on this rest stop: http://www.txdot.gov/driver/travel/rest-areas.html?CFC__target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.tx.us%2Fapps-cg%2Fsafety_rest_areas%2Fsrahome.htm%3Fsranbr%3D1%26amp%3Bdir%3DS%26amp%3Btitle%3DHill+County+Southbound More info on other rest stops in Texas here: http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/library/pubs/travel/sra_brochure.pdf read more

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Very clean restroom stoo. Restrooms were located in a silo which made it interesting. Outside, as usual, they had picnic area, a playground and a workout stations. Restrooms didnt stink of urine and the floors were very clean. read more

Nice, clean, well designed with easy to use facilities. The ingress and egress, thats yankee tawk for in and out was safe and easy. You have done it again Texas Department of Transportation! As a native Texan it makes me proud we can show others from surrounding states and farther we set the standard on alot of things. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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Far from a typical rest area, Texas seems to have invested well in hiring incredible architects and really considering the feel, history, wildlife, and rest-stopper needs in creating this dazzling stop! This stop has a couple of exercise/stretching areas for motorist, playgrounds for kids (and playful adults) look at the detail in all this planning--windmills, silo-style restrooms, plenty of crepe myrtles and shade trees, ample shelters for picnics, great indoor and outdoor seating...only room for improvement I can see would be more brochures about nearby attractions, Fuller/taller stall doors in the silo restrooms, and more hummingbird/butterfly-enticing plantings as can be found further south at the Bell County rest area. Otherwise this is a solidly 4-4.5 star rest area creeping toward 5! read more

I have passed this location several times in the last few months traveling back and forth to Dallas. This time I needed to stop and go in. It is of modern design and not like a lot of rest area that I have seen in my travels. The restrooms are very clean and they even have electrical outlets where you can charge your phones if needed! You know we have to keep our phones charged. There is also a visitor center that I didn't visit but the grounds are so clean and there is even a work out area on site that you can use. This is definitely a place you will need to stop at if you are in the area. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Electrical outlets in very clean restrooms - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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I needed to stop from driving from Dallas and pulled into this newly constructed rest area. This place was very nice and roomy. It had both restrooms outside and inside in air conditioning. This place is also a learning center about farming. It has a playground and workout equipment. Inside you will find vending machines including one that dispenses coffee. You will find it is very safe here and in this day a DPS officer was here. read more

Compared to California, Texas has wonderful and amazing rest stops. The Hillsboro Safety Rest Area is one of these! It is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, grab a snack out of the vending machine and use the restroom. The bathrooms are clean and there is always soap to wash your hands. My only critique is that there are high velocity hand dryers instead of paper towel which leaves the area around the sinks rather wet all the time. You have to be careful when washing your hands not to get your shirt wet from touching the counter top. I have even pulled over a few times here to take a quick nap when I was starting to get too tired to drive. Safe and well lit! read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Restrooms and welcome center - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

Clean restrooms today. Much better than last visit. They have a workout area for everyone & a play area as well. Landscaping pleasant to see, suits the area & wildlife. Xeriscaping to limit use of water. A must to have here. It's supposed to be 110 degrees, the high today. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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Great facilities! One room ran out of toilet paper, so make sure you bring some. Air dryers and soap, with a play area and plenty of tables and chairs with shelter. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

Always spotless and moderately busy every time I've been (since 2021). Best rest stop imo

Disappointed!! I was traveling alone, well not another human. Had my dog. Got to this rest stop to let my dog potty and walk. Then I needed to use the restroom only to see a huge sticker saying NO PETS on the door. So how was I to relieve myself? its 94 degrees outside and every txdot highway sign says DONT LEAVE KIDS or ANIMALS IN CAR, not that I would anyway. Well this was a problem. My dog got to pee but needless to say I did not. Heres a thought. If you wont let me take my dog into the restroom with me so i can go, consider a separate restroom that is for humans with their pets so we can go and for sure not lock them up in a massively hot car Come on Texas, you can do better!!! read more

The cleanest and nicest rest stop that I've ever been to. Even my husband said it was cute. The theme was so Waco style (rustic). There were areas for children to play and history and views for the adults to enjoy. There are two sets of restrooms on each side of the rest area. There are about five vending machines of drinks and snacks. I wish all rest areas were like this one. read more

This stop is so nicely maintained! It is really nice and clean with plenty of parking. There are walking trails around the building so you can get some flood flowing to your legs. hehe The building always has a "new" feel to it. I guess they always update little things to make it feel this way. It doubles as a "safety" stop which I do not know what it means exactly but I guess that is why it is so big and bad! read more

This rest stop was impressive! I did not check out the visitor center, but the bathrooms outside had a modern, contemporary feel as far as rest stops go. The stop was almost more like a park to me than a rest stop. There were little exercise stations and side walks where you could get your work out on or stretch your legs a bit. There seemed to be plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy a bit a fresh air as well. The bathrooms were the nicest rest stop bathrooms I have ever seen! The tiling was pretty and there were automatic flushes and sinks! It looked like there were plenty of places for trucks to park. On the car side the parking spots were a bit longer to accommodate for a trailer for something else you might be pulling it looked like. If you need a place to stop for a picnic, a nice restroom or a place to stretch your legs then this rest stop is highly recommended! read more

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One of several new super duper rest areas near Hillsboro. It's about an hour from Dallas. Too much coffee before you left home, stop here. Check out the wall of vending machines if you need a snack or drink. And, there are exhibits and fun wall posters to read. It must be a new "thang" to leave the doors off public restrooms. No big deal for me but the little family who came after me was perplexed. read more

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This rest area is set to resemble grain silos and the prairie theme. Very clean, modern and spacious. Restroom facilities located in the main building, as well as the mini silos outside. Inside is a nice display which explains some of the history of the area. read more

One thing I love about Texas is that they set money aside to take care of their roads and rest stops. Everything really is bigger in Texas.....even rest stops like Hillsboro! This place was beautiful.....clean, nice restrooms, charging stations, workout areas and nicely paved sidewalks and pathways to walk your furry friends. Perfect place to stop and take a breather while on I-35. Hot tip.....you don't need to park in the first row of spots you see, there's a ton at the end, your legs will thank you! read more

Super nice rest area... very "Texan." The rest stop is in the middle of agricultural farmland, so it's where you need a rest stop to be. It's kept clean and holds your interest while waiting for others. read more

I was so surprised when I pulled into this rest area and the restrooms were inside a silo, talk about recycling. It was very neat and tidy. The restroom stalls wrapped around the building and the sinks were in the middle. This place was spotless. Plus they had a play area for kids and a working windmill that produces water to quench your thirst. I emptied my bladder and filled my water bottle and was back on the road again. Thank you Texas for a cool spot along my travels. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

This is one of the nicest rest areas in Texas. It is huge and has a lot to offer. Clean restrooms, snacks, information, interesting things to see and read and plenty of space for the kids or the dogs to get out and release some of that boxed up energy. They have a playground as well as a place to stretch out or do a mini workout. This is a common place for a lot of truckers to stop for the night as well. I truly wish that Texas would have more rest stops such as this one every one hundred or so miles apart on all major interstates. read more

The restrooms are very clean! Excellent place to use public restrooms as they seem are being cleaned regularly. The place is also refreshing to breathe in and relax, take a look at the nice scenery. read more

This an awesome rest area. It reminds of the ones in Belton, TX. I am glad they finally built some in the Hillsboro area. They have storm shelters here and the bathrooms are very clean. They have a playground for the kids to get out all of their energy from long drives. Great place for truck drivers to park for free and get some much needed rest. They have vending machines and they accept credit cards on the machines. read more

Clean restrooms, places to charge your electronics and plenty of activities for the kids to get their wiggles out. Great picnic area. read more

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Trying to sleep....noisy! I'm sure it is nice during the day but I've been laying here for 2 hrs and I can't sleep!

Beautiful new facility along IH 35

This rest stop was a great find. Our kids were needing a place to run. This is not really a place to stop for information, but it is great if you want a quick workout or want to let your kids run and play. The restrooms were clean and there are drink and snack machines available. read more

Hillsboro Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Hillsboro, Texas

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