Mother Neff State Park

About Mother Neff State Park

Mother Neff State Park is the first official national park in Texas and named after Isabella Eleanor, the mother of Neff, who donated six acres of land along the River Leon in 1916, which became our first park. The son was born to Pat M. Neff, a Texas governor who served from 1921 to 1925. After his mother's death in 1921, Governor Nefff created Mother Negg Memorial Park, which later became the core of the Texas State Park system.

The park, located west of Moody, now covers 259 acres in Coryell County, and additional land was bequeathed to the state by private owners in 1934. Governor Neff and Frank Smith bequeathed 250 acres of land to their daughter Isabella Eleanor for the creation of the Mother Negg Memorial Park in 1935.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) restored the park to its historic setting in the 1930s and opened it to the public in 1937.

In prehistoric times, the area was occupied by several Indian groups, including a group that was probably related to the Tonkawas. Three Indian tombs and many artifacts were discovered during excavations in 1935.

The park is densely wooded and is ideal for camping, hiking, picnicking and fishing. Nearby attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the New York State Park System.

The city of Gatesville is located about 11 miles from the park and features the Coryell County Museum and Historical Center, which houses a museum, public library, art museum and library with a history museum.