Major city · United States
CliftonClifton, Texas
Half a day is enough: see the Bosque Memorial Museum, walk Heritage Park and eat a Norwegian lunch. Stay only if you want a quiet night or are visiting during Norwegian Country Christmas (first weekend of December).
Clifton, the self-proclaimed Norwegian Capital of Texas, is a small town 35 miles northwest of Waco. Its main draw is a strong Norwegian heritage celebrated each December, plus a cluster of resident artists and a small museum. Most travellers pass through on a day trip from Waco or as a stop between Dallas-Fort Worth and the Hill Country.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot)
- Airports
- DFW · ACT
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Clifton911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Clifton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe small town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDFW Dallas/Fort Worth International (About 90 miles (1.5 h drive) southeast; the nearest major airport.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealLunch at a diner$8–14
- BeerBeer at a bar$4–7
- Budget bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$80
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$110
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$160
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DFW Dallas/Fort Worth International (About 90 miles (1.5 h drive) southeast; the nearest major airport.) · ACT Waco Regional Airport (About 35 miles (40 min drive); limited flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Clifton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
6 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is compact enough to walk between the museum, Heritage Park and a few shops, but everything else requires driving.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 40 min
Drive south on TX-6, about 35 min
Magnolia Market, Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.
Crawford (George W. Bush ranch)
cautionDoor to door: 15 min
Drive about 10 miles east on FM 2170
The ranch is private; no public tours. Drive-by only.
Lake Whitney
goDoor to door: 20 min
Drive north on TX-22, about 15 miles
Fishing, boating and camping; good for a half-day outdoors.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Clifton town centre
A few motels and B&Bs; walkable to the museum and shops.
Lake Whitney area
About 15 miles north; more lodging options and lake access.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × US$110 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Bosque Memorial Museum entry2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Norwegian luncheon (December event)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$39 |
| Trip total≈ US$215 per person per day, bed included | US$429 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Lunch at a diner | $8–14 |
| Dinner at a sit-down restaurant | $12–25 |
| Beer at a bar | $4–7 |
| Gasoline (per gallon)check | $3–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Norwegian Country Christmas sells out the lutefisk supper and Norwegian luncheon: book ahead if you want to attend.
- Most businesses close by 17:00 or 18:00; plan meals accordingly.Most businesses close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM; plan meals accordingly.
- Summer heat can be intense; carry water.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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CliftonClifton, Texas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest major consulates are in Houston (about 200 miles south).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DFW Airport → Clifton (taxi/rideshare): about $120–160, 1.5 h
- Waco → Clifton (taxi/rideshare): about $50–70, 40 min
Say or show
- Howdy — Hello (how-dee)
- Thanks — Thank you (thanks)
- Yeah / Nah — Yes / No (yeah / nah)
- Excuse me — Excuse me (ex-cuse me)
- How much? — How much? (how much)
- Where's the restroom? — Where is the bathroom? (wheres the rest-room)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Clifton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages with verified opening hours for Bosque Memorial Museum and the art galleries.
- Event page for Norwegian Country Christmas with ticket links and menu details.
- Eat pages for the Norwegian luncheon and lutefisk supper with reservation info.
Sources
Ask about Clifton
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