Mother Neff State Park became the first official state park in Texas, with the original 16-acre site donated in 1916 by Isabella Neff, mother of former Governor Pat M. Neff, who served from 1921 to 1925. After the death of his mother in 1921, Governor Neff created the Mother Neff Memorial Park, which later became the nucleus of the Texas State Park System. The park, located west of Moody, now contains 259 acres in Coryell County. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the park to its historical setting and in 1935 archeological excavations revealed a Native American burial site. During prehistoric times this area was occupied by several groups of Indians, including some groups probably related to the Tonkawas.

Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing from the riverbank, and wildlife observation. For interested hikers, a tree guide is available at the park headquarters that provides a self-guided tour along the lost trail.