Things to Do in La Grange

Fascinating historical sites, beautiful architecture, and a wealth of unique attractions make La Grange, Texas, a great place to visit for any type of traveler. In fact, there are so many things to do in La Grange that you may have a hard time figuring out where to start. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Read our list of some of the top things to do while you’re here, but keep in mind that this only scratches the surface of what La Grange has to offer.

Step Back in Time

If you’re a student of history, you’ll find much to enjoy about La Grange. To start your journey into the past chronologically, head to the Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, a notable place in Texas history for several reasons. The site, perched on top of a hill overlooking the Colorado River, was first settled by Heinrich Kreische, one of the many German (and Czech) immigrants who originally settled Fayette County. Kreische, a stonemason, built a stately home and what was one of the first breweries in Texas. Monument Hill, located within Kreische’s original property, is the burial vault of the Texans who died in the Dawson and Mier Expeditions of the 1840’s. The home, brewery, and tomb can all be visited on your own or as part of a guided tour led by knowledgeable docents.

Your next stop at the home once owned by one of the survivors of the Dawson Expedition: Nathaniel W. Faison. Today, the house, built from the 1840’s through the 1880’s, is a museum full of original furnishings owned by Faison’s family, offering a glimpse of what life was like in 19th-century Texas. From there, head to the eye-catching Old Fayette County Jail, an imposing Gothic-style structure that looks more like a grand European cathedral than it does a jailhouse. The jail, located just south of the La Grange courthouse square, contains a small museum and a visitor center.

Travel one block north and you’ll be in La Grange’s picturesque downtown square. The heart of the town’s square is the spectacular Fayette County Courthouse, one of the best examples of Romanesque Revival architecture in Texas. The courthouse, completed in 1891, is a beautifully constructed three-story building that features limestone walls accented with blue sandstone and red granite, arched doorways and windows, and an ornate clock tower. Immediately surrounding the courthouse are connected rows of historic buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in an old Western film. But instead of housing rough saloons, these buildings are now home to unique shops and restaurants that are a must-visit while you’re in the square.

Visit the Texas Quilt Museum

Since you’re already in La Grange’s downtown square, you won’t have to go far to visit the Texas Quilt Museum, another one of the town’s top attractions. Step through the doors of the museum, housed within two meticulously restored 19th-century buildings, and you’ll find yourself among a veritable sea of colors and patterns. Dozens of vibrant quilts are displayed on red brick walls or hanging from the museum’s high ceilings, offering plenty to take in no matter where you look. Along with its permanent collection of quilts crafted by local and international artists, the museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.

Once you’re done looking around, find your way to the period garden located just outside of the museum. The garden, built to resemble town gardens common at the turn of the 20th century, is full of vibrant flowers, plenty of greenspace, and numerous places to relax. In short, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge before your next adventure in La Grange.

Sip on a Glass of Mead

Mead may be most closely associated with stories of medieval knights. After all, this drink, made by fermenting honey with water, is man’s oldest alcoholic beverage. Although rare in today’s world of craft beer and artisanal wine, you don’t have to be Beowulf to sip on a glass of your own. Travel 10 miles northeast of La Grange and you’ll be at the appropriately named Rohan Meadery. Rohan Meadery produces a diverse selection of mead using high-quality Texas honey, including flavors such as cranberry honeywine and pomegranate melomel. You can try these flavors at the meadery’s tasting room, which is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Is mead not your thing? Don’t worry, Rohan Meadery crafts three varieties of wine as well, including a sangiovese. For a broader selection of wines to sample, head to Rosemary’s Vineyard and Winery, situated just east of La Grange.

Become a Ranch Hand

Are you a city slicker who has always wondered what the ranch life was like? At The Jersey Barnyard in La Grange, you can do just that. Roll up your sleeves and feed the ranch’s calves, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits, and enjoy hands-on interaction with the friendly miniature horses, donkeys, and sheep. On the guided tour, you’ll be transported by hay ride to the dairy, where you can try your hand at milking a cow. On your way out, make sure to stop by the farm store, where you can buy shirts, artisanal jewelry, and milk, eggs, and cheese produced on-site.