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Brenham, TX 77833
info@VisitBrenhamTexas.com
979-337-7580
www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com
Attractions in Brenham
Experience Texas’ colorful past and idyllic present in Brenham, an historic town surrounded by rolling grassy fields, oak forests, and sprawling farmland. Brenham is perhaps most famous for being the home of Blue Bell Creameries, one of the largest ice cream producers in the nation. Although Blue Bell is one of the more popular attractions in Brenham, there’s much more to see and do here than eat ice cream. Unique antique shops, art galleries, a plethora of large colorful outdoor murals, and a tantalizing selection of restaurants occupy the charming historic buildings that line bustling Downtown Brenham's National Register District.
Brazos Valley Brewing Company, a craft brewery; a professional theatre; and concert halls that showcase the musical talents of local college students and professional entertainers are among the other attractions here.
All of this is in Brenham and around the county. There are three wineries and several farms you can visit outside of town. Want to hang out with an alpaca, cuddle a miniature cow, or pick lavender in season? You can do that here. Of course, the very roots of Texas are also at Brenham’s doorstep. Washington-on-the-Brazos, where the Republic of Texas was born, is just a short drive away.
The Antique Rose Emporium
Meander through an eight-acre retail garden full of vibrant antique roses, perennials, herbs, native plants, and wildflowers at the Antique Rose Emporium. The emporium includes a small gift shop stocked with garden accessories.
10000 FM 50
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 836-5548
Barrington Plantation State Historic Site
Experience life in the 1850’s at Barrington, a homestead that belonged to the last president of Texas, Dr. Anson Jones. Today, the farm is occupied by costumed interpreters who use methods and materials of the time period to plant, cultivate, and harvest the fields and work with livestock. Visitors are encouraged to help drive oxen, plant or harvest crops, or make soap for a more immersive experience.
12300 Park Road 12
Washington, TX 77880
(936) 878-2213
Blue Bell Creameries
Blue Bell Creameries is a Texas institution. Since it's start in 1907, Blue Bell has been crafting ice cream at several locations in addition to its main factory in Brenham. The creamery's Visitor Center offers a historic overview of the company and the ice cream parlor serves delicious samples.
1101 South Blue Bell Road
Brenham, TX 77833
1-800-327-8135
Brazos Valley Brewing Company
Brazos Valley Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery that calls Brenham home. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a pint of their year-round and seasonal brews, such as Brown Eyed Girl or Two Step at Brazos Valley’s Tap Room, open Thursday - Sunday. Beer to go is available Monday through Friday. BVB also offers a kids' playground and a food truck.
206 South Jackson
Brenham, TX 77833
(713) 876-5900
Brenham Heritage Museum
Recently renovated, this historic museum housed in a 1915 Federal Post Office building has reopened to showcase new and professionally designed family friendly, interactive exhibits that portray Texas and local history.
105 South Market Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-3368
Brenham Fire Museum
Learn why Brenham was burned and why early firemen were also soldiers. See rare antique fire engines including the horse-drawn Silsby.
Market Street at Alamo Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580
Chappell Hill Lavender & Berry Farm
Rolling grassy fields and the sweet earthy smell of lavender greet you at the Chappell Hill Lavender & Berry Farm, located a few miles northeast of Brenham along the Texas Independence Trail. Visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit picking and lavender cutting during it's blooming season, which typically runs from April through June and August through October. Tour reservations must be made two weeks in advance and can be arranged on the farm’s website.
2250 Dillard Road
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 251-8114
Chapelton Vineyards
Relax in a countryside setting complete with a stunning view of the vineyard. Enjoy a selection of premium wines, a priority for this vineyard, in “the most impressive tasting room in the state” according to txwinelover.com.
14858 Whitman Road
Washington TX 77880
979-347-3368
Downtown Brenham National Register District
Most of the things to do and places to eat in Brenham are in the Downtown National Register District, which includes interesting antique, jewelry, and clothing shops; furniture stores; restaurants; the Brenham Heritage Museum; art galleries; The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre; and the Unity Theatre. A historic walking tour showcases many of Brenham’s picturesque historic buildings; pick up a #BrenhamArtWalk Passport to find its many murals.
115 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580
Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center
The Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center is a 500-seat theater that showcases the theatrical and musical performances of Blinn College’s Theater Arts program, as well as a variety of touring entertainers. The theater, located on Blinn College’s campus, hosts shows throughout the year. Tickets can be purchased on the theater’s website.
600 Blinn Boulevard
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-4024
Lake Somerville State Park
Escape to the great outdoors at the scenic Lake Somerville State Park, a major recreational area that features 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails; volleyball and basketball courts; and camping areas. Boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing are popular activities for those who want to get in the lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Nails Creek State Park and Birch Creek State Park, both of which reside on the shores of the lake.
14222 Park Street
Somerville, TX 77879
(979) 596-1622
Old Baylor Park
On the west side of FM 50, columns mark the site of Academy Hill, the original Baylor University female campus. Jointly maintained by Baylor and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the surrounding park includes picnic tables, a playground area, and is one of the best places in the state to enjoy springtime bluebonnets.
Independence, TX 77833
Feed and pet alpacas at the Peeka Ranch alpaca farm near Burton, just 15 miles west of Downtown Brenham. Sixty acres of hay meadows and oak trees provide a scenic backdrop for the overall experience.
13350 FM 389
Burton, TX 77835
(713) 857-1461
Texas Cotton Gin Museum
Visit the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton, home to the oldest operating cotton gin in the United States. At the museum, visitors will learn about the farming and processing of cotton and the history of the gin in a guided tour. Picking cotton and separating the seeds from the soft white fibers is just a small part of the experience!
307 West Main Street
Burton, TX 77835
(979) 289-3378
Texas Star Winery
Texas Star Winery, produces a range of specialty wines made from prickly pears, cranberries, wild Texas grapes, and plums. The winery is open Friday through Sunday and offers an indoor tasting room and outside seating ideal for savoring a glass of vino.
10587 Old Chappell Hill Road
Chappell Hill, TX 77426
(979) 251-7282
The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre
Built in 1925, the Simon Theatre provided a splendid setting for many theatrical performances, film screenings and ballroom dances. The James Simon family commissioned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, whose career included designing a number of prominent Houston buildings as well as the San Jacinto Monument, to design the theatre for the community of Brenham. Today, after a meticulous millions plus-dollars renovation, the glamour and grand style lives on for future generations. Entertainment today includes classic films, comedians, dance troups, and a variety of well-known performers.
111 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7240
36 North Vineyard
Play some games or relax under the 130-year-old live oak tree while enjoying a variety of Texas wines or craft beers. This comfortable farmhouse tasting room is complete with a bakery and coffee shop and plenty of ground to picnic and explore.
7001 Hwy. 36 North
Brenham, TX 77833
(832) 374-0121
Toubin Park
Toubin Park, situated right in the middle of Downtown Brenham, tells a story of the burning of Brenham in 1866. The park’s centerpiece is the underground cistern, an example of what may be the oldest public utility system in Texas. Various displays in the park provide information about how the cisterns were used, as well as a look at Brenham’s history during and after the Civil War.
208 South Park Street
Brenham, TX 77833
1-979-337-7580
Unity Theatre
Unity Theatre in Brenham is the only professional theatre in the region. The theatre produces a wide variety of shows throughout the year in a renovated warehouse in Downtown Brenham, including four major productions annually on its Main Stage. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (979) 830-8358.
300 Church Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-8358
Washington County Freedom Colonies 
In Belle’s Alley adjacent to Toubin Park, learn about the undertold story of numerous Freedom Colonies that were established from 1865-1930 by the formerly enslaved. The forces that resulted in the development of these colonies are presented in this outdoor exhibit. Then move to Camptown, the first Freedom Colony in Brenham, for an immersive series of story boards and a soundwalk relating echoes of this area.
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-8358
Washington County Soundwalk Experience
Immerse yourself as you move through and engage with the landscape of each village (Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, Washington) in Washington County. Each soundwalk takes about a half-hour or more and includes sounds and stories about each area.
115 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Relive the birth of the Republic of Texas while enjoying the scenic beauty of South Central Texas at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, situated on the bank of the Brazos River. The park includes the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Plantation State Historic Site, once the home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of Texas. Various educational programs and guided tours are offered at the Site, and it’s the home of the Texas Independence Day Celebration.
12300 Park Road 12
Washington, TX 77880
(936) 878-2214
Brenham, TX 77833
979-337-7580
www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com
