Attractions in Brenham

Experience Texas' colorful past and idyllic present in Brenham, a 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 theater; 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.

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Antique Rose Emporium

Antique Rose Emporium, where antique roses, native plants, perennials, herbs, and seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year. The destination also features a retail nursery offering a wide selection of plants, along with a charming gift shop stocked with gardening books, tools, décor, and accessories.

10000 FM 50
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 836-5548

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Barrington Plantation State Historic Site

Experience life in the 1850s at Barrington Plantation, the home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. Today, the farm is brought to life by costumed interpreters who use period tools, methods, and livestock to demonstrate daily agricultural life. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as helping with seasonal farm chores, working with oxen, planting or harvesting crops, and learning traditional skills like soap making, depending on the day's activities.

 

12300 Park Road 12
Washington, TX 77880
(936) 878-2213

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Blue Bell Creameries

Blue Bell Creameries has been a Texas tradition since 1907. At its flagship Brenham facility, visitors can explore the Blue Bell Visitor Center, which features exhibits highlighting the company's history, ice cream-making process, and memorabilia. Afterward, stop by the Ice Cream Parlor to enjoy a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream at a special visitor price and browse the Country Store for souvenirs and gifts.

1101 South Blue Bell Road
Brenham, TX 77833
1-800-327-8135

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Brazos Valley Brewing Company

Brazos Valley Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery and taproom in the heart of downtown Brenham. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of year-round and seasonal craft beers, along with cider, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

206 South Jackson Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 353-5361

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Brenham Heritage Museum

Housed in the beautifully restored 1915 Federal Post Office building, the Brenham Heritage Museum features professionally designed, family-friendly exhibits that explore the history of Brenham, Washington County, and Texas. Interactive displays, artifacts, and rotating exhibits highlight the area's cultural heritage, notable people, and historic events.

105 South Market Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-3368

 

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Brenham Fire Museum

Discover the history of firefighting in Brenham and learn how devastating fires helped shape the city's development. Explore exhibits on the early volunteer fire department, see rare antique firefighting equipment, including the historic horse-drawn Silsby steam fire engine, and learn why many of Brenham's early firefighters also served as soldiers.

Market Street at Alamo Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580

 

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Chappell Hill Lavender & Berry Farm

Rolling grassy fields and the sweet fragrance of lavender welcome visitors to Chappell Hill Lavender & Berry Farm, located just northeast of Brenham along the Texas Independence Trail. Depending on the season, guests can enjoy U-pick berries, lavender harvesting, farm tours, and scenic walks through the blooming fields. Lavender typically blooms in late spring with a smaller fall bloom, while berry picking is available seasonally. Guided tours are available by reservation through the farm's website.

2250 Dillard Road
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 251-8114

 

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Chapelton Vineyards

Relax in the Texas countryside while taking in panoramic views of Chapelton Vineyards' rolling estate vineyards. Guests can enjoy award-winning Texas wines in the contemporary tasting room, paired with charcuterie and light bites. Guided tastings, winery tours, seasonal events, and luxury vineyard villas make Chapelton a premier destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable experience.

14858 Whitman Road
Washington, TX 77880
(979) 330-7641

 

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Downtown Brenham National Register District

Most of Brenham’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions are located within the Downtown Brenham National Register Historic District. Browse antique stores, boutiques, jewelry shops, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty retailers, or visit attractions such as the Brenham Heritage Museum, The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, and Unity Theatre. A self-guided historic walking tour highlights many of the district’s beautifully preserved buildings, and visitors can pick up a #BrenhamArtWalk Passport to discover Brenham’s colorful collection of downtown murals.

115 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580

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Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center

Located on the Blinn College campus, the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center is a 500-seat theater that hosts productions by Blinn College’s Theatre Arts Department, musical performances, lectures, and a variety of touring entertainers. Performances are held throughout the year, and tickets can be purchased through the theater’s website.

600 Blinn Boulevard
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-4024

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Lake Somerville State Park

Escape to the great outdoors at scenic Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, a popular recreation area featuring more than 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing throughout the park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at both the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units, which provide easy access to the waters of Lake Somerville.

14222 Park Road 57
Somerville, TX 77879
(979) 596-1622

 

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Old Baylor Park

On the west side of FM 50, the iconic stone columns of Old Baylor Park mark the site of Academy Hill, the original female campus of Baylor University. Jointly maintained by Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the park features picnic tables, a playground, interpretive signage, and beautifully preserved grounds. It is also one of the best places in Texas to view bluebonnets and other wildflowers each spring.

8415 Old Baylor College Road
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 251-9227

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Peeka Ranch Alpacas

Feed, pet, and interact with friendly alpacas at Peeka Ranch, a family-owned alpaca farm near Burton, just 15 miles west of downtown Brenham. Set on 60 scenic acres of rolling hay meadows and oak trees, the ranch offers guided tours where visitors can learn about alpacas, explore the working farm, and shop for high-quality alpaca fiber products in the ranch store. Visits are available by appointment only.

13350 FM 389
Burton, TX 77835
(713) 857-1461

 

 

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Texas Cotton Gin Museum

Visit the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton, home to the oldest operating cotton gin in the United States. Guided tours take visitors through the history of cotton farming and processing while demonstrating the fully restored 1914 Burton Farmers Gin in operation during special ginning days. Guests can also enjoy hands-on activities, including picking cotton and separating the seeds from the soft white fibers, for a fun and educational look at one of Texas' most important agricultural industries.

307 West Main Street
Burton, TX 77835
(979) 289-3378

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Texas Star Winery

Texas Star Winery produces a distinctive selection of wines made from fruits such as prickly pears, cranberries, plums, and native Texas grapes. Guests can sample the winery’s signature creations in its indoor tasting room or relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor deck and garden seating area. The winery is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

10587 Old Chappell Hill Road
Chappell Hill, TX 77426
(979) 251-7282

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The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre

Built in 1925, the Historic Simon Theatre served as Brenham’s premier venue for theatrical performances, motion pictures, and ballroom dances. Commissioned by the James Simon family, the theater was designed by renowned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, whose work also includes the San Jacinto Monument and many of Houston’s landmark buildings. The venue continues to entertain new generations with classic films, concerts, comedians, dance troupes, theatrical productions, and performances by nationally recognized artists.

111 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7240

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36 North Vineyard

Relax beneath a majestic 130-year-old live oak while enjoying a selection of Texas wines, local craft beers, and specialty coffee at 36 North Vineyard. The welcoming farmhouse-style tasting room also features a bakery, spacious outdoor seating, lawn games, and plenty of room to picnic and unwind in the scenic countryside.

7001 Highway 36 North
Brenham, TX 77833
(832) 374-0121

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Toubin Park

Located in the heart of Downtown Brenham, Toubin Park tells the story of the devastating fire that destroyed much of the city in 1866. The park's centerpiece is a restored underground cistern, believed to be part of one of the oldest municipal water systems in Texas. Interpretive displays explain how the cistern system operated and highlight Brenham's history during and after the Civil War.

208 South Park Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580

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Unity Theatre

Unity Theatre is the only professional live theater in the Brenham area. Housed in a beautifully renovated downtown warehouse, the theater presents a diverse season of comedies, dramas, musicals, and special performances throughout the year, including several Main Stage productions and additional events. Tickets may be purchased online, at the box office, or by calling the theater directly.

300 Church Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 830-8358

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Washington County Freedom Colonies

Begin your journey in Belle’s Alley, adjacent to Toubin Park, where outdoor interpretive exhibits share the often-overlooked history of the Freedom Colonies established by formerly enslaved people throughout Washington County between 1865 and 1930. The exhibits explore the origins, growth, and lasting legacy of these historic communities. Continue to Camptown, Brenham’s first Freedom Colony, to experience interpretive storyboards and a self-guided soundwalk that brings the voices and history of the neighborhood to life.

Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580

 

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Washington County Soundwalk Experience

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and landscapes of Washington County through a series of self-guided soundwalks in Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, and Washington. Each experience lasts approximately 30 minutes or longer and combines audio storytelling, local history, and the surrounding environment to bring each community's unique heritage to life.

115 West Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 337-7580

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Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Relive the birth of the Republic of Texas at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, located along the scenic banks of the Brazos River. Known as the "Birthplace of Texas," the site includes Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Plantation State Historic Site, the former home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy guided tours, living history demonstrations, educational programs, and special events, including the annual Texas Independence Day Celebration.

12300 Park Road 12
Washington, TX 77880
(936) 878-2214