Rumour spreadin' a-'round in that Texas town 'bout that…read moreshack outside La Grange and you know what I'm talkin' about. Just let me know if you wanna go to that home out on the range. They gotta lotta nice girls. - ZZ Top If you're looking for a plaque or some sort of historical marker to identify one of (if not the) oldest whorehouses in America you'll be sorely disappointed. Down a dusty road off the highway lay the remains of the Chicken Ranch which inspired such classics as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the musical gem "La Grange". Behind a metal fence with some cows roaming about lay the decrepit remains of a building. You'll have to use your imagination to fill in the rest of the blanks, guessing what was. Originally opened in 1844 and run by a widow named Mrs. Swine. The brothel has a fun and colorful past that is worth a read. Here's a snippet from Wikipedia regarding the random moniker: As the Depression lingered, the number of customers dwindled, and Williams had difficulty making ends meet for her employees. She implemented the "poultry standard," charging one chicken for each sexual act. The number of chickens at the brothel exploded, and soon the place became known as the Chicken Ranch. Williams supplemented her income by selling surplus chickens and eggs.[1 Due to the history of this location, I'm surprised the state hasn't made it an official historical landmark. In the meantime, if you find yourself traveling down highway 71 around the small town of La Grange it's worth a stop to sit and guess about what used to be.

Went by today, the remains are gone. The buildings are all cleared. Nothing to see anymore.read more

This state historical site is such a cool place. It features ruins of Kreische Brewery (and the…read morestill standing home) as well as Monument Hill a tomb for those who died in the Dawson Massacre of September 1842. There is a beautiful overlook, and the grounds themselves are very well maintained. Only $5 per person for admission and leashed dogs are welcome. The Visitor Center has a few displays of relics that you won't want to miss! I do recommend wearing good shoes and carrying water if you are planning to walk down to the brewery. It's a bit steep in some places!

On a visit to La Grange, I looked up the top attractions in La Grange on TripAdvisor. Monument Hill…read moreState Park came up as number one. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. After paying a small fee to enter, we parked. The visitor's center has a small museum where you can learn all about the history of the park. It's a good way to kick things off. From there, you can hike around the park. Beyond getting a workout, you come across historical markers and other goodies along the way. Brewery ruins, a home, a statue, and more. You'll learn even more through this experience. I love these types of hikes: where you simultaneously learn and get a workout in.

I wish I had planned my day better. You could spend the whole day here. We would have packed a…read morepicnic lunch. There is so much to see. Plan on your walking shoes too! It was amazing to explore the townsite and explore the building where the declaration of independence from Mexico was signed. Just walking on the grounds where these visionaries walked was melancholy. The visitor center has a bunch of information. This historical site houses the Star of the Republic Museum, a park, and the Barrington living history farm. We didn't get to see the farm or visit the park. We ran out of time

Got about 8.5k steps in from walking during the visit to this park. Not only that, I got to see and…read morelearn something. Allergies were under control thanks to starting Allegra. It allowed me to enjoy the walk while understanding more about Washington on the Brazos River. Got to see the famous Brazos River and imagine how life was or could have been. Washington, Texas could have been a bustling city like Austin. It was fun seeing the old life acted out in the exact place it happened. It was fun hearing from those playing the various roles all over the park. It's a nice and sacred part of Texas history. One can explore neighboring areas like Navasota or Chappell Hill for dinner. Was hoping to have dinner at Bevers in Chappell Hill but it was closed. It was an easy drive home. Found a new way to get 10k steps in.

This place is pretty amazing. You start off with a brief film giving you some history of what…read moreyou're about to see. As you wander through the museum part it's very well done with a lot of touch screen interactives. As you wrap up going through the museum which can easily take you an hour plus, there's a second video that the continuation of the first. Both videos are really high quality and give a great overview. Once you've experienced the inside you walk outside and see a map of what the area used to look like with a homestead sites and some buildings. It helps you get orientated. Then there's the whole recreation of what the town could have looked like. Multiple buildings that you can walk through, each one has their own little educational experience. The print shop is probably the coolest as it's actually functional and can print stuff on every created press. I could easily imagine spending hours here, and it's an amazing morning experience for both adult and kids.

Really, really great spot! We hadn't heard of it, and it's just right outside of Houston! I would…read morerecommend anyone to come to learn more about Texas History. My history obsessed husband even learned something new. It is a beautifully done museum, very interactive and colorful and inviting. Great for kids and adults alike. And there is a great replica of what the town would look like as well.

This was a smaller park that had memorials for historical figures and some historical buildings on…read moresome gravel paths. It's a quiet walk and no one else was there while we were. Only taking off a point because the bathrooms were locked. Parking is in a small lot out front.

It was quite a day exploring some of the parks Bryan has to offer. This one in particular was most…read morefascinating with how many tributes, memories, restorations, in such a tiny spot, there are. From the picnic tables, their history and due diligence of restoration, to the French mum's memorial for all mums, reading every word of every plaque, this town has some history, pride, love and devotion it cherished and is delighted to share in this way. So thrilled I could walk through and embrace every bit on such a cold and blistery November day. Doing so warmed me to the bone. The tribute plaque regarding the Vietnam Memorial replica that occurred at A&M for a week in 1999 at the George Bush Library was most heartwarming indeed. Albeit I'd like to kick the idiot who failed in proofreading the plaque. In the pic enclosed, the line which states: The gallant heroes who's names are .......ugh, it's WHOSE....how embarrassing. And this plaque has been there for over a decade!! Otherwise, this park is magnificent!!

This miniature village was created from historical buildings that were moved here and restored…read more There is a looping path where you can walk from one to another. This place is best for little kids and they have several events throughout the year like the haunted village. There are a few interesting buildings with furniture but for adults, it's a pretty quick walk-through. We were the only ones there on a Saturday which was nice in that we weren't rushed but a bit odd though the staff was friendly. They do have some cold beverages for sale.

Disappointed. We drove 2 hours to come see the village and learn about the history for it to be…read moreclosed. Website on face book and even the flyer we have says it's open .

Serene, serene, serene. It's easy to get lost in this place. It's like walking back in time and…read morereally enjoying what was once a way a life. The dial in audio tour was unexpected and wish I had saw the sign before we were close to leaving. The ground are kept up very well and the fishing isn't bad either. They def bite here. The groundskeeper is super laid back and allows almost anything as long as you're respectful of the property. My family and I came here after we had dinner and it was really nice to cap of the day trip with Zedler Farm Handicap accessible. My uncle's mom is in a wheelchair and were able to get her from the parking lot (handicap parking lot is at the foot of the bridge), over the bridge and to the gazebo.

This venue is absolutely beautiful!! The staff is so amazing and I just love working with their…read moreteam!!

This unique home was constructed in the 1870s, and is one of the only remaining stone wedge…read morebuildings left in the state of Texas. It is located in Austin's Symphony Square, a nice park that features 350-seat outdoor performance amphitheater in addition to its four historic buildings. The Jeremiah Hamilton House is home to the Austin Symphony box office and the facilities office. The three-sided building was named after Jeremiah Hamilton, who served for two years in the 12th Texas Legislature (1869-1871) and built the home in 1871.

Great place to stop and visit and enjoy the walk around this historic landmark. There are benches…read moreand plenty of shade to chill, relax, and enjoy old downtown Columbus.

Beautiful, centuries-old live oak tree that was already huge before Houston was even founded. It's…read moreseen a lot of history, including (allegedly) a few hangings, over the years.

Exactly what it claims to be - the old hanging oak. There's not much to do around it, but it's a…read moregood reminder of a different time. Don't go here if you expect a museum, or exhibit, or anything like that. It's a nice tree with an interesting history. Nothing more, nothing less.