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 is an old jail with some beautiful architecture on the outside, and some crazy living…read moreconditions on the inside. 100 years ago the sheriff both lived and worked at the jail. So when you walk in on the first floor it feels like you're in someone's house or home office. Then you go upstairs and it's a whole different world. Could easily imagine 50 to 100 people shoved in here. The docents are very friendly, and are clearly passionate about volunteering here.

This is one of the original jails for Bellville, TX. This is mostly a self-guided tour, though…read moresomeone does give you a little history beforehand. It's a couple of stories, but the top is closed off. The bottom is the house for the deputy who used to live there with his family. Each room has some artifacts and photographs. There are some guns on display and some mock-ups of an office desk. Near the back, you can access the staircase to go upward to the jail cells that look entirely different with their decaying metal. They recently installed A/C up there, which was a good idea. It's not a large museum and for the casual viewer won't take too long to see everything. For the photographer the upstairs is the most interesting part of the tour. Parking is on the street and donations are appreciated.

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.

2021 April Soooo not really a business, but worth a mention!…read moreChappell hill bluebonnet festival!! Perfect weather...perfect place!! Once a year, Along the streets of the small city of chapel hill...is a cozy little area to look at booth after booth after booth of crafts, foods, hot sauces, and other homemade goodies!! the people are extremely polite and fun to talk to...alcohol is located throughout the area with a few scattered ATM machines. Free to get in, you can spend a few hours out there....live music and good times!! Love it

Review #3 - This festival is nothing less than Texas AWESOME! My mom would bring us here as kids…read moreand I loathed being drug here. However this was my first time back in probably over 20 year and they have TONS of things geared towards kids now. I'd be a happy kid! Anything under the sun "festival" will be found here. I was hoping to see more Bluebonnet art, but unlike 20 some odd years years ago it's more commercialized now, just think any festival you go to with "some" bluebonnet stuff mixed it. Home decor, yard art, Texas art, graphic tees, clothes, make your own potpourri, candles, jewelry, festival memorabilia,everything! And let's not forget about festival food! Lots of it! Adult beverages can be found everywhere. You can also get a glimpse into Chappell Hill history by going into the Historical Society building and other buildings along Main St. There is a kids section of carnival rides and face painting for those who have kids in tow. Parking as of this year is $5 and contrary to review number 1 - apparently they have it covered now because there were zero issues. Tip 1 - I would suggest arriving first thing in the morning to avoid any congestion. Tip 2 - There are TONS of yard art vendors. Shop around before you impulse buy. Several venders are much cheaper than the venders at the very start of the festival off Main and 290. Tip 3 - Some venders (not all) only take cash - so bring it! There is an ATM in the Historical Society building....unless they move it. Tip 4 - I laughed when I saw women toting around carts and wagons without kids. But I soon found that they were the smart ones! I bought so much cheap yard art that I could hardly carry it. Who's laughing now. Not me!! Lesson learned - bring something to carry your crap once you buy! You'll be happy you did! Enjoy!!!

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.

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

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.

What an amazing experience the library and the chapel. Like and oasis in the busy world of Houstonread more

I had heard about this place being a little far from Houston, but it wasn't too bad. It took me…read moreabout 30 minutes in the middle of day, but I had to make an appointment the day before and they asked me when I was coming for. I actually needed a quiet place to study that was away from my home because my husband works from home so I picked this place. When you get to the gate, you have to call them and then they confirm that it's you they let you in and then there's a designated parking area which has a lot of spaces. They also check your ID once you walk into the library and then give you a sticker. After that you are good to go and study wherever you want. I even walked around the grounds for a little bit on my way out. It looks very English countryside, even though I've never been to the English countryside. I think this is what it would look like. Library is beautiful and clean and temperature is perfect. Everyone working there is extremely friendly and it's such a beautiful place.

Nice friendly local farm in the Klein/Spring area. Came…read morehere with my son for his field trip and since I have been an off and on resident of this area since 2000 I thought I should check it out myself as I helped out the 4th grade teachers. Wunderlich farm is rich in history, our neighborhood being heavily influenced on German families is nice to learn where the names of our local schools come from, streets, and local shops. The friendly staff teaches visitors about how it was growing up as an early settler though out NW Houston raising animals with their daily chores and we even experienced doing manual labor work ourselves to appreciate where we are now with advances in technology. I would definitely recommend to take a walk into our local history's past and bond with your family to a place so rich in stories and tales to share even throughout these years.

Cute and tiny place to visit. The buildings are open on Saturdays and the farms are open to visit…read moreas long as you ask for permission. Wife loved reading the history behind it all. It's open till 3pm during the week.

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!!

Stopped by the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park while visiting the Galleria area and it was…read moredefinitely worth it! The waterfall structure is huge and really impressive in person. The sound of the water makes the whole place feel calm and relaxing despite being in a busy part of Houston. The park is clean, well-kept, and perfect for photos. I saw several people doing photoshoots while we were there. There are also nice grassy areas where you can just sit and enjoy the view. It's not a big park, but it's a great quick stop if you're nearby. If you're in Houston and looking for a unique spot to relax or take pictures, this place is definitely worth visiting.

This is a lovely park, and I can see why so many locals are tourists alike stop by for photos. We…read morewere visiting Houston and looking for green space to relax, and this was a great place in the heart of a busy city area -- just a short walk away from the mall. The perimeter has some bench seating, many shaded, which was really nice.