Come visit the “little creamery” in Brenham and learn all about how Texas’ favorite sweet treat is made! Visitors have the opportunity to browse the Visitor Center which is filled with pictures, videos and history of the “best ice cream in the country.” No visit to Blue Bell is complete without a generous scoop of ice cream from the Parlor and a trip to the Country Store for a unique gift or souvenir.

See rare antique fire engines. Learn why Brenham was burned. Hear the stories behind Maifest and Washington County Fair.

The Brenham Fire Museum was formed in 1867, to protect lives and property in the face of adversity. Shortly after, an extensive system of public cisterns was built under the streets to provide water for fighting fires. Hence, Brenham became the first Texas city to provide public services. Brenham’s historic public cisterns are a Texas Antiquities Landmark.

See Brenham’s rare Silsby Fire Engine that operated with cisterns as its water source. You’ll also see Samanthe, purchased in 1923, one of only three in the world today. Invader, purchased in 1950 is also on display.

The Brenham Fire Museum is open from 11am – 2pm, and is free entry.

If you would like to schedule a private tour of the Museum on a day we are not open to the public, those can be arranged by calling 979-337-7580. Private tours must be scheduled at least a week in advance, and a cost will be associated with this. $5/person (free for children 6 years and under). Minimum of 5 people.

For continuous hours and updates, please check the Brenham Fire Museum Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/brenhamfiremuseum

Travel back in time to 1850 and explore the original home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas. The Jones family lived at the farm for over a decade, building a successful cotton farm with enslaved labor after Texas joined the union. This living history farm is complete with period costumed interpreters using 19th century farming practices for planting, cultivating, harvesting and working with livestock. Explore the sights and smells of farm life and experience the daily lives of those who came 150 years ago.

Located within Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Entrance fees apply. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4:30pm.

The Brenham Heritage Museum is a local history museum located in Downtown Brenham. Exhibits and collections reflect a focus on the history and culture of Washington County. Originally serving as the United States Post Office, this magnificent building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was eventually transformed into the museum you see today.

Hours are Wed through Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Glissman’s Gift Gallery is a unique, one-of-a-kind gift and collectible shop. Located in historic Downtown Brenham, in an 1860s two-story masonry building built by J.T. Parnell. Also housing the display of original items from Glissman’s Drug Store.

Welcome to Peeka Ranch, an alpaca farm in Burton, Texas. Located just 15 miles west of Downtown Brenham and 55 miles northwest of Houston, Peeka Ranch is 60 acres of hay meadows, oak trees and 100 alpacas. The public is welcome to come out to the ranch to enjoy seeing, petting and feeding the alpacas. We also have a gift shop with alpaca wool products for sale. Come on out and enjoy the peace and quiet of ranch life! Give us a ring before you come, just to make sure we’re at the ranch and ready to greet you.

We like to drink good beer! We have an assumption that most people share this thought with us. We’re just a group of family and friends who love good beer, good music, and the people that they bring together. Following this simple passion, we’ve created a family business — an independent craft brewery and taproom located a block from historic Downtown Brenham. We brew what we love, name it after the songs that we love, and we’re confident that you’ll love it, too. But if beer isn’t your thing, we have wine, cider, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options too, and the kiddos are welcome to run and play at “BVB Park.”

Our mission here at Chapelton Vineyards is to provide you with an environment where premium wine is our priority, and to create opportunities for you to explore your wine knowledge further. We invite you to taste our wines, relax and unwind, and enjoy your time with us here. The vision for Chapelton Vineyards was born out of the Lyn’s love of the countryside. Living most of their life in the city, when they discovered Washington, TX, they fell in love with the relaxing experience, rolling hills, and of course the sunsets. After they bought property and built their personal home in Washington CO, they wanted to share their experience with others and bought more property in 2018 where they started the foundation for what is now Chapelton Vineyards.

All outdoor bar serving margaritas and other cocktails. Amazing food by our friends, LaJefa food truck is served here!

Premium handmade cigars in a walk-in humidor with a lounge area for smoke and conversation.

Home Sweet Farm Biergarten is located in historic Downtown Brenham. A laid-back venue offering live music every weekend, the largest selection of Texas craft beer in the county, wine and local products.

Come stroll through past and present, visit more than 25 shops and spend some time relaxing in this National Register district. Brenham’s downtown buildings reflect the town’s early history and charm.

Learn about Brenham’s importance in early Texas history. “Meet” Texas’ early forefathers and hear stories of their exciting adventures. See unique artifacts that will delight you. See how aristocrats lived in the days before plumbing and electricity. Learn about Brenham’s State Antiquities Landmark, a system of historic public cisterns.

STEP INTO THE PAST Tours are fun for groups of all sizes. Call in advance for arrangements to see historic sites around Brenham and Washington County. Friendly and knowledgeable guides tell fun stories, but some sites can be toured without guides.

Must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.

The Star of the Republic Museum was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by the Texas Historical Commission as a cultural and educational institution. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the material culture of the Texas Republic (1836-1846) and to interpret the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans. The Museum strives to inspire interest, understanding and appreciation of Texas heritage for students, teachers, scholars and the general public through exhibits, tours, programs, web activities, and outreach.

The Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas keeps the legacy of cotton alive for all generations; open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Home of the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin – the oldest operating cotton gin in America; tours daily at 10am and 2pm. *Leashed pets allowed