Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill
Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill is located on the east side of FM 50 (next to the Antique Rose Emporium), interpretive signage and a reconstructed bell tower mark the archeological ruins of the Baylor campus for males. A well-marked walking and/or driving trail with 19 interpretive signs relates the history of the village of Independence.
On the west side of FM 50, ruins mark the site of the original Baylor University and its female department, Old Baylor Park at Academy Hill, which is one of the best places in the state to enjoy springtime bluebonnets and wildflowers.
Texas Star Winery
Texas Star Winery is nestled in beautiful Chappell Hill. Come enjoy our award-winning wines in a charming tasting room or out under the trees.
Giddings Stone Mansion
The Heritage Society of Washington County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings and artifacts, and to promoting education and interest in Washington County,Texas. Established in 1970, the Society owns and operates two historic properties: The 1843 Giddings Wilkin House Museum and the 1870 Giddings Stone Mansion. Ideal for weddings, receptions, business luncheons and dinners, the Giddings Stone Mansion features four spacious rooms on the first floor and four on the second, with a wrap-around porch on both floors and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Texas Cotton Gin Museum
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
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm
Stroll through fragrant fields, cut your own fresh lavender, indulge in a relaxing picnic by the pond and enjoy our heavenly gift shop, “The Lavender Patch.” Also on site are fainting goats, blackberry plants, and fruit trees. Pick your own fruit when in season! The aromatic lavender farm and gift shop, with its scenic hillside view, is located 8 miles north of Chappell Hill. Open Thursday-Sunday, March through November. Open by appointment in December, January and February. Groups of 12 or more are welcome other days of the week for tours with advance notice.
Peeka Ranch Alpacas
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! Appointment only.
Texas Baptist Historical Museum
Bring your church group, school group or family to visit Texas’ oldest continuously serving Baptist church. The present church dates to 1872. The pulpit furniture dates to 1852. Sam Houston was baptized here and carved his and his wife’s initials in their family pew. Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor began here. This church has been called the mother church of Texas Baptists because of its significance to Texas Baptist history. The museum remains free, thanks to the generous support of Texas Baptists.
Chappell Hill Historical Society & Museum
The Chappell Hill Historic District includes the restored Providence Baptist Church parsonage, the Museum displaying historical exhibits and the Swearingen folk art collection, the Rock Store, century-old churches, Masonic Cemetery, library and the oldest continually operating bank in America. Groups are invited for tours of the historic sites with advance reservation. If you are having a group event or wedding, Chappell Hill may be the place for you! Providence Church is a quaint location for a wedding ceremony – the church holds 130 people. The Museum is ideal for parties up to 120, and the Rock Store can seat 40 people for a more intimate gathering in historic downtown.
Blue Bell Creameries & Ice Cream Parlor
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.
Glissmann’s Gift Gallery & Historic Drug Store
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.