Washington County Soundwalk Experience
Like the Camptown Soundwalk Experience developed for the new permanent local exhibit in Brenham, an immersive audio tour encourages visitors to listen to stories of important sites in Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence and at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
On these walking tours at each location, visitors can scan QR codes to listen to each Soundwalk. This gives each community another opportunity to share the stories that are part of what made them what they are today. Explore the county and learn about the history in each of the communities!
Old Baylor Park
Pet Friendly Family Friendly Parking Available
This is the site of the female campus at Baylor University called Academy Hill. Its massive stone columns survive today, and are the famous ruins at Old Baylor Park, operated jointly by Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. This is a popular park in Washington County that typically has beautiful bluebonnets and wildflowers in the spring! Adjacent to the John P. Coles homes, this park features picnic tables and a playground area.
Rockin’ Star Ranch
Family Friendly Parking Available Wifi Available
Rockin’ Star Ranch is a beautiful and unique destination for events, retreats, weddings and reunions. Our spacious 7,000 square foot ballroom boasts dramatic vaulted ceilings, an amazing commercial kitchen, massive granite topped bar and its own private suite tucked away upstairs for newlyweds or other very lucky guests. The ballroom is the largest in the area and provides the perfect airy, yet intimate, space for your next destination wedding, reunion or business conference. We also feature on-site lodging with quaint individual cabins that surround a gorgeous outdoor pool complete with waterfall and bar/kitchen. Ballroom seats 300 at tables; 500 cocktail-style; Ranch sleeps 30 in 7 different cabins.
Rockin’ Star Ranch also offers horseback riding to the public. They cater to all ages and skill levels, offering a unique way to connect with nature and create lasting memories!
Camptown Soundwalk Experience
Step back in time with the Camptown Soundwalk Experience, starting at Jerry Wilson Park, located just east of Downtown Brenham. This immersive outdoor exhibit takes you through one of Washington County’s earliest Freedom Colonies, where enslaved individuals gathered before emancipation and established a vibrant community at the end of the Civil War.
Explore 7 stops along a walking path in this historic neighborhood, each with panels featuring QR codes. Simply scan the codes with your phone to unlock an audio tour filled with stories and sounds that bring the past to life. Did you know Camptown was once home to more than 70 businesses and served as the original site for Federal troops during Reconstruction? This is a permanent exhibit that is open to the public 24/7.
If you’re intrigued by this Soundwalk, expand your journey with the Washington County Soundwalk Experience, visiting key sites in Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, and Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Main Street Brenham
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.