Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill
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, one of the best places in the state to enjoy springtime bluebonnets. Adjacent to the John P. Coles homes, this park features picnic tables and a playground area.
Barrington Plantation State Historic Site
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
Independence Visitor Center & Historical Society
Independence Historical Society offers tours of two of the earliest homes in Washington County, as well as a rural one-room schoolhouse. John P. Coles House provides an opportunity to experience Colonial Texas life. Free tours on selected March and April weekends; other times by appointment. Admission fee.
Yard, The
The best times are spent with close friends and the whole family, having a few drinks, eating some good grub, listening to music and having a great area where the kids can all play safely while the parents have the chance to unwind from the week’s frenzied pace.
Brenham is the Baseball Capitol of Texas. What could be better than a night at Fenway Park? A night at a miniature version of it, that’s what! And so here we are.
Baseball, but “funner.” And the great thing is, you and your friends can sit out on the deck and enjoy a beverage or two and snack on that concession-type food like chili-cheese dogs and nachos. The kids will run up and ask for some money to get a sno-cone or bag of popcorn or peanuts, just like at the ball park.
Brenham Miniature Horses
The Pax Christi Sisters invite you to their oasis in the country. Not only do they have a very large retreat center, but they have several miniature horses, a paint-your-own-ceramic shop and a picnic area. Visitors are welcome Mon-Sat 10am-1pm and 2:30pm-5pm. Closed Sunday. Groups please call ahead 361-775-5482.