Toubin Park
Beneath Brenham streets is a large system of historic cisterns. The cisterns were built in the late 1800s to store rainwater for public fire fighting. Private cisterns were also abundant throughout early Washington County, used for bathing, drinking and cooking. The large system of public cisterns in early Brenham was a rarity. Enjoy the Wild West story of why these cisterns were built. It’s a tale of an early railroad, a rough Boom Town, and colorful characters who shaped Washington County’s history. Self-guided tours through this historic Downtown Brenham pocket park can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Brenham Fire Museum
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 on Saturdays 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
Downtown Brenham Murals
Explore the vibrant heart of Downtown Brenham, where colorful murals breathe new life into historic streets and alleyways. Each mural tells a story of Brenham’s heritage, culture, and creativity, painted by talented artists during the Texas Arts & Music Festival. Stroll through town to discover delightful surprises around every corner!
Brenham Heritage Museum
Accessible Pet Friendly Parking Available Wifi Available
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
Brenham on the Run
Brenham on the Run offers unique jogging tours in and around Brenham, Texas. Tours combine light jogging with frequent stops to hear about historical facts, window shopping and plenty of photo opportunities. Your guide will take you through and around Downtown, while you stay active and explore the area.
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.
Belle’s Alley – Freedom Colonies Exhibit
Just steps from Toubin Park in Downtown Brenham, Belle’s Alley tells the powerful, under told stories of the Freedom Colonies established in Washington County between 1865 and 1930 by the formerly enslaved. During a turbulent time in history, these communities proved safety, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to build new lives as freedmen.
Explore how these colonies formed, why they mattered, and the legacy they left behind. As part of the exhibit, enjoy an interactive scavenger hunt that makes history engaging and fun for all ages!
This is a permanent exhibit that is open to the public 24/7.