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.
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
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
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.
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.
Tailored Travel Tours, LLC
Tailored Travel Tours provides customized guided experiences that bring history to life in Brenham and Washington County. Explore historic sites, charming downtown areas, and hidden gems with a guide who tailors each tour to your interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique way to see the area, Tailored Travel Tours offers an unforgettable way to discover the region’s rich heritage!
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.
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.
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.