Bryan Attractions
Brazos Valley
African American Museum
500 East 20th Street Bryan, TX 77803
(979) 775-3961
Open: Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Recommended
viewing: 1 hour This museum chronicles the tragedies and triumphs of
African American life from ancient civilizations to the present day,
while also focusing on local history's of churches, families and
schools. The museum strives to explore, develop, preserve and present
the cultural heritage of African Americans.
Brazos Valley Museum
of Natural History
3232 Briarcrest Dr. Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 776-2195
Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Recommended viewing: 1 hour The Museum's principle function is to
increase public awareness of animals, plants, minerals and human
activity in the Brazos Valley today and in ages past. Includes a gallery
with exhibits of fossils, sculptures, antique farming and survey
equipment, a discovery room with more than fifteen varieties of live
animals, an active glass-front beehive, dozens of taxidermy mounts,
educational resources and several exhibits.
Historic
Downtown Bryan
The city of Bryan is in the process of revitalizing its
Historic Downtown. This revitalization is allowing visitors to
experience the shops, restaurants and businesses that are working
together to restore Downtown Bryan to the thriving hub it once was. A
great place to go antiquing, shop for unique items, view, tour and
appreciate the historic homes and buildings as well as the
mouth-watering cuisine.
Messina Hof Winery &
Resort
4545 Old Reliance Road Bryan, TX 77808
(979) 778-9463
The most awarded premium winery in Texas, producing over
50 varietal wines at their state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Messina
Hof Winery & Resort offers daily winery tours, wine tasting at the
Winemaster's Room Tasting Bar, vineyard cuisine at the award-winning
Vintage House Restaurant and luxurious overnight accommodations at The
Villa - voted one of the most romantic B&Bs in the U.S. Special events
include the Wine & Roses Festival, Harvest Weekends, Murder Mystery
Dinners and cooking parties with the chef. Special event facilities are
also available for private dinners, weddings and receptions. Visitors
Welcome: Gift Shop Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sun 11am-4pm Tour Times: Mon-Fri
1pm, 2:30pm, 5:30pm Sat 11am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm Sun 12:30pm,
2:30pm Wine Bar Mon-Thur 4pm-7pm Sat 12pm-9pm Sun 11am-4pm
The Carnegie Center of
Brazos Valley History
111 E. 27th St. Bryan, TX 77803 (979)
779-5437
Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Recommended viewing: Varies with playtime A hands-on, interactive and
educational museum. Kids learn through play with hands-on-activities.
Some exhibits include: the Dramatic Play area for exploration of the
world of theater, the Valley Grocery for exploration of the world of
commerce, the Health and Fitness exhibit for focus on medicine and
nutrition, the Town News area for future broadcast reporters, writers
and DJs and the Volkswagen Beetle for expression through painting.
The Children's Museum
of the Brazos Valley
111 E. 27th St. Bryan, TX 77803 (979)
779-5437
Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Recommended viewing: Varies with playtime A hands-on, interactive and
educational museum. Kids learn through play with hands-on-activities.
Some exhibits include: the Dramatic Play area for exploration of the
world of theater, the Valley Grocery for exploration of the world of
commerce, the Health and Fitness exhibit for focus on medicine and
nutrition, the Town News area for future broadcast reporters, writers
and DJs and the Volkswagen Beetle for expression through painting.
College Station
Attractions
Benjamin Knox
Gallery - College Station Depot
405 University Dr. E. College Station, TX 77840
(979) 691-2787
Open: Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Recommended viewing: 30 minutes - 1 hour Experience the home gallery,
fine artwork and custom framing of nationally renowned artist Benjamin
Knox. Traveling exhibits of national and local artists are also on
display seasonally. Enjoy the intimate and artistic atmosphere while
sipping on fine wine or a coffee drink from the Coffee & Wine Bar, and
venture back to the times of red cabooses at the historic College
Station Depot. The facility is also available for special event rental.
Santa's
Wonderland
18898 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845
(979) 690-7212
A Texas Christmas experience! Gather friends and family,
and spend an unforgettable evening celebrating the holidays with great
food, fun and festivities. Take the tour with millions of dazzling
Christmas lights and see how Texans celebrate the biggest holiday of the
year at Santa’s Town. Santa's Town is a Texas style Christmas village
featuring working artisans, live shows, musical entertainment, holiday
goods, and shopping for unique gift ideas. It also features our classic
Christmas movies on our giant outdoor movie screen, a petting zoo, Santa
& Mrs. Claus, Santa’s hayride tours, Santa’s dining hall, and our cozy
outdoor fireplace.
Texas
Cooperative Wildlife Collection
3380 University Dr. E. College Station, TX 77845
(979) 845-5783
Open: Monday - Friday by appointment Recommended
viewing: 1 hour A natural history collection that focuses on vertebrate
life from Texas. Its collection of preserved specimens range from
reptiles to mammals, fish to birds, and number close to 1 million. No
live animals are on display. If interested in a visit, be sure to call
TCWC ahead of time. Located adjacent to TCWC is a nature trail that is
open year round, with 52 plant ID stations, a bird blind, bat boxes and
an outdoor classroom.
The Arts Council of
the Brazos Valley
2275 Dartmouth St. College Station, TX 77840
(979) 696-2787
Open: Monday - Friday 9: a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recommended
viewing: 30 minutes - 1 hour The Arts Council of Brazos Valley serves
the arts, cultural and heritage needs of the residents, artists,
businesses and visitors of the Brazos Valley. Programs and services
support 57 affiliates, cultural organizations, members, constituents,
friends, businesses and program participants in seven counties. The Arts
Council's extensive programs include over 14 rotating exhibits at the
Texas Gallery, the Bryan/College Station Public Art Project, the ACBV
Permanent Collection, arts and cultural funding, marketing, outreach,
classes and professional development.
The George
Bush Presidential Library and Museum
1000 George Bush Dr. College Station, TX 77845
(979) 691-4000
Open: Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Recommended viewing: 2 hours The Museum at the
George Bush Presidential Library reveals the unique influences and
challenges which shaped George Herbert Walker Bush's life and presidency
through artifacts, films, photographs, documents, music and interactive
video that creates a museum experience that is both educational and
entertaining.
Surrounding Areas
Antique Rose
Emporium
10,000 Hwy 50 Brenham, TX 77833 (979)
836-5548
This multi-acre garden features hundreds of roses,
perennials, herbs and native flora reflecting the personality of each
location. Each site contains herb gardens, cottage gardens and many
perennial borders. All plants displayed are also offered for sale. Gift
related items are also available.
Blue Bell
Creameries
Brenham, TX 77834 (800) 327-8135
Founded in 1907, Blue Bell Creameries is home to what
many believe the "best ice cream in the country." This "little creamery
in Brenham" is a popular stop.
Burton Cotton
Gin & Museum
307 North Main Burton, TX (979)
289-3378
Built in1914, this gin, one of the last integrated
air-system gins in America, has been restored with the guidance of the
Smithsonian Institution and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation. A working reminder of when cotton reigned supreme. The
Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday
seasonal hours. Tours daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. or by
appointment.
Ellison's
Greenhouses
2107 East Stone Street Brenham TX
(979) 836-6011
The only commercial wholesale greenhouse operation in
teh state that allows the public to tour its working operations and five
acres of greenhouses. Hosts the Poinsettia Celebration the weekend
before Thanksgiving.
Star of the
Republic Museum
Washington, TX 77880 (936) 878-2461
Located at the site where 59 delegates gathered on March
2, 1836 to declare Texas’ independence from Mexico, the Star of the
Republic Museum depicts the colorful saga of the Texas Republic—the
story of Texas and its heritage…cotton and cattle…legends of blood and
iron…vast resources and vast lands.
Texas A&M University
Attractions
Bonfire
Memorial
TAMU Campus, Polo Fields College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-3161
Open: From Dawn until Dusk Recommended viewing: 30
minutes - 1 hour The Bonfire Memorial is dedicated to the 12 Aggies who
lost their lives in the tragic collapse of the 1999 Bonfire. It
celebrates the tradition and history of Texas A&M and is comprised of
the Tradition Plaza, Spirit Wall and History Walk.
Cushing
Memorial Library and Archives
TAMU Campus College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-1951
Open: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Recommended
viewing: Varies Home to Texas A&M University's rare books, special
collections, manuscripts, and archival repository, Cushing Library
presents 4-6 exhibits for visitors each year in addition to their
permanent displays.
J. Wayne Stark
University Center Galleries
TAMU Campus College Station, TX 77844
(979) 845-8501
Open: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday
and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recommended viewing: Varies with
Exhibits The Stark Galleries host about 14 traveling exhibitions each
year. Visitors will see exhibits ranging from the traditional fine arts
and crafts to anthropology, archaeology, history and science. One can
also explore some of the highlights of Texas A&M University's permanent
collection, which includes works by Texas artists such as E.M. "Buck"
Schiwetz, John Biggers, H.O. Kelly, Julian Onderdonk and Dawson
Dawson-Watson.
MSC Forsyth
Center Galleries
TAMU Campus College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-9251
Open: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday
and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recommended viewing: 1 hour As the
home of the Bill ('35) & Irma Runyon Art Collections, the galleries
house one of the world's most extraordinary collections of English Cameo
Glass, as well as 1,100 American and English glass objects and 66
American paintings including important works by Mary Cassatt, Frederick
Remington and Charles M. Russell. The glass collections include the
mastery of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Steuben Glass Works, Mount Washington
Glass Company, New England Glass Company and long-term loans of Galle
and rich cut glass.
Sam Houston
Sanders Corps of Cadet Center
TAMU Campus College Station, TX 77843
(979) 862-2862
Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Recommended viewing: 1 - 2 hours The Sanders
Corps of Cadet Center depicts the Corps of Cadets from its beginning in
1876 to today. The exhibits held describe the traditions and history of
Texas A&M University. The exhibits include Silver Taps, the Aggie Band,
Parsons Mounted Cavalry, the 12th Man, the Ross Volunteers, Aggie
Muster, Bonfire, Reveille, Cadet life and an Aggie Ring case. Also
housed in the Corps Center is the Metzger -Sanders Antique Firearm
Collection. A must see to truly understand Aggieland.
TAMU
Lettermen's Association Athletic Sports Museum
Kyle Field, TAMU Campus College Station, TX 77843
(979) 846-3024
Open: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Recommended
viewing: 1 - 2 hours Located in the Zone of Kyle Field, this museum
serves as a repository for treasured sports relics of the past. Visitors
will experience several different exhibits in the museum including the
Time Wall, Legends Gallery, sport-by-sport perimeter displays and
interactive computers. The Texas A&M Sports Museum has the distinction
of being the nation's only all-sports museum funded primarily by former
athletes.
Texas A&M
University Visitor Center
(979) 845-5851
Appelt Visitor Center / 1st Floor Rudder Tower, TAMU
Campus (979) 845-5851 Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Recommended viewing: 1 hour Tours Texas A&M University is a land-grant,
sea-grant and space-grant institution located in College Station, Texas.
The university is centrally located, approximately equidistant from
three of the 10 largest cities in the United States: Houston, Dallas and
San Antonio and the state capitol Austin. The University's enrollment is
approximately 44,000 students studying for degrees in 10 academic
colleges. Tours of the campus are offered through the Aggieland Visitor
Center, which leave every hour from the lobby of Rudder Tower.
Rudder-Jessup B&B
115 Lee Avenue, College Station, TX 77840
(979) 693-1749
Business/Customer
Service:
George Jessup (979) 777-3775
email: george@jessup1.com
