Known across Texas for being the home of the original Blue Bell Creameries, the number of fun things to do in Brenham expands far past ice cream (though you definitely shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Blue Bell while you’re there).
From a charming downtown packed with murals to interesting parks and attractions located just outside of town, Brenham makes a wonderful day trip or weekend escape.
Planning a trip and curious about what to do in Brenham once you finish up at Blue Bell?
Here are the best things to do in (and near) Brenham!
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The Best Things to Do in Brenham, TX
Grab a scoop of ice cream at Blue Bell Creameries.
Without a doubt, the best-known of all the things to do in Brenham is paying a visit to Blue Bell Creameries–we couldn’t start this list with anything else!
At the creamery, you can watch the ice cream being produced from the Observation Deck, learn about the company’s history at the Visitor’s Center, and–best of all–grab a treat from the on-site Ice Cream Parlor for only $1 per gigantic scoop!
Enjoy downtown’s many murals.
For a small town in Texas, Brenham boasts an outsized number of beautiful murals, depicting everything from bluebonnets to owls to Blue Bell’s logo.
As you stroll through town, you’re bound to find several worth snapping photos of!
Take the kids to ride an antique carousel.
Brenham’s Antique Flying Horses Carousel is not only absolutely beautiful and a piece of history worth admiring, it’s also still functional!
Riders aged 12 and under are welcomed to ride the carousel on weekends between March and October, and older riders can either stand next to the horses or sit on one of the carousel’s gondolas.
Tour the Giddings Stone Mansion.
Built in the 1870s, this Greek Revival mansion is magnificent to behold, both inside and out.
Visitors can tour the interior of the mansion during their visit to Brenham, and the property also hosts weddings and other events.
Visit the Brenham Heritage Museum.
Dedicated to the history of both Brenham and to Washington County as a whole, this small museum is a great place to learn about Brenham’s beginnings.
Right next door, you’ll find the Fire Museum–which is more of a display, really–that is home to several historic fire trucks.
Enjoy Hohlt Park.
Home to everything from walking trails to sports fields to an amphitheater, the 85-acre Hohlt Park is a fixture of the community in Brenham, Texas.
See a show at Unity Theatre.
Looking for a fun way to spend an evening in Brenham?
Consider supporting the local arts by seeing a show at the non-profit Unity Theatre!
Step into Toubin Park.
This tiny pocket park is wedged in between two buildings in downtown Brenham, just a short walk from the town square.
Dedicated to exploring Brenham’s history (and its use of cisterns), it’s a fun attraction to duck into when wandering through town.
What to Do Near Brenham
While there are lots of cool attractions in town, there are even more fun things to do near Brenham!
If you’re visiting Brenham, be sure to make time for a stop or two in the surrounding area, too.
Tour Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Once a town in its own right, and today merely a beautiful state park, Washington-on-the-Brazos is known as “Where Texas Began” because it is the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico.
During your visit, you can check out the building where the declaration was signed in 1836, along with a museum, a living history farm, and a beautiful trail along the Brazos River.
Check out a lavender farm.
Located about 15 minutes outside of Brenham, the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm is absolutely beautiful and is home to blooming lavender twice a year (once in late spring/early summer, and once in late summer).
They also host a lavender festival each year.
Get details on the blooms, the festival, and more here.
… and an alpaca farm.
With several alpaca farms in the immediate vicinity of Brenham, there’s no shortage of opportunities to interact with these whimsical creatures in Washington County!
Visit the Texas Cotton Gin Museum.
The 1914 Burton Farmers Cotton Gin is the oldest still-functioning cotton gin in the USA–and visitors are welcome to tour it!
Seek out the bluebonnets.
The area surrounding Brenham is known for its stupendous fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers each spring–head to Brenham during bluebonnet season and hit the backroads to find some absolutely magical views!
Go antiquing in Round Top.
The charming small town of Round Top, Texas is best known for being one of the absolute best places for antiquing in the Lone Star State–and it’s located a mere 25 minutes from Brenham.
Whether you happen to be in town for one of the legendary antique fairs or are just passing through town on a regular day, you’re bound to find limitless amounts of antiques to peruse.
Stop and smell the roses at Antique Rose Emporium.
While the Antique Rose Emporium is technically a garden center where you can purchase plants, seeds, and more, their magnificent display gardens are what puts them on the map as one of the best things to do in Brenham!
Where is Brenham, Texas?
Brenham is located in East Texas, and is within easy day trip and weekend getaway distance of many of Texas’ larger cities!
It is about 45 minutes south of College Station, one hour and 15 minutes northwest of Houston, 1.5 hours east of Austin, and 2.5 hours northeast of San Antonio (all traffic dependent, of course).
