Activities

The Blue Bell Fun Run follows the Trestle Trail through Brenham’s beautiful countryside. Paved, winding roads pass rolling hills awash in bluebonnets. In April.

Suggested Bike Routes

Route 1 – Chappell Hill Loop

• Distance: 66.39 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,102 ft.
• Starts in: Chappell Hill, Texas
• Rider quote: “Great ride on quiet country roads”
• Local Advice: Finish your route off with lunch or a nice slice of homemade pie with Blue Bell Ice Cream at Bever’s Kitchen. http://www.bevers-kitchen.com/
• Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/29621726

Route 2 – Independence to Washington-on-the-Brazos

• Distance: 57.3miles
• Elevation gain: 984 ft.
• Starts in: Independence or Brenham, Texas
• Rider quote: “For historic interests, long views of the Brazos River Valley and visits to country churches and general stores, this loop between Independence and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park is a perfect way to experience the countryside of Washington County.”
• Local Advice: Take time to learn about Washington County and its deep roots in Texas history by reading some of the signs in Independence, along its’ historic walking tour. The general store in Independence is also a great place to get a cold drink and mingle with locals.
• Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/183089160

Route 3 – Washington on the Brazos/Chappell Hill /Brenham/Independence

• Distance: 64.24
• Elevation gain: 1,062.99 ft.
• Starts in: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Washington, Texas
  Rider Quote: “Long and hilly ride with great scenery”
• Local Advice: Visit the birthplace of Texas at the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historic Site.
• Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1797376

• The Brenham Golf & Country Club features a hilly, well-designed, 18-hole course with a fine clubhouse. Family oriented, it is open to the public by reservation. Call 979-836-1733.

High School

• Brenham High School football is “Friday Night Lights” at its best. A number of the football players at Brenham High go on to play football in the Big 12 Conference, and some have been drafted by the National Football League.

College

• Texas A&M University, home of the Aggies, is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference. The powerhouse football team has won one national title and 18 conference titles.
• The Texas A&M Aggies men’s and women’s basketball teams are typically top contenders in March Madness. Join the large, enthusiastic crowds they draw each year to become part of the Aggie spirit.

• The Heart of Bluebonnet Country, Washington County plays host to eye-popping swaths of Texas’ state flower every spring. Come get an eyeful. Learn More
• The Antique Rose Emporium will teach you everything you need to know about rose rustlers, antique roses, rosarians—in fact, about everything coming up roses.
• Chappell Hill Lavender Farm bills itself as “An Oasis for the Soul.” You can stroll through fragrant fields, cut your own fresh lavender and indulge in a relaxing picnic by the pond.

• Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway attracts hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians with more than 20 miles of trails. Water lovers can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and skiing on Lake Somerville.
• Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is the “Birthplace of Texas”—the town where Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. The expansive park grounds along the Brazos River create a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird-watching.

• Wichita Ranch has been breeding performance quarter horses for the public for more than a decade.
• Barbra Schulte is a world rewound cutting horse trainer who offers coaching for all levels
• True Blue Animal Rescue offers rescued horses for adoption. Take a look, and you’ll fall in love…

• Washington County has traditionally been known for white tail deer hunting as well as feral hug, dove and some quail hunting.

• At the Barrington Living History Farm, you can participate in daily activities to better understand what life was like in Texas more than 150 years ago.
• At the Star of the Republic Museum, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the Republic of Texas, a sovereign nation from 1836 to 1846.
• The Burton Cotton Gin & Museum invites you to step back in time, when cotton was king. You’ll see the oldest operating cotton gin in America, for one.
• The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on a 90-acre site on the west campus of Texas A&M University. The mission of the Library and Museum is to preserve for research the official records, personal papers and artifacts of President George H.W. Bush, and increase historical understanding of our national experience through the life and times of George Bush.

• Lillian Farms offers guests multiple accommodation types from quaint bed-and-breakfast guest rooms to self-catering cottages.
• The Inn at Dos Brisas boasts luxury accommodations, extraordinary dining and legendary hospitality.