This area was originally settled by immigrant families, led by John O. Meusebach, from Germany in 1846. Many of the older buildings retain their tradition German styles, several of these units can be found in the National Historic District. Old traditions are regularly observed and German is still spoken occasionally. Visitors are often attracted by the scenic beauty, historic landmarks and its European atmosphere.
Things to do in Fredericksburg
Admiral Nimitz Museum & Historical Center
This museum of the Pacific War, consists of the restored Nimitz Steamboat Hotel, the George Bush Gallery of the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Garden of peace, the Pacific Combat Zone and the Plaza of the Presidents. Located at 304 East main Street. Interior exhibits open daily 10am - 5pm. Outdoor exhibits are open 8am - 4:45. Closed on Christmas. Find Best Western Fredericksburg lodging nearby. Call 830-997-4379 for more information.
Bed and Breakfast
More than 300 homes and buildings, many of which are historic, have been transformed into bed and breakfasts or guesthouses. The Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a printed listing. Many of the accommodations can be booked through lodging services. Call 830-997-7227 for more information.
Bell Mountain
Operation at this vineyard began in 1974 when they were planted in abandoned fields. The buildings here are all old-world-type which are used to house the winery. Visitors are treated to complimentary tours and tasting. Located at 463 Bell Mountain Road. Call 830-685-3297 for more information.
Chisholm Trail Winery
This winery, located just outside Fredericksburg in beautiful Hill County, was opened in 1999. Tours and tastings are available Friday - Saturday 11am - 6pm and Sunday noon - 6pm. Tours on other days can be arranged by appointment. Located on Usener Road, off US 290 nine miles west of Fredericksburg. Call 830-990-2675 for more information.
Easter Fires
An unknown pioneer mother more than 100-years ago told the first Easter Fires story to quiet the fears of her children. It is a charming tale of an Easter rabbit who lit and tended hillside fires to boil traditional eggs. In reality the fires were those of Indians awaiting the outcome of peace talks with settlers. The agreement was reached and the two groups lived in peace. The tradition still remains today and hillside fires still glow each Easter eve while a pageant retells the story.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Visitation to this area is limited to protect the natural & cultural resources. Once the park reaches capacity during heavy-use periods, it will temporarily close for the day & reopen at 7 p.m. for day-use activities. Call 915-247-3903 for more information.
Enchanted Rock State Park
A massive dome of solid granite famed in Indian legend. It is said to be the site of human sacrifices and some tribes feared to set foot on it; others used height as rallying point; all held it in awe and reverence. Indians believed the ghost fires flickered on the crest on moonlit nights. A National Natural Landmark, the dome is about 640 acres and 500 feet high. Open year round. Hiking, rock climbing and rappelling, picnicking, primitive camping in designated areas (reservations accepted). Because of its popularity, the number of daily visitors is being limited. Located at 16710 Ranch Road. Call 915-247-3903 for more information.
Fort Martin Scott
This is the site of the first Federal Fort in Texas, which was established in 1848, (three years after Texas joined the U.S.) to guard the frontier from Indians. The German settlers had already arrived and established a treaty of friendship with the Comanches. This was unique among Indian treaties, as neither side ever broke it. With mutual trust the Fort became a center of commerce between settlers, Indians and soldiers. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Fredericksburg Brewing Company
Located in a 1890s restored rock building, this is the largest brewpub in the area. The operators still use the traditional German brewing method. Open Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 9pm; Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 10pm; and Sunday 11:30am - 7pm. Located at 245 East Main Street. Call 830-997-1646 for more information.
Fredericksburg Butterfly Ranch
Historic Loeffler-Weber House, built in 1846, is home to this active working butterfly ranch. The Ranch specializes in native Texas butterflies and plants, all featured in a 1,500-square foot walk-through house. Gift shop offers novelties. Guided group tours available with advance notice. Located at 508 W. Main. Open seasonally - March - November / Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1 -5pm. Call 830-990-0735 for more information.
Fredericksburg Herb Farm
This organic herb garden features rows of carefully tended flowering, culinary and ornamental herbs, which are harvested for things ranging from gourmet vinegar, olive oils, seasonings, teas, blossom potpourris, wreaths, natural bath potions and body fragrances. Located six blocks south on Milam, off Main Street. Open Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm and Sunday noon - 4pm. Call 830-997-8615 for more information.
Fredericksburg Winery
This winery has been in operation since May 8, 1996 on the 150th anniversary of the founding of Fredericksburg. The winery includes a tasting room and gift shop. Located one block west of the courthouse. Open Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm; Friday and Saturday 10am - 8pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm. Call 830-990-8747 for more information.
Gish's Old West Museum
Here visitors can see how the "real cowboys" lived with displays of Old West relics. Exhibits include collections of the saddles and badges of legendary lawmen and old guns. Items in this collection date from 1870 - 1920. Call for hours. Located at 502 North Milam Street. Call 830-997-2794 for more information.
Historic Downtown Shopping District
Visit the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce at 106 N. Adams for more information on shopping downtown. Call 888-997-3600 for more information.
Lady Bird Johnson l Park
Swimming pool, fishing, boating (no motors), playground, tennis, volleyball, softball, 18-hole golf course, restaurant, ice and nature trails can all be found here. Located at 432 Lady Bird Johnson Drive. Call 830-997-4010 for more information.
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Club
Highway 16 South, Fredericksburg, TX
Oberhof Winery & Wine Cellars
Offers complimentary wine tastings of Bell Mountain and other vintage wines. Located at 1406 South Highway 87. Open daily 10am - 6pm. Call 830-997-8969 for more information.
Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area
The wildlife management area is open nightly from June - October for a spectacular emergency of 1.5 to 2 million Mexican free-tailed bats from an abandoned tunnel of the old San Antonio, Fredericksburg and Northern Railway Co. which operated from 1913 to 1917. The upper viewing deck is free. Every Thursday and Saturday guided tours are given to the lower observation deck with a fee and reservation. Call 830-238-4487 for more information.
Pioneer Memorial Library
This library is housed in the restored structure that was formerly the Gillespie County courthouse. The library includes documents and books brought by early German settlers. Located at 115 West Main. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 6pm; Wednesday 9am - 7pm; Friday & Saturday 9am - 2pm. Call 830-997-6513 for more information.
Pioneer Museum Complex
This museum is operated by the Gillespie County Historical Society. The complex centers on an eight-room furnished pioneer home and store, built in 1849. It has a wine cellar and stein-hof, a Victorian-style home and a fire museum with early Fredericksburg fire-fighting equipment. Located at 309 West Main Street. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm. Call 830-997-2835 for more information.
Quiet Hill Ranch
This ranch offers trail rides along scenic trails in the Texas Hill Country. Located at 110 Quiet Hill Ranch Road. Call 830-669-2253 for more information.
Race Barn
This simulcast facility, operated by the Gillespie County Fair Association, carries horse and greyhound racing from some of the finest tracks in the country. This includes races from Belmont, Churchill Downs and Del Mar all on 34 television screens. Open Thursday - Sunday at 11am. Call 830-997-4058 for more information.
Sunday Houses
These tiny houses were built by early settlers for use on weekends. Early residents would journey into Fredericksburg for Saturday marketing and church on Sunday. Several of the small houses remain today and are marked by historical medallions. Private residences, open only on occasional tours. Some now serve as bed & breakfast.
Vereins Kirche Museum
This reconstructed "coffeemill church" is an eight-sided structure that was the first public building in city. It served as a house of worship for all denominations, school and meeting hall. It now holds archives and rotating displays of photographs and archaeological items. Located at Market Square on West Main Street in midtown. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sun. 1 - 4pm. Call 830-997-2835 for more information.
Visitor Information Center
The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau runs the visitor information center. Free information, maps, walking tour guide of historic district are available. Located at 106 North Adams. Open Monday - Friday 9am - noon and 1 - 5pm and Saturday 1 - 5pm. Call 830-997-6523 for more information.
Wildseed Farms
This site is home to the nation's largest working wildflower farm. Wildflowers bloom from the early spring through the late fall. The market center offers varying wildflower seeds that can be planted in all parts of the country. Call for information on flowers currently blooming. Located seven miles east of the city on US 290. Call 830-990-1393 for more information.