Attractions and Things To Do in and Around Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Texas Attractions

Fredericksburg, Texas Museums

Gish’s Old West Museum

502 N. Milam, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-2794 ~~ Joe Gish’s Old West Museum is a personal collection displaying 40 year’s collection of many items from the Old West.  Dedicated to the old-time cowboys, trail drivers, silent movie cowboys and lawmen from 1870 to 1920.  No regular hours, museum is open when here.  Call for appointment. http://www.curtrich.com/

National Museum of the Pacific War

311 E. Austin, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-4379 ~~ Dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific War.  The Admiral Nimitz Museum.  George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, The Plaza of the Presidents, Japanese Garden of Peace, Memorial Walk and the Pacific Combat Zone are all part of the park.  See displays of some of the most notable aspects and events of WW11 in the Pacific.  Hours: Interior Exhibits: 10A.M.-5P.M.. Outside Exhibits: 8A.M-4:45 P.M.  Admission fee: $5 & $3.  A must see especially for those who are a fan of war history. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Pioneer Museum Complex

309 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-2835 ~~ Experience the rich German heritage of Gillespie County.  This 3-5 acre museum complex contains superb examples of early German structures and artifacts.  Prior arrangements required for special tours of other historic homes and sites owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 10A.M.-5P.M.  Sunday 1P.M.-5P.M.  Admission: $4. http://www.pioneermuseum.com/

Vereins Kirche Museum

Center of Marktplatz, 100 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-2835 ~~ This unique building is a well-known landmark of the city of Fredericksburg in the heart of town.  Learn about the original “Society’s Church” and its interesting history.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 10A.M.-4P.M.  Sunday 1P.M.-4P.M. Admission $1. http://www.pioneermuseum.com/

Hill COUNTRY HISTORIC SITES

Fort Martin Scott Historic Site

1606 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-9895 or (830) 997-2835 ~~ Visit this pre-Civil War (1848) military outposts to learn about one of the first frontier Army forts in Texas.  Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10A.M.-5P.M.  No Admission. http://www.fortmartinscott.com

National Historic District (Heart of Fredericksburg)

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the district has over 80 points of historic interest and significance in the district.  Stroll past many of Fredericksburg’s famous structures and see the pride taken in both homes and business by the local residents.

Luckenbach, Texas

412 Luckenbach Loop, off RR 1376, 8 miles SE of Fredericksburg (830) 9973224 ~~ Established as a trading post in 1849, Luckenbach consists of a dancehall, general store, and bar.  This settlement has enjoyed continued notoriety for its free spirit and unique events.  Live music can be heard most days in the bar or under the old Oak Grove tree.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 10A.M.-9P.M. Sunday: Noon-9P.M. No Admission (Admission fee to special events). http://www.luckenbachtexas.com

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Parks

LBJ Ranch District: Hwy. 290 East, 16 miles (Stonewall) (830) 868-7128 ~~ The National Park Service offers bus tours of the LBJ Ranch.  These tours visit the ranch, Texas White House, LBJ birthplace, Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents house and ranch show barn.  Hour and fifteen minute tour departs from visitor center at state park.  It’s a great Tour!!

Tour hours: 10A.M.-4P.M. Daily Tour:$3
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Johnson City District

Hwy. 290 East, 30 miles (Johnson City) (830)868-7128 ~~ Located in Johnson City, this National Historical Park offers a Visitor Center with exhibits and films on LBJ and Lady Bird, the Boyhood Home, an education building, and the historic Johnson Settlement.  Hours: Visitor Center 8:45A.M.-5:30P.M.  Boyhood Home 9A.M.-5P.M.  Johnson Settlement 9A.M.-4:30P.M. Daily No admission fee at Johnson City District. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

LBJ State Park Stonewall, Texas (830) 644-2455 ~~~ Visit a living history farmstead of the pioneers.  See how the farm families of a century ago lived. Learn about seasonal activities such as sausage making, sheep shearing, canning, etc. Hours:8 A.M.-5P.M. Daily, No admission fee. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

HILL COUNTRY OUTDOOR FUN AND RECREATION

Golf Fredericksburg, Texas

a beautiful 18 hole, par 72, 6,432-yard championship golf course is open seven days a week at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, (830) 997-4010. 

Fredericksburg Swimming Pools

The City of Fredericksburg operates two public, outdoor swimming pools for summer enjoyment – one in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park (830) 997-8660 and one on West Travis Street (803) 997-8979.  Another outdoor pool for summer use is located at the LBJ State Historical Park, near Stonewall (830) 644-2252.  An indoor pool for year-around use is located at the Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center, located at 1020 South State Hwy 16 (830) 997-1355.

Bicycling

The back roads of the Texas Hill Country provide miles of scenic views for road bicycle riding.  Although the area roads are lightly traveled compared to big cities, riders are encouraged to obey all rules of the road to ensure their safety.  With the hilly terrain, autos can come upon bicyclists without much notice so please stay as far to the right as possible.  Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera and Pedernales Falls State Park, near Johnson City.

Volkssporting

The first volkssport event in the United States was held in Fredericksburg in June of 1976, and the Volkssportverein Fredericksburg was the first club organized in the U.S., therefore the number AVA-001.  The Pilgrimage Routes consist of three different sanctioned walk routes and one bicycle route that can be walked/biked year-round.  The routes start at the Quality Inn, located at 908 South Adams, Fredericksburg, Texas.  For more information, call (830) 997-8056.

Horseback Riding

in the Texas Hill Country~~ Quiet Hill Ranch located near Doss (830) 669-2253

Hunting

Fredericksburg and the Texas hill country~~ The Fredericksburg area of the Texas Hill Country is home to many native and exotic species of animals, which allow sportsmen almost year-round hunting opportunities.  White tail deer are the most popular and plentiful quarry pursued by hunters, but there are also turkey, doves and quail.  Many ranches in the Hill Country now manage their herds to improve the quality and health of the animals.  In addition to the native game, exotics such as axis deer, blackbuck antelope, fallow deer, sika deer and feral hogs are abundant.  A brochure on available fall hunting leases in the area is produced by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and is usually available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center starting in mid-May.

Fishing

Fredericksburg, Texas and the Texas hill country - Fishing opportunities are available in the Hill Country state parks and at area lakes.  The closest place for kids to drop a line in the water is Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Highway 16 South.  With prior arrangements, Hill Country Outfitters, 109 East Main, Fredericksburg, Texas will plan fly-fishing lessons and/or expeditions for groups.  See State parks below.

Birding

Approximately 300 species of birds occur in the Texas Hill Country, where birding is great all year.  The area is an overlap zone of ranges of eastern and western bird species, as well as some north and south species.  Be sure to look for the endangered Black-capped Vireos and Golden-cheeked Warblers.  An excellent place to view birds in Fredericksburg proper is the Live Oak Grove Wilderness Nature Trail in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.  Stop for a bird checklist at the park office.  Pedernales Falls State Park, near Johnson City, has wildlife viewing stations, while Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg, is also a premier bird-watching location.

From mid-October to mid-January, the shores of Lake Buchanan, roughly a one-hour drive from Fredericksburg, host a small portion of the Texas wintering bald eagle population.

HILL COUNTRY STATE PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS

Blanco SP

Located in Blanco County, off U.S. 281 on the south side of Blanco, at the Blanco River bridge. (830) 833-4333 Park Camping, RV’s, shelters, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hiking, store.

Enchanted Rock SNA

located in Gillespie & Llano Counties, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on R.R. 965, or south from Llano on Texas 16 for 14 miles, then west on R.R. 965 for eight miles (325) 247-3903 Park Camping, picnicking 8.4 miles of hiking trails, nature trail, interpretive exhibits, rock climbing, watch able wildlife, store.

Guadalupe River SP/Honey Creek SNA

located in Comal & Kendall Counties. (830) 438-2656 Park Camping, RV’s picnicking, 3 miles of hiking trails, fishing, swimming, watch able wildlife, store. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Hill Country SNA

Located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 11 miles southwest of Bandera.  From Bandera take Texas 173 one mile south to F.M. 1077 (Dixie Dude Rd), then west 10 miles until pavement ends.  Continue on gravel road to park entrance.  (830) 796-4413 Park Primitive camping, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, watch able wildlife, store. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Inks Lake SP

Located in Burnet County, 9 miles west of Burnet off Texas 29, on Park Road 4. (512) 793-2223 Park Camping, RV’s, shelters, picnicking, 7.5 miles of hiking trails, boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, golf, watch able wildlife, facilities for handicapped, store. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Lost Maples SNA

Located in Bandera County, five miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. (830) 966-3413 Park Camping, RV’s (water & elec.), picnicking, 10 miles of hiking & nature trails, historical site/structure, watch able wildlife, fishing, swimming, interpretive exhibits/museum, store.  Worth a visit. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Lyndon B. Johnson SHP

Located in Gillespie Country on Hwy 290, between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. (830) 644-2252 Park Historical site/structure, picnicking, fishing, swimming, nature/historical trail, interpretive exhibits/museum, watch able wildlife, store. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Pedernales Falls SP

Located in Blanco County, nine miles east of Johnson City on F.M. 2766 (830) 868-7304 Park Camping, RV’s, picnicking, fishing, swimming, 8 miles of developed hiking trails (additional primitive trail system), mountain biking, horseback riding, nature trail, watch able wildlife, store.

South Llano River SP

Located in Kimble County, five miles south of Junction, off U.S. 377 on Park Road 73.  (915) 446-3994 Park Camping, RV’s, picnicking, fishing, swimming, 23 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, nature trail, watch able wildlife, historical site/structure, store.

For reservations at all state parks, call (512) 389-8900

HILL COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS

Millions of Mexican free-tail bats make their summer home in Central Texas.  There are two places in the Fredericksburg area to view the evening emergence of bats during the season, which normally runs from mid-May to mid-October.

Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area

Located 10.5 miles south of Highway 290 on the Old San Antonio Road (830) 990-2860 The upper viewing deck is open nightly at no charge.  The lower viewing area is open on Thursday through Sunday evenings for special educational presentations with the following fees:  adults, $5, youth 17 and younger, $2; senior citizens 65 and older $3.

Call for emergency times, which vary throughout the season.

The Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve

The preserve is located about 16.5 miles southeast of the Mason town square. (915) 347-5970.  Thursdays through Sundays from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.  Call for emergence times, which vary throughout the season.

Das Peach Haus

1406 South U.S. Highway 87, (830) 997-8969 ~~ Das Peach Haus was founded in 1969 on the grounds of the Wieser family orchards and had the first peach cooler in Gillespie County.  The complex started with a restored 1870 log cabin and expanded in 1974 with the historic Lone Star Brewery warehouse.  Beyond offering wonderful peaches in season, Das Peach Haus has developed into a premier country store.  Hours: Daily 10A.M.-6P.M.  No Admission. http://daspeachhaus.com/ 

DDD Adventure Golf

714 S. Washington (Highway 87) (830) 997-3533 ~~ New 18-hole miniature golf course, complete with a waterfall and challenging water features throughout the course layout.  (Handicapped accessible) Hours: Monday-Saturday 10A.M.-10P.M. Sunday Noon-10P.M. Admission: first round Adult $6.50 Children 12 and under $3.25

Fredericksburg Trade Days

Highway 290 East, across from, Wildseed Farms (830) 990-4900 ~~ Over 300 vendors offering antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, primitives, ranch furniture, clothing, jewelry and much more on the third weekend of every month.  Hours: Third weekend of every month Friday-Saturday 9A.M.-6P.m. Sunday 9A.M.-4P.M. Parking fee: $3 valid all weekend. http://www.pedernalesrivervalley.com

Opa’s Smoked Meats

410 S. Washington (830) 997-3358 ~~ For Over 50 years, Opa’s Smoked Meats has offered the finest in smoked sausage, specialty meats and cheeses.  Stop by to pick up a sandwich for your picnic in the park!  Hours: Monday-Friday 8A.M.-5:30P.M. Saturday 8A.M.-4P.M. Closed Sunday, No admission.

HILL COUNTRY CAVERNS

The beauty of the Texas Hill Country extends below the surface of the ground.  Explore these fascinating caverns (the two Boerne area caverns are the closest to Fredericksburg).

Cascade Caverns

226 Cascade Caverns Road, Nearq Boerne off of IH 10 (830) 755-8080. http://www.cascadecaverns.com

Cave without a name

325 Kreutzberg Road, New Boerne off of IH 10 (830) 537-4212. http://www.cavewithoutaname.com

Inner Space Cavern

Under IH 35, Georgetown (512) 863-5545. http://www.innerspace.com

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Near Burnet (512) 756-4680. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Natural Bridge Caverns

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road (Between San Antonio and New Braunfels off of IH 35) (210) 651-6101. http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

FREDERICKSBURG SPAS/HEALTH CLUBS

European Day APA

318 Trois Lane off RR 965, (830) 997-5267 or (877) 997-5267 (toll free). http://www.eurospafredericksburg.com

Fredericksburg Athletic Club

1412A East Main Street (830) 990-0011

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

405 Whitney Street  (830) 997-8615 (800) 259-Herb (toll free). http://www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com

Serenity Day SPA

204 East Austin (830) 990-1126. http://www.serenitydspa.com

Tranquil Pastures Day SPA

1311 N. Milam (830) 992-2993. http://www.tranquilpastures.com

Hill Country Memorial Hospital Wellness Center

1020 Highway 16 South (830) 997-1355. http://www.hillcountrymemorial.com

HILL COUNTRY WINERIES AND VINEYARDS

Tours and tastings available at all wineries in Gillespie County.  Tour groups must call to make reservations for a tasting.  Stop by the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center for a free copy of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail brochure.

Becker Vineyards

Highway 290 E. 11 miles off Jenschke Lane, Stonewall, Texas (830) 644-2681 ~~Vineyard has 36 acres of French Vinifera grapes and winery features the largest underground wine cellar in Texas.  Behind the winery is a 3-acre field of lavender.  Hours: Monday-Friday 10A.M.-5P.M. Friday & Saturday 10A.M.-6P.M. Sunday Noon-6P.M. http://www.beckervineyards.com

Bell Mountain Vineyards

Hwy. 16 N., Fredericksburg, Texas 14 miles (830) 685-3297 ~~ Designated by the federal government as Texas’ first wine growing appellation in 1986.  Located on the stopes of Bell Mountain, the first vintage was produced in 1984.  Open Saturdays: February through Saturday before Christmas.  Hours: Saturday 10A.M.-5P.M. Call for appointment at other times.

Chisholm Trail Winery

Hwy. 290 W. 9 miles, left to 2367 Usener Road, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-2675 ~~ Sit back in the corral, and enjoy a glass of Chisholm Trail wine with assorted cheeses, breads and other delicacies available at CT’s General Store while overlooking Spring Creek Vineyards located adjacent to the Winery.  Hours: Friday & Saturday11A.M. – 6P.M. & Sunday 12-6P.M. http://www.chisholmtrailwinery.com

Fredericksburg Winery

247 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-8747 ~~ The Fredericksburg Winery is owned and operated by the Switzer family who have been in the Texas wine industry since 1978.  The winery uses grapes grown at the Old Spanish Trail Research Vineyard.  A boutique winery with new releases almost monthly. Hours: Monday through Thursday 10A.M.-6P.M. Friday and Saturday 10A.M.-8P.M. Sunday 12-6P.M. http://www.fbgwinery.com

Grape Creek Vineyard

Hwy 290 E. in Stonewall, Texas - 9 miles (830) 644-2710 ~~ The Grape Creek Vineyard and Winery is located on the banks of Grape Creek and produces the quality Vinifera grapes.  The winery blends Old and New World styles into premium winemaking.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 10A.M.-5P.M. Sunday 12-5P.M. http://www.grapecreek.com

Oberhof Winery & Wine Cellars

1406 S. Highway 87 one mile from Main Street (in same complex as Das Peach Haus) (830) 997-8969 ~~ Complimentary tastings of Bell Mountain varietal and vintage wines, Oberhof sparkling and specialty wines.  Extensive gourmet foods selection. Hours: Daily 10A.M.-6P.M.

Texas Hill Country Wine Tours

214 ½ E. Main St. (Texas Wine Cellars) (877) 839-9463 (toll free) or (830) 997-0123 ~~ Let the experienced staff help you make the most of your visit to the Fredericksburg area.  Enjoy a winery tour in the luxurious limo coach as you visit some of the best-known estate wineries and small boutique wineries in the Texas Hill Country. http://www.txwines.com

FREDERICKSBURG AREA GALLERIES

Adams Galleries

223 East Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-0085 ~~ A Collection of American, European and Asian art, with an emphasis on Texas artists.  Oils, bronzes and sculpture.

Charles Beckendorf Gallery

105 N. Adams, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-5955 ~~ Features originals, prints, bronzes and books. http://www.beckendorf.com

Country Gallery

White Oak Grove Road, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-4766 ~~ Irene Klein’s art studio/gallery

D’Vine House

215 W. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas(830) 990-2593 ~~ Paintings by Texas artists, antiques, rustic Mexican furniture and more

Fredericksburg Art Gallery

314 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-2707 `~~ Specializing in original are by renowned Texas artists

Garden Spirits

256 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-4154 ~~ Featuring museum quality are of the indigenous peoples of the Americas

Grace’s Art Gallery

247 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-9488 ~~ Furniture, fine art and jewelry

Grasshopper & Wild Honey

113 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-5012 ~~ A gallery of art, collectibles, gifts and locally handcrafted wood items.

IHS Studios

1400 RR 2093, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-1842 ~~ Ecclesiastical and architectural art glass

Jackson’s Uptown Art & Antiques

214 W. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-0073 ~~ 18th, 19th and 20th century fine American and European furniture, art, glass, architecturals and lighting

Local color

406 Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-4552 ~~ Contemporary American arts & crafts

Salt Branch Outpost

244 W. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-4449 ~~ Antler Art

Whistle Pik Galleries

424 E. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-8151 ~~ Original artwork, bronzes and limited edition prints from America’s finest artists

FREDERICKSBURG WILDFLOWERS, HERBS, NATIVE PLANTS

Over 5,000 wildflower species make their home in the State of Texas, products of the state’s different ecosystems.  The Texas Hill Country is defined by limestone cliffs, granite outcrops and hidden springs, providing diverse habitats for wildflowers.  Favorite wildflowers around Fredericksburg include Texas bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, wine cups, Indian blanket and lemon mint.  A brochure on the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail is available in early spring from the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center.

Wildseed Farms

Hwy 290 East, 7 miles East of Fredericksburg (830) 990-1393 ~~ Visit one of the nation’s largest working wildflower farms.  See colorful flowers from spring through first frost and cut your own bouquet.  Self guided tours of the flowers available and also visit the Market Center, Brew-Bonnet Biergarten, Flower Haus and Blumenhaus.  Open daily 9:30A.M.-6P.M. No Admission. http://www.wildseedfarms.com

Butterfly Haus

Visit the new 3,000 square foot Butterfly Haus, featuring Texas native butterflies.  No Admission to Wildseed Farms.  Admission to Butterfly Haus: adults $4, seniors and children (65 & older, ages 4-12 $3.50 and $3.50 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

405 Whitney St., Fredericksburg, Texas (6 blocks from W. Main), (830) 997-8615 or (800) 259-HERB ~~ Beautiful organic herb gardens, a celebration of scent and color.  The Herb Farm also has a tearoom, candle shop, day spa, and retail area along with the herb gardens.  Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30A.M.-5:30P.M., Friday-Saturday 9:30A.M.-9P.M., Sunday 12-4P.M.  No Admission

Dodds Family Tree Nursery

515 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 997-9571 ~~ Shop at a unique nursery that has been located in the Historic District for over 24 years.  See one of the oldest and largest live Oak Grove trees in Fredericksburg, estimated to be over 500 ears old.  Dodds carries a wide variety of Hill Country native plants. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8A.M.-6P.M., Sunday 11A.M.-5P.M. No admission. http://www.dodds-nursery-florist.com

Heidi’s Native Plants

262 Heidi’s Riverview Farm, Fredericksburg, Texas (4.6 miles out Highway 16S) (830) 997-8555 or (866) 997-7227 ~~ A native plant, rose and herb garden.  Hours: Please call before visiting. No admission

Fredericksburg Visitor Information

Fredericksburg Taxi (830) 997-8044

Bicycle Rentals

Hill Country Bicycle Works

702 E. Main (830) 990-2609. http://www.hillcountrybicycle.com

Internet Access

LT Answering & Business Services, 110 N. Milam, (830) 997-7676

Pearlz Cyber Café, 707 S. Washington (830) 990-9973

Pioneer Memorial Library

Visitor Information Center

Local Radio

KNAF – 910 on you AM dial

KFAn – 107.9 on your FM dial (830) 997-2197

Local Newspaper

Fredericksburg Standard Radio Post

(published on Wednesdays), 712 W. Main (830) 997-2155. http://www.fredericksburgstandard.com

Airports

Commercial airline service is available through the San Antonio (SAT) and Austin Bergstrom *AUS) International Airports.  Private aircraft may use the Gillespie County Airport, with auto access from Highway 17 South and Tivydale Road.  The Gillespie County Airport has a 5,000 foot lighted runway with 24-hour fuel service and full FBO service available.

Gillespie County Airport (830) 990-5764

Austin Airport (512) 530-2242

San Antonio Airport (210) 207-3411

S.A. Airport Transportation

Chassis by Zach (830) 997-9844 or (830) 459-9113

Fredericksburg Overland State (830) 995-6173

Texas Road Conditions

Texas Department of Transportation (800) 452-9292

Arts Information

Performing & Visual Arts Coalition

Visit the group’s website for current information on the arts scene in Fredericksburg. http://www.fredericksburgarts.org/