Brazos Bend State Park is less than an hour from downtown Houston and is one of America’s top state parks, according to National Geographic Traveler magazine. There is plenty to do in this 5,000-acre park, so, if you aren’t traveling by RV, be sure to pack a picnic. (No food service at the park.)
Explore on foot, bike, or horseback. There are more than 35 miles of multi-use trails, some of which are wheelchair-friendly. Take a virtual tour on the park’s Interactive Trails Map.
Hike and bike trails: We bicycled many of the trails that circled six small lakes,
connecting with each other and heading into the hardwood forest. Along the way we encountered lots of wildlife, including many American alligators. (Read about alligator safety.)
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| American Alligator (Crane) |
Nature Center: Stop by to learn more about the park and its residents (more than 300 species of birds). See exhibits on the three ecosystems in the park–wetlands, prairie and woodlands. Hear about the 21 reptiles and amphibians, that live here. The center and gift shop are open weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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| (Source: George Observatory) |
George Observatory is open on Saturdays from 3 to 10 p.m. The observatory is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Visit the observatory website or call (979) 553-3400.
Adults: $7. Children, Military, Teachers, or Seniors: $6.
All pricing excludes the Brazos Bend State Park Entrance Fee of $7 day/adult.
If you go:
Brazos Bend State Park,
21901 FM 762
Needville, TX 77461
(979) 553-5101
Latitude: 29.371000 Longitude: -95.631921
Day use entry fee: Adult $7/daily; Children: 12 years and under: FreeFor more information and costs of camping at Brazos Bend State Park click here.
— Julianne G. Crane
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