Blue Bell Creameries
Tour the home of "the best ice cream in the country" in Brenham — watch production from the observation deck, visit the museum, and grab a scoop at the parlor. A guaranteed kid-pleaser.
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery
Texas history and the best view in the county.
25 min from the ranch414 State Loop 92, La Grange, TX
Perched on a bluff above the Colorado River in La Grange, this state historic site combines two stories: a solemn Texas memorial and the ruins of one of the state's earliest commercial breweries, built by German immigrant Heinrich Kreische in the 1860s. The overlook is one of the prettiest spots in the whole area.
It's an easy, inexpensive outing with real substance — history, architecture, shaded picnic spots, and a view that makes you want to linger. A great change of pace from shopping.
Don't miss
- Bluff-top views over the Colorado River
- Ruins of an 1860s German brewery
- A significant Texas historic memorial
- Shaded picnic areas and trails
From the Ranch
Pack a picnic and time it for late afternoon — the light over the river bottom is gorgeous, and it's a peaceful way to end a day in La Grange.
Perfect for
History loversA scenic picnicFamilies
More family activities
Shakespeare at Winedale
Summer performances of Shakespeare in a historic hay barn — a beloved University of Texas tradition since 1970.
Texas Quilt Museum
Rotating exhibits of extraordinary quilt art in two restored 1890s buildings in nearby La Grange.
Make the ranch your home base
Everything in our guide is minutes from your porch. Stay close to it all — and far from everything else.
Cabin
Rudolph Cabin
$450 / nightThe crown jewel — a secluded waterfront cabin on ~12 private acres with a 55-foot covered porch over the pond.
Sleeps 4· 1 King, 1 Queen· 1 bath
Secluded ~12 private acres behind a gated ranch entranceWaterfront with private pond views55-ft covered porch with rockers
Cabin
Cupid Cabin
$325 / nightRomance meets adventure — a dramatic garage-style wall opens the living space onto a screened outdoor retreat.
Sleeps 2· 1 King· 1 bath
30' × 30' screened patio porch with garage doorIndoor-outdoor living on Golden PondFishing on Golden Pond