Fredericksburg
An Enduring Heritage
History | Chamber | National Parks | State Parks
Attractions | Entertainment | Museums | Gardens | Churches
Wineries/Breweries | Festivals | Restaurants | Shopping | Sports
Culture | Geography | Gold Nuggets | Jargon Jewel
Fredericksburg is in the Texas Hill Country. Oak covered hills, sheer limestone cliffs, streams of clear water and miles of clear sky are the backdrop for one of nature's premiere beauty spots. Breathtaking fields of wildflowers and herds of wild game accent the views. All you need is time and an appreciation of nature.
Fredericksburg blends the look and feel of Old World with pioneer Texas. On Main Street, colorful flowers spill from planters in front of restored buildings, and benches allow rest stops as visitors browse through art galleries, German bakeries and shops selling all kinds of quality items, including antiques, locally designed jewelry, Texas wines and furnishings, homemade preserves and other foods grown in the area, leather goods and more.
Located on US Hwy 290 and 87 and just twenty miles off IH10.
In the 19th Century, a group of Germans seeking a better life chose Texas. In 1846, they settled Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. What they were seeking was a better "quality of life." It was what Fredericksburg's German settlers had in mind when they reached the banks of the Pedernales River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It is what their descendants are preserving 150 years later.
Through hard work, a profound faith, diligence and courage, the first immigrants and their leader, John O. Meusebach, established what is now one of the most progressive and successful communities in Texas. Through the leadership of Meusebach a treaty was signed with the Indians in 1847 which was never broken.
The first Texas frontier military outpost, Fort Martin Scott, was established in 1848. Expansion westward was swift and Fort Martin Scott was soon abandoned.
 Life became somewhat easier and the town's reputation for "gemutlichkeit" flourished. The Nimitz Hotel, founded by the grandfather of Admiral Chester Nimitz, became a welcome respite for travelers heading West. Just prior to the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was one of its welcomed guests.
The War ended and again Fredericksburg began its path toward prosperity. It flourished as a Texas Hill Country marketplace.
Fredericksburg remained a sleepy German settlement well past the turn of the century. However, a railroad, connecting the city with San Antonio was a boost to the economy. It required a tunnel to be dug through the Hill Country limestone and remains as one of a few railroad tunnels in the State of Texas.
Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and
Convention & Visitors Bureau
106 N. Adams Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Tel: 830-997-6523 or 888-997-3600
Fax: 830-997-8588
www.fredericksburgtexas.net/coc.htm
www.fredericksburgtexas.net/cvb.htm
LBJ State and National Historical Parks
P. O. Box 238 or 290 East, 16 miles
Stonewall, TX 78671
210-644-2252
732.8 Acreage; Has a visitor center, historic areas, tours, exhibits, and hiking trails. LBJ Ranch Bus Tour: Hwy. 290 East, 16 Miles Group Reservations 830-868-7128, X-266. National Park Service Tours visit the Summer White House, Lyndon Baines Johnson birthplace, cemetery, and ranch. Hour and a half tour departs from visitor center at park. Spend time exploring the life of the 36th president. The national visitor center, his boyhood home, and Johnson settlement are located in Johnson City. The birthplace, family cemetery, and "The Texas White House" can be found on the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall.
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
LBJ State Park
830-644-2455
Experience a day in the life of a German-Texan family in the early 1900’s by visiting 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.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
RR 4, Box 170
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
915-247-3903
1,643.5 Acreage (from Fredericksburg, take FM 965 north 18 miles); This Magnificent dome of Texas granite is the second largest granite outcrop in the United States. A geographic researcher at the University of Texas in Austin discovered that Enchanted Rock is linked to the peaks of Antarctica. The theory is supported by other scientists and the Royal Geological Society of London. As you approach Enchanted Rock, it appears as a solitary, rose-colored, treeless hill in the distance. The hike to the top takes less than a half hour with several different routes. From atop Enchanted Rock, you will feel as though you can see all of South Central Texas. In order to protect this granite dome and the surrounding parklands, the park is closed to additional visitors when it reaches visitor capacity. Arrive early in the morning to avoid disappointment. Provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and picnicking.
Pedernales Falls State Park
RR 1 Box 450
Johnson City, TX 78636
210-868-7304
5,211.7 Acreage.
Fredericksburg Butterfly Ranch and Habitat
508 West Main Street
830-990-0735
Located in the historic Loeffler-Weber House built in 1846; An educational experience enjoyed by children and adults; This active working butterfly ranch specializing in Monarch and native butterflies. Witness the beginning of the butterfly life cycle as butterflies lay eggs on larval plants in the brood cages. Visit the green house that is used to raise butterflies from eggs. A nature gift shop is stocked with items relating to butterflies. Special order butterflies for release at your next special event!
Wildseed Farms
Hwy. 290 East, 7 miles East of Fredericksburg
830-990-1393
Visit one of the nation's largest working wildflower farms. There are "guaranteed" wildflowers at the Wildseed Farms because their fields are planted and cultivated. Color from Spring through first frost.
Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area "Bat Tunnel"
Old San Antonio Hwy 12 miles
830-644-2252
View a colony of Mexican free-tail bats as they fly out for their nightly hunt. Free admission to Old Tunnel upper viewing deck. Reservation required for special group tour to lower deck, Fee; Open nightly June through October.
Historic District, "Heart of Fredericksburg"
The past lingers in der Altstadt; Over 80 points of historic interest and significance in the district. A free self-guided walking map of the district is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center; Guided walking tours are available through K&K Historic Tours, 830-990-0155.
Choo-Choo Trolley and Bicycle Rentals
406 E. Main
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-4414
Enjoy a narrated tour of the Historic District, or rent a bike and see it at your own pace.
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
Texas Hwy 16 South, 3 miles
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-4202
340 acre park features wooded picnic and recreation areas with numerous pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts, a pool, and fishing.
Dulcimer Factory
715 S Washington Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-6704
See how dulcimers are actually hand-crafted and built from scratch. Free tours available daily.
Jeep Collins Jewelry Workshop Tour
310 Post Oak Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
800-343-9757
Tour a jewelry factory and watch as craftsmen create the jewelry. Free tour.
Day Spas
Unwind after an exciting day of shopping!
The Fredericksburg Festhaus
1668 Hwy 87
1.7 miles south of Main Street
830-990-5032 or toll free 877-990-5032
The Sauerkrauts present a 90-minute "Oompah with Attitude" show on Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show at 8:00 p.m. Admission is charged. Celebrate Oktoberfest year around in Fredericksburg! There is a small dance floor for those who will want to get up and dance at the sound of polka favorites. Refreshments will be cold and ready for those who work up a thirst.
Admiral Nimitz Museum and Historical Center
P. O. Box 777
340 E. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-4379
Japanese Garden of Peace, History Walk of the Pacific War, The George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, the Plaza of the Presidents. Contains memorabilia from the Navy’s last five-star admiral and Fredericksburg’s native son. World War II saw Fredericksburg native Chester W. Nimitz become Commander of the Pacific Fleet. Dedicated to everyone who served in the Pacific War. The museum was formerly The Nimitz Hotel.
Pioneer Museum Complex
309 W. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-2835
Superb examples of early German structures and artifacts; See a perfectly preserved 1849 Kammlah Haus and store and a one-room schoolhouse. Open to the public seven days a week; Prior arrangements required for special tours of historic homes and sites owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society.
Fort Martin Scott Historic Site
1606 East Main Street on Hwy 290 East
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-9895
Pre-Civil War military outpost; learn about the first frontier fort in Texas which was a center of commerce for settlers and Indians; Established in 1848.
Vereins Kirche Museum, Center of Marktplatz
Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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.
Bauer Toy Museum
233 East Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-9394
Adults will be taken back with memories of Christmas' past, and children will see the toys of their parents and grandparents.
Gish's Old West Museum
502 N. Milam
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-2794
See a personal collection of many items from the Old West such as collections of saddles, lawman’s badges and guns dating from 1870-1920. Call for appointment.
Fredericksburg Herb Farm
402 Whitney Street (6 blocks off W. Main)
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-8615
Beautiful organic herb gardens; a celebration of scent and color. The Herb Farm also has a Tea room, candle shop, and retail area along with the herb gardens. Free Tour.
First Fresh Peaches Hit The Stands
For updated information visit
www.texaspeaches.com.
Vereins Kirche Museum, "Coffee Mill Church"
Cross Mountain; Replica of 1847 landmark which features a rotating photo display.
Many wineries are located on the outskirts of town, including the largest underground cellar in Texas. Wines are aged the old fashioned way, in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks.
Fredericksburg Winery/Brewing
247 W. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-8747
One of the largest brew pubs in one of the smallest towns in the United States. Its 15-barrel system can have up to 7,000 gallons of traditional German lagers beer available and boasts 200 seats in its biergarten.
Becker Vineyards
Hwy. 290 East 11 Miles
Right on Jenschke Lane
830-644-2681
Bell Mountain and Perdernales Wineries
Hwy 16 North 15 Miles
830-685-3297
Grape Creek Vineyard
Hwy. 290 East 10 Miles
830-644-2710
Wine Trail Maps Available
A Texas Hill Country Wine Trail map is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center, located at 106 N. Adams Street. Visit www.texaswinetrail.com for more information.
Remember the Alamo Celebration
March
Annual Herb Fest
April
Annual Fredericksburg Founder's Day Powwow
May
Native American dances commemorating the only unbroken treaty in United States between the Commanche Indians and settlers. This treaty was signed on May of 1847 between Fredericksburg German settlers and the Commanche Indians. Location: Fort Martin Scott, 1606 East Main Street on Hwy 290 East. 830-997-9895.
Comancheria Days
May
Cowboy action shooting; Sponsored by the Texas Rangers; Located at Stieler Ranch which is 8 miles from Comfort and 12 miles from Fredericksburg.
Night in Old Fredericksburg
July
Celebrating Fredericksburg’s famous German-Texas Heritage.
Lutheran Fall Fest
September
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Moved to Stone Mountain Event Center in Dripping Springs, Texas. Tickets are $30.50 and available through Star Tickets at 1-888-597-STAR. For more information, call 512-263-4746 or 512-894-4606.
Round Up at Heard Ranch
Tivydale Road
830-997-7217
Watch as the ranch cowboys round up and work cattle and enjoy a Bar-B-Que meal.
Main Street
Packed with restaurants, antique shops, and western stores.
Double D Ranch
115 E. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-4959
Featuring fabulous fashions for women and home furnishings, all inspired by the Old West.
Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course
Texas Hwy 16 South, 3 miles
800-950-8147
Beautiful 18 hole championship golf course; Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until dark, except Mondays when it opens at 12:00 p.m.
German Immigrants
 | Oak covered hills, sheer limestone cliffs, streams of clear water. |
| Texas Hill Country is home to the largest Whitetail Deer population in the world. |
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Texas Hill Country product, Lyndon B. Johnson, became President of the United States. |
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European and American composer Frank van der Stucken was born in Fredericksburg. |
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City officials in the 1930’s changed some names of streets running north and south across Main Street to spell out words. Starting at the Courthouse Square, all of the street crossing Main to the east spell out "All Welcome" – Adams, Llano, Lincoln, Washington, Elk, Lee, Columbus, Olive, Mesquite, and Eagle. Streets from the west spell out "Come Back" – Crockett, Orange, Milam, Edison, Bowie, Acorn, Cherry, and Kay. |
I am convinced that there comes a time when every leader entrusted with the safety of his country finds faith in God the ultimate inspiration for victory.
--Fleet Admiral Chester William Nimitz, Pacific War
© Copyright 2001 by Voyages of Discovey. All rights reserved.
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