Fredericksburg, Texas has become a popular Hill Country destination. Full of wineries, great shopping, outdoor recreation and educational museums, there is something to entertain all types of travelers in this small Texas town. Experience these 12 best things to do in Fredericksburg to take advantage of everything this quaint town has to offer.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular state parks in the Lone Star State. Here you can hike up Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome that offers up incredible views of the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy activities like hiking, climbing, camping or even picnicking here. Now, since Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is such a popular place, make sure to arrive early on weekends to guarantee admittance into the park.
National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only museum of its kind in the nation, and it just so happens to be located in the small town of Fredericksburg. This 6-acre museum complex focuses on the Pacific War, a time that shaped America forever. Here visitors can learn about the war through interactive exhibits, reenactments of battle scenes and a gallery of tanks and aircrafts used during the time.
Fredericksburg's Main Street
Main Street in Fredericksburg is why many tourists end up traveling to this small Hill Country town. Main Street has great shopping, art galleries and restaurants with storefronts influenced by the German culture here. Shoppers should flock to the “Magic Mile” shopping district or the artisan shops also found on the historic west side of Main Street. Both sides of Main Street are connected by the Marktplatz, the epicenter of Main Street where festivals and events typically occur.
Pioneer Museum
While strolling around Main Street, take a break from shopping to learn about history at the Pioneer Museum. Located on west Main Street, this 3-acre museum is home to 11 historic buildings. These early Texas homes demonstrate how life was like for the pioneers in the early 19th century. View stagecoach wagons, blacksmith tools and other unique antique artifacts here.
Wildseed Farms
During in the spring, many flock to the Texas Hill Country to view the beautiful wildflowers that bloom here. To pick your own breathtaking bouquet of wildflowers, visit Wildseed Farms, the largest wildflower farm in the nation. Over 200 acres of land is used to grow wildflowers here. And even if you aren’t visiting during spring, Wildseed Farms offers gorgeous flowers during the summer and fall too. Stop by for some flowers or to purchase wildflower seeds so you can grow your own Texas wildflowers.
Wine Road 290
Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country in general has grown into one of the top destinations for wine lovers in the state. If you’re looking to visit some of Fredericksburg’s local wineries, hit the Wine Road 290. This scenic drive on Highway 290 is home to a number of great wineries, such as Messina Hoff and Torre di Pietra Vineyards, among many others.
Fort Martin Scott
History buffs visiting Fredericksburg should not miss Fort Martin Scott. Built in 1848, the fort was erected to protect settlers from attacks by Native Americans. Guests visiting the fort now can take a tour of the property to see the commander’s quarters, soldier barracks, military hospital, barn, blacksmith work space and more.
Old Tunnel State Park
Many visitors head to Old Tunnel State Park to not only enjoy the beauty of the Hill Country but also to view the huge bat colony that lives here. From May to October, nearly 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats, along with 3,000 cave bats, call this state park home. The cave the bats live in is actually an abandoned railroad tunnel, hence the name Old Tunnel State Park. You can view the bats at dusk while they exit their cave to feed.
Vereins Kirche Museum
Although the Vereins Kirche Museum is an extension of the Pioneer Museum, it is a unique feature of Fredericksburg that deserves its own place on this list. This museum stands as the oldest structure in Fredericksburg, and it was built not long after the first German settlers arrived in the town. This unique building has served as a church, school, fort and a town hall. Inside the museum, visitors will find photographs and artifacts from the early citizens of Fredericksburg.
Rockbox Theater
If you’re looking for live music in Fredericksburg, head to Rockbox Theater. This theater serves as a music venue for touring bands and artists playing rock, country and blues music. A night at Rockbox Theater is perfect for music lovers in Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg Theater Company
Fans of Broadway and musicals will be delighted to learn that Fredericksburg has its own theater company. Fredericksburg Theater Company puts on classic productions ranging from musicals to dramas. This theater company has been serving the Fredericksburg community for more than two decades now.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Learn about President Lyndon B. Johnson’s life while also viewing herds of longhorn, white-tailed deer and buffalo at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Enjoy the great outdoors by swimming, fishing, hiking or picnicking here. However, also learn about history through interactive displays and memorabilia from President Johnson’s term.
