Attractions in Austin County

See where Stephen F. Austin founded the first colony in Texas, explore beautiful hiking trails, savor the tastes of Texas-made beer and wine, and tour a castle (yes, you read that right). These are some of the adventures you’ll have at the many attractions in Austin County. Located just an hour west of Houston, the county offers a peaceful getaway from the big city and a range of authentic experiences you’ll only find in the Lone Star State. Historic sites, museums, golf courses, a drag-racing track, and more await in towns like Bellville, Sealy, San Felipe, Industry, New Ulm, and Wallis. Discover all that awaits in Austin County below. 

Austin County Jail Museum
With its conical turrets and medieval-style crenelations, the 1896 Austin County Jail looks far more like a European castle than a jailhouse. For nearly 100 years, this red-brick building served as Austin County’s jail. Today, it houses the Austin County Jail Museum, which recounts its history through a variety of fun and educational exhibits.
36 South Bell Street
Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 865-5321

Bellville Golf & Recreation Club
Tee off at this semi-private nine-hole golf course in Bellville with gently sloping tree-lined fairways and two lakes that come into play on three holes. Open year-round, the club features a clubhouse, pro shop, and a stocked lake that you can fish in.
2426 TX-36
Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 865-9058

Guardian Angel Catholic Church
Step inside the Guardian Angel Catholic Church and you’ll soon realize why it’s thought to be one of the most beautiful churches in Texas. Completed in 1915, it’s one of the Lone Star State’s famous painted churches. With its intricately painted walls and columns and vibrant stained glass windows framing the pews, it’s one of a kind.
5610 Demel Street
Wallis, TX 77485
(979) 478-6532

Huff Brewery
Fill your glass with a pint of delicious German-style craft beer when you visit Huff Brewery. Choose from the brewery’s two permanent beers, a Märzenbier-inspired amber ale and a light Munich Helles, or savor one of its rotating brews at its tasting room in Bellville.
9805 Koehn Road
Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 270-1365

Lonestar Motorsports Park
Take in the roar of high-powered engines and the aromas of burning rubber and gasoline as you watch hot rods drag race on the 1/4-mile track at Lonestar Motorsports Park in Sealy. The International Hot Rod Association-sanctioned track hosts races and other events throughout the year, which you can see here.
9281 SW I-10 Frontage Road
Sealy, TX 77474

Newman’s Castle
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a castle? In Bellville, where the white walls of Newman’s Castle beckon, you can. Check out the moat and working drawbridge as you tour the castle, which was built by local bakery owner Mike Newman. Tours of the castle start at Newman’s Bakery in downtown Bellville.
1041 Old Highway 36
Bellville, TX 77418
(979) 865-9804

River Ridge Golf Club
Challenge your long and short game on this tranquil 18-hole golf course. With numerous tee boxes that accommodate all skill levels and a course with strategic water hazards and sand bunkers, the course will test your skills while taking your breath away.
3133 Brazos Oak Lane
Sealy, TX 77474
(832) 214-4042

San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Visit the town site where Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” oversaw the immigration of Americans to Mexican Texas in the 1820’s and 1830’s. Discover what life was like on the frontier as you tour the homes that make up this state historic site.
15945 FM 1458
San Felipe, TX 77473
(979) 885-2181

Stephen F. Austin Golf Club
Located on I-10 just west of the Houston area, Stephen F. Austin Golf Club offers an aesthetically pleasing 18-hole round through gently sloping countryside set within an active pecan farm. Tree-lined fairways add a measure of difficulty while all the verdant nature will leave you speechless. The course is open year-round and tee times are available online.
1130 Park Road 38
San Felipe, TX 77474
(979) 885-2811

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Hike trails near the earliest colony in Texas, where Stephen F. Austin himself oversaw the arrival of immigrants from the United States. With historic displays, scenic overlooks, and campsites, there’s plenty to do if you’re looking for an afternoon escape to nature or a multi-day trip sleeping under the stars.
Park Road 38
San Felipe, TX 77473
(979) 885-3613

Yellow Brick Road Winery
Sip on a glass of locally made wine while you listen to an Academy Award-winning composer play tunes on an Italian baby grand piano. Sounds too good to be true? At Yellow Brick Road Winery, it’s all part of the experience. The piano player in question is winery owner Gerry Math, who has composed music for such Hollywood blockbusters as Titanic, Forrest Gump, and Legends of the Fall. He even played for the Queen’s birthday. Find a spot in the cozy tasting room, fill your glass with delicious wine, and enjoy all the world-class music.
3587 Ward Bend Road
Sealy, TX 77474
(979) 216-8885