Attractions in Giddings

Even though it’s crossed by two major interstates, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the charming, rural qualities of Giddings. Hometown Hospitality is a goal with the locals, as they are always delighted to welcome visitors to their quaint stores and attractions. There’s history to be found in the museums, lots of information at the Visitor’s Center and over 30 restaurants to choose from for a snack in between. Giddings can also be considered a Gateway to Rural Texas as it is located about 30 minutes from over 20 other small towns, making it a perfect central location for a weekend trip of exploring rural Texas.

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1900's Antique Carousel
In the early 1900’s, a traveling circus passed through Giddings and left behind a carousel as collateral. That vintage carousel is open and enjoyed exclusively twice a year, during the Lee County Fair in May and the Firemen's July 4th Celebration in July.
2495 West Hwy 290 at Firemen’s Park (May and July only)
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-3455

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1879 Schubert-Fletcher Home and Lee County Museum
Tour this historic home once occupied by two prominent Giddings families, as well as briefly by Concordia College. The Fletcher Home now houses the Lee County Museum and the Visitor’s Center. Come check out the historic photos and memorabilia that tells the story of Lee County. Open weekdays
183 East Hempstead Street at the Lee County Museum
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-3455

Giddings Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center
Housed inside the historic Schubert-Fletcher Home, the Chamber and Visitor’s Center is the place to stop for brochures and all kinds of information on Giddings and the surrounding areas. The friendly Chamber staff is always happy to answer questions and give recommendations for interesting things to see or do, or places to eat. Open weekdays.
183 E. Hempstead
Giddings TX, 78942
(979) 542-3455

First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church of Giddings, Texas was organized on April 28, 1876 with thirteen charter members under the direction of B.H. Behers, D.D.  One of the charter members, Frank Morris, was responsible for constructing the present sanctuary in 1886.  The Sanctuary has been in continuous use since that time, making it the oldest church building in continuous use in Giddings. Open for Sunday services at 9:30am or by appointment during the week.
192 S. Grimes
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-9020 Church Office

Arnold Smith Native American Collection
The Arnold Smith Native American Collection is the one of the largest compendiums of Native American artifacts in the state. An impressive array of arrowheads, pottery, and projectile point weapons that date from the Paleo-Indian period to around 300 years ago are part of this collection, which is exhibited in the Giddings Library.
276 North Orange Street at the Giddings Public Library
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-2716

Hilton Lee Smith Baseball Memorabilia Collection
Hometown hero Hilton Lee Smith was born in Giddings and grew up to become one of the greatest baseball players in the country, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs alongside pitcher Satchel Paige. In 2001, Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Hilton Lee Smith Baseball Memorabilia Collection is the best spot to learn all about this baseball great.
276 North Orange Street at the Giddings Public Library
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-2716

Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center
Giddings’ public library is home to one of the largest collections of Native American artifacts in Texas (The Arnold Smith Collection), as well as the Hilton Lee Smith Baseball Display at the Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center. This center also hosts the Texas Word Wrangler Book Festival on the second Friday each September.
276 North Orange Street
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-2716

Bill Longley Historical Marker
Infamous gunslinger Bill Longley, the outlaw known for having been hung three times, is buried in the Giddings Cemetery.  Learn his story by visiting the historical marker placed at his grave site.
West Highway 290 at the Giddings Cemetery
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-3455

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Historical Marker Trail of Lee County
See all the historical markers in Lee County, about 40 of them, located throughout Giddings, Dime Box, Lexington and Serbin. These markers can be found in various locations including historical buildings & houses, cemeteries, churches, and points of interest like Bill Longley’s grave and the Old Evergreen Tree (the site of pioneer court trials in the 1870’s). The list of historical markers can be found at the Visitor’s Center or on the website.
183 E. Hempstead St at the Visitor’s Center
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-3455

Giddings Post Office Mural
Art enthusiasts - and aficionados - are sure to be impressed by the mural Otis Dozier painted on the wall of the Giddings Post Office entitled “Cowboys Receiving the Mail.” Painted in 1939, this mural is one of the 109 works of art painted on federal buildings during the Great Depression, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's efforts to help artists during times of poverty.
279 East Austin Street
Giddings, TX 78942

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Local Business Murals
Giddings continued its appreciation for the arts with additional murals throughout downtown Giddings. One of the most notable modern murals “Businesses of Giddings” was painted by artist Johnny Jones and is on Laverne’s Flower Shop, next to the Giddings Post Office. Viewers are challenged to find the 12 hidden objects in the mural: a mouse, fishing hook, chameleon, penny, clothespin, dime, nail, safety pin, butterfly, eye glasses, cat’s eye marble and a thimble. Additional murals can be found at City Meat Market, First National Bank, Orsag's, and the small freight depot off Highway 290 at the railroad tracks.
Downtown Area
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-3455

911 Memorial
See two pieces of the metal beams from the Twin Towers in New York at the Giddings Volunteer Fire Station. It took the firemen 4 years to secure permission to transport these pieces here. It was a community project to create this memorial to honor the first responders of 9/11.
151 W. Independence Street
Giddings, TX 78942

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1899 Lee County Courthouse
The restored courthouse replaces the first courthouse of 1878 which was destroyed in a fire. This amazing structure was built by famous designer J. Reily Gordon. The Richardson Romanesque architecture featuring columns of Texas granite. It is octagonal in shape with its four sides facing the four points of the compass.
200 S. Main Street
Giddings, TX 78942

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Veterans Honor Memorial
The Honor Memorial is the first step in the Veterans Honor Park, a new addition to Veteran’s Park. The Memorial honors veterans of all four military branches, MIAs and POWs. The park will eventually have a Veterans Wall, landscaping, benches and a walking trail. In Veterans Park, one block off Hwy 290 at the intersection of N. Montgomery Street.
Giddings, TX 78942 

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Giddings Livestock Commission – Auction Barn
See a cattle auction barn at work and learn about the process. There is a small café located on site as well. Please call in advance if coming with a group to dine at the café, so staff will be prepared. Visitors are welcome to just come and watch or call to arrange a special tour. The Auction Barn is open Mondays from noon to 2pm.
Hwy 290 E, County Road 226 just outside of town
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 542-2274

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St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Serbin
One of the Painted Churches of Texas, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Serbin is a fine example of historic architecture. Built in 1870 to reflect the Wendish culture and heritage, the church helps tells the story of their challenging immigration to the United States. It’s also believed this church has the tallest pulpit in Texas. Groups can request a tour and Wendish luncheon on Thursdays and Fridays by calling in advance, based on availability.
1011 County Road 212
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 366-2441

Texas Wendish Heritage Museum
Learn all about the history of the Texas Wends, Slavic immigrants from Lusatia (an area in East Germany), at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum in nearby Serbin. View treasures like a folk dress from Lusatia, letters, and the beautifully-painted Wendish Easter eggs.
1011 County Road 212
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 366-2441

Dime Box Heritage Museum
Discover a treasure of a tiny town at the Dime Box Heritage Museum, where you can view historic artifacts depicting the area’s German and Czech heritage.
County Road 141
Dime Box, TX 77853
(979) 884-0182

Lexington Log Cabins & Heritage Center
Step inside log cabins built in the 1830’s and 1840’s by the region’s early settlers and learn what pioneer life was like. One of the homes, The Gutherie House, was built by George Washington Gutherie, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Civil War. The Lexington Log Cabins are open most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and groups of eight or more can call ahead and schedule demonstrations on subjects such as butter churning, native plant identification and uses, and rope making.
524 4th Street
Lexington, TX 78947
(979) 773-8400

Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway
When you visit Giddings, be sure to check out nearby Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, where you can camp, boat, water ski, fish, hike, bike, backpack, ride horses, and play horseshoes, volleyball, and basketball. With more than 20 miles of trails that include the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units, Lake Somerville State Park is a beautiful state park that is perfect for adventure seekers.
6280 FM 180 
Ledbetter, TX 78946
(979) 289-2392

Stuermer Store
An eclectic combination of café, ice cream, museum and convenience store. Visit the Stuermer Store in Ledbetter for some traditional burgers and sandwiches followed by delicious ice cream, perhaps a float or banana split. Peruse the antique furniture and merchandise and learn a little history as well. Open Fridays and Saturdays.
100 East US Highway 290 at FM 1291
Ledbetter, TX 78946
(979) 249-5642