Attractions in Gonzales

Gonzales is a charming south-central Texas town that has much to offer history enthusiasts and those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Museums, historic homes and theaters, public squares, and a scenic state park make up the many attractions in Gonzales that provide more than enough to do, regardless of your interests. Read on to get the full picture of what Gonzales has to offer.

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Independence Square

Independence Square is located in the heart of downtown Gonzales and serves as the primary venue for the annual Come & Take It Celebration, Main Street events, and other community gatherings. Local historians have documented that the square was originally known as Market Square, later Jail Square, and then Confederate Square before being officially renamed Independence Square in 2021.

500-598 N St. Joseph St.
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-7801

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Crystal Theatre

The Crystal Theatre is a community-based performing arts organization in Gonzales that emphasizes the development of young actors. It offers a variety of theatrical performances, concerts, youth programs, and educational workshops in a historic theater on Gonzales's downtown square.

543 St. Lawrence Street
Gonzales, TX 78629
(512) 217-6565

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Eggleston House

Take a gander at what life was like in Texas in the 1800s at the Eggleston House, a dog-run-style cabin built in 1848. Located adjacent to the Gonzales Memorial Museum, the home is furnished with period pieces that illustrate what daily life looked like in early Texas. Visitors can view the preserved log house and learn about one of the oldest surviving homes in Gonzales County.

1300 St. Louis Street
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-2815

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Gonzales County Jail Museum

Explore the history of law and order on the Texas frontier at the Gonzales County Jail Museum, housed within the original structure built in 1885. Tour the sheriff's and jailer's quarters, step inside the original cells, and check out the rebuilt gallows. The museum is open several days a week; check current hours before visiting.

414 St. Lawrence Street
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 263-4663

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Gonzales Memorial Museum

The Gonzales Memorial Museum tells the story of the prominent role the town and its citizens played in the Texas War of Independence. Exhibits feature memorabilia from Gonzales' early settlers, as well as the famous "Come and Take It" cannon, which fired the first shot of the Texas Revolution.

414 Smith Street
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-6350

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Independence Golf Course

Play a round of golf among the scenic beauty of Central Texas at the nine-hole Independence Golf Course, located on the bank of the Guadalupe River just south of Gonzales. The golf course features scenic rolling green fairways set among mature pecan trees, offering a playing experience that is both captivating and challenging. Players are welcome six days a week, and golf cart rentals are available.

 820 S St Joseph St.
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-1324

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Lynn Theatre

The Lynn Theatre is a historic two-screen movie theater in Gonzales that reopened in 2024 after extensive renovations, bringing first-run films and community events back to downtown Gonzales.

510 St. Paul St.
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 519-4091

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J.B. Wells House Museum

Step inside the J.B. Wells House Museum, a gorgeous 15-room mansion built in 1885 on the southern outskirts of Gonzales. The home was constructed with indoor plumbing, fire escapes, and lightning rods, making it one of the town's first "modern" homes. Please call at least two weeks in advance to schedule a tour.

833 Mitchell Street
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-6532

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Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park’s 270 acres of picturesque south-central Texas countryside include a four-acre lake and the San Marcos River, which meanders through the middle of the park. Hiking, fishing, birding, and boating are all popular activities. Campsites and canoe rentals are also available.

78 Park Road 11 
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-3266

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Pioneer Village Living History Center

Step back in time at the Pioneer Village Living History Center, where a collection of restored 19th- and early 20th-century buildings brings Gonzales' frontier heritage to life. Explore historic log cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a blacksmith shop, and the beautifully restored 1892 Greek Revival-style J. B. Wells House Museum. Throughout the year, the village hosts living history demonstrations, battle reenactments, educational programs, and special events that showcase life in early Texas.

2122 N. St. Joseph St.
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 203-2304

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Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library

More than a public library, the Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library is home to several remarkable historical collections that celebrate Texas and American history. Visitors can explore the Charles DuBose Collection, featuring an extensive display of historic firearms, military artifacts, and memorabilia, as well as the Mary Elizabeth Tinsley Texas History Center. The history center houses the Vickie Bushong Collection, which includes original Texas Revolution-era documents and signatures from legendary figures such as Sam Houston, William B. Travis, and David Crockett, offering a fascinating glimpse into the state's founding.

 301 N St Joseph St
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-6315

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Texas Heroes Square

Texas Heroes Square, located just southwest of Confederate Square, was built to honor the men of Gonzales who fought in the Texas Revolution. The centerpiece of the public square is a monument that was sculpted in 1910.

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World War I German Krupp 105mm Cannon

Step back into military history at the World War I German Krupp 105mm Cannon, one of only three captured German Krupp cannons brought to Texas following World War I. Dedicated on April 21, 1926, by the DuBose family, this historic artillery piece serves as a lasting memorial to the era and offers visitors a rare opportunity to view an authentic World War I battlefield relic preserved in Gonzales.

Intersection of N. Fair St. and St. Lawrence St.
Gonzales, TX 78629