Fredericksburg, Texas is not only rich in history and German heritage but an abundance of culture as well. Located in the heart of Texas Wine Country just outside of San Antonio, this eclectic historic town has a great punch list of places to visit and things to do!
From hiking and camping to learning about the Texas Rangers (not the baseball team) and World War 2, you’ll love this quaint German town that beg you to return. There’s lot to see and do so we put together our first timers guide to Fredericksburg. We hope you enjoy reading about our favorites!
First Time Visitors’ Guide to Fredericksburg, Texas
Where we stayed
Before we go on with our amazing list of fun things to do and see in Fredericksburg, we want to share a little about where we stayed so you can plan your own RV destination accordingly.
We camped for a week at the Texas wine Country Jellystone Camp Resort to attend a conference just outside of town.
Whether you go a solo, couple or big family, this place is pretty cool. We’ve never camped at a Jellystone so this was a first for us.
There was lots of stuff to do for the kids such as a pool, bouncy trampoline, playground and lots of space to run around to burn off energy. For adults, there’s a great conference meeting room as well as their camp store that sells wine!!
For more about the amenities, read at our Texas Wine Country Jellystone Camp Resort Review.
National Museum of the Pacific War
We went to this amazing collection of Pacific War relics. Also known as the Nimitz Museum, it will take you back to such a turbulent time in U.S. history.
It is the only institution in the U.S dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The museum is located right in the heart of Fredricksburg on East Main.
Worth noting, the entire Museum Complex is accessible by wheelchair and provides wheelchairs and motorized chairs free of charge for those who need them.
Texas Rangers Heritage Center
Heading out of Fredericksburg, you see to your left, the Texas Rangers Heritage Center. This amazing display houses culture and lore of how the Texas Rangers have stood their ground in the state’s law enforcement promotion good citizenship.
Standing tall marking its’ 12-acre location, the bell tower leads you in to visit the Salute to Good Citizenship, and along with the Ranger Ring of Honor, a Soaring Memorial, dedicated to those who gave all in their service to the Texas Rangers and to the Citizens of Texas.
Be aware, this incredible display is a work in progress. They are in the midst of building the museum and making this bigger and better!
On campus you will find the large covered LoneStar Open-Air Pavilion. amphitheater and campfire circle. Take your family or come alone; its a place every Texan and Texan at heart should see!
Pioneer Museum
A unique German colony gathered to make their lives in the heart of Texas Hill country in the mid-1940s. Fast forward 170some years, history has been collected and exhibited at the three and a half acre Pioneer Museum.
Located right on Main Street, you can enjoy a day of reading about the history and culture. There are ten buildings that house their many artifacts. Four of which have remained in place and have been preserved.
This is a great place to take the family to learn about the German influence of Fredericksburg and neighboring communities. Being in the downtown area of Fredericksburg, finding a place to dine is close by.
Vereins Kirche Museum
Originally constructed by pioneers in 1847, this Society Church served as the commune’s school, church and community center for many years. In 1935, the Gillespie County Historical Society built its’ replica, the Vereins Kirche Museum, to give visitors a glimpse of how life was. Located in the Marktplatz town square, it’s only two blocks from the Pioneer Museum (above) in downtown Fredericksburg.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
This amazingly beautiful place to take the family! Wildlife such as Bison, Longhorns, Whitetail deer and Turkey live exhibits will spark wonder in the eyes of the young and old. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful wildflowers, including the Texas Bluebonnets, in the spring!
But it doesn’t stop there. The visitor center in Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is front and center. It houses artifacts and memorabilia from President Johnson’s presidency. There are also several interactive displays.
The Behrens Cabin built in the 1870’s attaches to the visitor center for viewing as well. And, visitors can also go back in time by seeing how the immigrants lived in the Danz family log cabin.
You may be luck to score tickets for performances or films in their auditorium. The outdoor amphitheater is used for other smaller local programs as well. And, lace up your hiking shoes to trek the nature trail, botanical exhibit and the amazing Texas wildlife mentioned earlier.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the LBJ National Historical Park located across the Pedernales River from the LBJ State Park. Definitely plan to spend a whole day here! By the way, this park is free!
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
Located off Highway 16 South only 3 miles south of downtown Fredericksburg, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is host to beautiful flowers and rolling hills along Live Oak Creek. It is its’ own Mecca of family outdoor enjoyment with its many recreation amenities.
It’s a great place to enjoy a quiet day with your family by picnicking at one of their five pavilions (you’ll need a reservation) or enjoy watching the locals play baseball, softball or volleyball. It can accommodate large and small groups.
Other amenities within the park are picnic tables with bbq pits, playgrounds with swing sets, basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool in the summer months. you can also fish at Live Oak Creek. And if you brought your good swinging arms, you can enjoy a round at the Lady Bird Golf Course.
But, best of all, you can stay there in your motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer or other camper at the Lady Bird Johnson RV Park
Main Street Shopping and Cafes
This is more up my alley; shopping and dining! And especially when the cuisine is of mixed variety. From German food to bbq, you can get most anything your appetite is hungry for!
A few of our favorite eats:
Fredericksburg Brewing Company – Great brew and burgers!
Cranky Frank’s BBQ – Meat lovers paradise!
Twisted Sisters Bake Shop – OMG Sweetness!
290 East Wine Trail Shuttle
Their air-conditioned vans and buses eliminates your need to drive and locate the winery of your choice. The 290 Wine Shuttle operates every Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm between Fredericksburg, TX and the wineries located along Hwy 290 East.
You can leave your purchases with the shuttle drivers throughout the day for no extra charge. The best part is it only costs less than $30 for an all-day pass that stops every 10 minutes at these following wineries:
The shuttle also picks up every 10 minutes at the corner of Main Street and Elk Street next to the Sunday House Inn located at 501 East Main Street.
You can visit as many wineries as listed in their stops and return to Fredericksburg anytime throughout the day. Enjoy your winery tours without worrying about driving tipsy!
Just a small note, if you are in a party of eight or more, it’s suggested that you contact them on the link above.
That’s a Wrap!
So, those are only a handful of fun things to do and see in Fredericksburg, Texas. Don’t just come with your appetite to eat but also to learn about the history and culture of this amazing Lone Star State town!
