Plan Your Visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos

Seasons

The saying goes “if you don’t like the weather in Texas, just wait a few minutes,” and that is true at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter and spring, so dressing for the season is encouraged. Having water available always is critical, no matter the season.

Spring

Wear seasonable clothing and layers that you can add or remove if the temperature changes. Bring a travel umbrella in case of rain which happens often in the spring. Close-toed sturdy shoes are a good choice at any time of year for the crushed granite paths and walking distances. 

Summer

Summer is very hot at the site, and we encourage you to dress coolly, wear a hat, and bring plenty of water. There are bottle filling stations available at the Conference Center and Star of the Republic Museum. Take frequent breaks, especially if you are walking on site or walking along the trails. Notify a staff member if you start feeling unwell.

Fall

Usually pleasant with occasional rain showers. Layers and sturdy shoes are an appropriate choice. 

Winter

It can be cold with frigid breezes. Jackets/coats, gloves, and wearing layers are suggested. 

Wildlife

Washington-on-the-Brazos has many wild animals on site including deer, foxes, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, possums, and armadillos. Please don’t attempt to approach or pet them. There are venomous reptiles like rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and cottonmouths on site, so please be careful when walking the trails, especially beside grassy areas. Notify a staff member or volunteer immediately if you see any wildlife that is acting strange.

Accessibility at Sites and Trails

Our nature trails, Townsite trails and Barrington paths are crushed granite and accessible by wheelchair. 

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome outdoors but must be in a carrier or on a leash under six feet in length and under your control at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed inside buildings except for service animals. No animals may be released on the site.

A visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site can easily adapt to your needs. Whether you are looking for a quick outing or a full day of activities, we have you covered.

2-Hour Express Visit:

• Option A: Visitor Center (30 minutes) & Townsite (90 minutes)
• Option B: Visitor Center (30 minutes) & Museum (90 minutes)
• Option C: Visitor Center (30 minutes) & Barrington (90 minutes)

Half-Day Experience (5 hours):

• Option A: Visitor Center (30 minutes), Townsite (90 minutes), Picnic lunch (1 hour) & Museum (90 minutes) and Travel Time between sites (30 minutes)
• Option B: Visitor Center (30 minutes), Townsite (90 minutes), Picnic lunch (1 hour), & Barrington (90 minutes) and Travel Time (30 minutes)
• Option C: Visitor Center (30 minutes), Museum (90 minutes), Picnic lunch (1 hour) & Barrington (90 minutes) and Travel Time (30 minutes)

Full-Day Immersion:

• Visitor Center (30 minutes), Townsite (120 minutes), Picnic lunch (1 hour), Barrington (120 minutes), Museum (120 minutes)

Tour Options

Washington-on-the-Brazos has tours open to the public with purchase of admission and opportunities to reserve tours for both adult groups and schools. For adult reservations, continue below. For school reservations, see the Educational Programs page.

General Public Tours

Life on the Farm
Timing: Self-Guided, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Families (2 adults & 1 child OR 1 adult and 2 children) $22, adults $10, seniors, veterans, teachers, first responders $8, children $6, ages 5 and under free.

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of life on a working farm during a self-guided visit to Barrington Living History Farm. Interpretive staff may be tending to the garden, caring for the livestock, or maintaining the historic property and are available to answer questions.

Here a Nation Was Born
Capacity: 10–200 people
Timing: 45 minutes, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Site: Independence Hall and Washington Townsite
Cost: Families (2 adults & 1 child OR 1 adult and 2 children) $22, adults $10, seniors, veterans, teachers, first responders $8, children $6, ages 5 and under free.

With a guided tour of Independence Hall, visitors will learn about the beginnings of the Republic of Texas, the Convention for Independence of 1836, and the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Adult Group Tours

Whether you're planning a day trip with friends, organizing a tour for your club or organization, or coordinating a group outing, Washington-on-the-Brazos offers engaging guided experiences perfect for adult groups. Our knowledgeable interpreters will lead you through the historic sites where Texas independence was born, sharing stories of the delegates who risked everything to create a new nation. Experience authentic 1850s farm life and gain insights into the lives of those who built and sustained early Texas. Group tours are available Wednesday through Friday and can be customized to meet your group's interests and schedule.

Life on the Farm
Capacity: 10–200 people
Timing: 1 hour, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Site: Barrington
Cost: $8 per person

Visitors will have an opportunity to experience life in early Texas with a guided tour of Barrington Living History Farm, home of Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. Discover the sights, sounds, and smells of life on a small 1850s cotton plantation while gaining a perspective of those enslaved who built and sustained it. Learn about farm tasks such as plowing, working oxen, cooking on an open hearth, or picking cotton. Life at Barrington changes with the seasons, so you will always find something new!

Here a Nation Was Born
Capacity: 10–40 people per hour
Timing: 1 hour, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Site: Independence Hall and Washington Townsite
Cost: $8 per person

With a guided tour of Independence Hall, visitors will learn about the beginnings of the Republic of Texas, the Convention for Independence of 1836, and the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Tour Reservations

Group tour reservations should be made four weeks in advance by using the adult tour request form.

Tours of Barrington, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and the Star of the Republic Museum (opening spring 2025) can be combined. Tours for adults are $8 per person.

Tours are on dirt paths and require the use of stairs at some locations. Please indicate the need for an accessibility ramp at the time of booking. Tours are outdoors and continue rain or shine. However, whenever thunder and lightning are present within eight miles, Barrington Living History Farm and Independence Hall will close until 30 minutes after the last episode of thunder or lightning. Alternate activities will be arranged by the education coordinator.

Fall is a great time to visit the site with the weather turning cooler in the mornings and harvest activities at Barrington Farm. Join in picking cotton, hoeing the corn in the fields, or picking vegetables from the garden. Early fall is less crowded with school field trips and a better time for adult groups to schedule.

Spring is the busiest time of the year with fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers bursting into life near our trails which are perfect for family photos. Barrington Farm will be preparing the fields for plowing and planting the crops and opening the house after winter. We have most of our school field trips in the spring with some days hosting close to 200 students between 10:00 am-2:00 pm; afternoons after 2:00 pm are less crowded for adult groups or families to enjoy the site. We encourage you to be weather wise and dress for the season, especially during spring when rainstorms can occur suddenly.

Am I required to pay to be on the grounds?

Yes; all visitors are required to purchase a ticket to use any of the amenities on the site including the picnic area. 

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are welcome outdoors but must always be in a carrier or on a leash under six feet in length and under your control. Please clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed inside buildings except for service animals. No animals may be released on the site.

Are there picnic areas and where can I eat?

There are numerous picnic tables in the picnic area that are free to use. In addition, Washington-on-the-Brazos has two covered pavilions that are available for rent. There are great restaurant options located in Brenham or Navasota located within 30 minutes of the site.

Can I have a fire or use a camp stove?

Fires and camp stoves may only be used in designated areas and facilities provided for that purpose. When an extreme fire hazard or burn ban has been posted, fires must be approved by the site manager.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted within buildings on site or on Barrington Living History Farm Grounds or within 10 feet of public doors. This includes historic structures, our visitor center, the Star of the Republic Museum, and public restrooms. Please ask staff for the locations of smoking areas.

Can I take photographs?

Yes! Photography is allowed in public areas of the historic site for personal use with handheld cameras, camera phones, and video equipment. Please do not photograph if it interferes with programs or tours, including individuals or school groups, or could harm the security of buildings or artifacts. Commercial photography may require approval and fees.

Is commercial photography allowed?

Commercial photography involving specialized equipment (stationary lights, tripods) or a photographic crew may require approval and payment of fees. Please contact the site in advance to make arrangements.

Can I fish at the site?

No. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site does not have public access to bodies of water.

What items are prohibited?

Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Metal detection and removal of artifacts is prohibited. Hunting and trapping are not allowed.

Where can I park?

All vehicles and trailers must be parked in designated parking areas only. The speed limit on site roads is 15 MPH unless otherwise posted. Vehicles may not remain in parking lots after operating hours. Dirt bikes, off-road and all-terrain vehicles are prohibited.

Can I conduct commercial activities?

No commercial activities are permitted, including selling, recruiting, soliciting, or promoting products or services.

What should I do with trash?

Please dispose of trash only in designated receptacles throughout the site. Please keep in mind that dumpsters are for employee use only.

Can I collect plants, artifacts, or natural specimens?

No. Historic resources including buildings, structures, objects, and archaeological specimens shall not be damaged, moved, collected, or removed. Plants may not be cut, injured, destroyed, or removed from the site.

Is the site accessible?

There are handicapped-accessible parking spots in the main visitor lot, Barrington Farm lot, Star of the Republic Museum lot and the picnic area parking lot. 

Our nature trails, Townsite trails and Barrington paths are crushed granite and accessible by wheelchair. 

Do you offer group rates?

Group rates are available for reserved tours only. 

Can I host an event at the site?

We have a variety of rental opportunities available. For more information, please visit our Event Rentals page.

What if there's severe weather during my visit?

Tours are outdoors and continue rain or shine. However, when thunder and lightning are present within eight miles, Barrington Living History Farm and Washington Townsite Experience will close until 30 minutes after the last episode of thunder or lightning. Visitors will be encouraged to follow the same protocols.

Are there age restrictions for tours?

We consider ourselves a family-friendly site fit for all ages. If tours, events, or programs have suggested age ranges, we will include this information in their descriptions.