A new museum facility at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site opened in April of 2018. Exhibits display objects such as a field desk that belonged to Stephen F. Austin, an 1830s printing press, and many artifacts recovered during archeological excavations. In addition, custom murals and a variety of multimedia interactives help visitors learn more about the town’s history. Weekend programming often includes guest speakers/authors, hands-on programming for children and families and other interactive experiences.
The historic site also includes memorial features such as a bronze statue of Stephen F. Austin, a commemorative obelisk, and a replica log cabin. There are also interpretive panels throughout the grounds to share stories of the townsite.
Tours of San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and museum generally take 60-90 minutes. Visitor parking is available on site. Planning your visit to San Felipe de Austin
School Groups
Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year in September, the site will host area Fourth grade classes on curriculum-connected field trips of the museum and state historic site. In addition, we offer customized outreach programming for schools within a 40-mile radius of the site and we will launch weekly distance learning content in the fall. For more information, contact the Education and Programming Department at the museum, 979-885-2181, ext. 2.
Teachers
Beginning in the summer of 2018, the historic site will offer teacher workshops and unique learning sessions to help area educators consider how to bring the stories of San Felipe and early emigration to their classrooms.
Group Tours
We welcome your group! To book your tour, contact our Group Sales office at 979-885-2181, etc. 3 or submit a tour reservation form. If interested, inquire about ordering a box lunch to be served at the museum.
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site can offer your pack or den a variety of ways to fulfill requirements or elective adventures by visiting the museum, as well as a weekend program (by arrangement) to earn the Texas badge. Download this flyer for more information.
Museum Store
The new museum and visitors center includes a museum store that carries a wide variety of souvenirs, books, t-shirts and caps, colonial toys, as well as a number of customized, one-of-a-kind offerings related to the site's broad history.
Accessibility
Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot of the new facilities, with ramp access to the main entry.
Facilities
The new visitors center and musuem include modern restrooms, located near the entrance. Bottled water is available for purchase at the visitors center. Vistiors are allowed to bring food and drinks, but we respectfully ask that they may not be taking into the museum galleries.
Pets are welcome on site provided they are kept on a leash. Only service dogs are permitted inside the buildings. To help us with our preservation and conservation mission, and for the safety of our visitors, we ask that visitors respectfully refrain from climbin the monuments and markers on site. Alcohol is not permitted on site. State historic sites are smoke-free environments. Patrons are allowed to smoke in the parking lot but not inside buildings or on public grounds at the site.
Nearby Attractions
While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites:
- Stephen F. Austin State Park (1 mile from site)
- Austin County Jail Museum in Bellville (approximately 17 miles from site; limited hours of operation)
- Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (south of I-10 between Sealy and Columbus, approximately 18 miles from site)
- George Ranch Historical Park (approximately 40 miles from site, in Richmond)
- Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (approximately 60 miles from site)
For additional travel and history information, see the following resources:
