Visitors have several options when visiting the historic Varner-Hogg Plantation.
Self-Guided Tours
Both floors of the Main House as well as the Smokehouse and 1920s Kitchen are open for self-guided tours. We suggest allowing additional time for walking the plantation grounds and viewing other areas of interest, including slave quarter and sugar mill ruins, barn, Miss Ima's Cottage, pecan orchards, the governor’s outdoor bathtub, and the Patton family cemetery. Everything on the site is within walking distance. The main road can be followed as a guide; however, many of the site’s places of interest are off the road and require walking on grass and uneven ground. A visitors guide and map is available in the Visitors Center. Visitors are also welcome to simply walk, rest, or picnic on the grounds.
Photography
Personal photography with no flash is allowed inside the Main House and exhibit buildings. If you wish to take professional photographs (including engagement, prom or graduation photos) on the plantation, please see our photography rules and fees (PDF).
Guided Tours
GROUP TOURS: Guided Tours must be booked a day in advance and are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Commerical Guided Tours are available Wednesday through Friday, and must be booked two weeks in advance. All Guided Tours are subject to change depending on staffing. Please call 979-345-4656 for more information and to request your tour.
Guided Tour Fees
Adults $10
Adults 65+ $8
Youth 6-18 $5
Children 5 & younger Free
SCHOOLS/YOUTH GROUPS: School and youth group tours (self-guided and guided) are available Wednesday through Saturday by submitting a tour reservation form at least two weeks in advance. Please contact us to discuss an appropriate educational experience for the children.
Museum Store
The museum store is located inside the Visitors Center. We carry books on a wide variety of Texas history topics, including slavery and antebellum Texas; oil history; and biographies of Ima Hogg and the Hogg family as well as books that help children explore history and culture. We also offer an assortment of souveniors and collectibles. Our online museum store offers several special gift offers as well.
Accessibility
Accessible parking and restrooms are available on site. The Visitors Center, Miss Ima's Cottage, Smokehouse, Kitchen and Barn are wheelchair accessible. There are several steps to enter the Main House, and the first floor of the house is accessible. Several areas of interest are on grass but may be seen from the road.
Facilities
Public restrooms are available in the Visitors Center and in the building between the Barn and Miss Ima's Cottage. There is a water fountain next to the accessible/family restroom. Bottled water may be purchased in the Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome to bring food and drinks to enjoy at the site’s picnic tables; however, food and drinks are not allowed in any buildings.
Nearby Attractions
While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites:
- Columbia Historical Museum
- The First Capitol of the Republic of Texas
- Capitol of Texas Park, a walk through the birth of Texas
For additional travel and history information, see the following resources:
