At the state-of-the-art museum facility at San Felipe de Austin, visitors can view exhibits displaying 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. 

Opened in 2021, the historic townsite outdoor exhibit, the Villa de Austin, showcases reconstructed buildings based on real buildings in the town 200 years ago. These include a working print shop, Farmer's Hotel, one-room schoolhouse, courthouse, small family home, an outdoor bake oven, kitchen, and home of Celia, a freedwoman who had been enslaved when she was brought to Austin’s colony. These buildings allow visitors to explore and interact with the town’s past. To learn more about programming or to prepare for your visit, call us at 979-885-2181. 

The historic site also includes about 1/3 of a mile of walking trails. These trails showcase interpretive signage detailing information about historic town residents, various town trades and landmarks, as well as cultural information about the town. From the trails, you can view our old museum location across the street which includes a bronze statue of Stephen F. Austin and commemorative obelisk. Visitors may get a closer look at the property on the west-side of FM 1458 via personal vehicle to explore these memorials and grounds. 

Tours of San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and museum generally take about one-and-a-half to two hours. Visitor parking is available on site. 

School Groups 

Our museum is able to host school groups of all ages. School tours last between two to three hours and include vital curriculum-based topics as well as interactive and hands-on learning. To learn more about our school tour options and to find contact information for booking a tour, please click here. 

Group Tours 

We welcome your group! To learn more about booking guided or self-managed tour for your group, please click here. 

Scout Troops 

We offer many badge programs to fulfill requirements for both BSA and Girl Scout Troops. We also offer guided tours for your Pack or Troop and can work with older Scouts on Eagle Scout, Silver Award, and Gold Award projects. To learn more, please click here. 

Museum Store 

The new museum and visitor center includes a museum store that carries a wide variety of souvenirs, books, t-shirts and caps, colonial toys, as well as several customized, one-of-a-kind offerings related to the site's broad history.  

Private Event Rentals 

We offer the opportunity to rent museum spaces for private events. To learn more about hosting a private event, pricing, and availability, please give us a call at 979-885-2181. 

Accessibility 

Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot of the new facilities, with ramp access to the main entry. 

Facilities 

The new visitor center and museum include modern restrooms, located near the entrance. Bottled water is available for purchase at the visitor center. Visitors are allowed to bring food and drinks to the site, but we respectfully ask that no food or drink not be taken 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 climbing 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: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: