Kendleton TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kendleton, Texas.
1. Fort Bend County Heritage Unlimited Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Fort Bend County Heritage Unlimited Museum focuses on the lives of African Americans in the surrounding area with permanent exhibits depicting the lifestyles of African American settlers and residents from 1865-1965. The museum includes a genealogy corner where volunteers assist individuals researching family history. It also hosts various activities such as quilting workshops, heritage days, local art displays, and an emancipation reenactment.
2. Bates Allen Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Bates Allen Park features a variety of recreational opportunities with plenty of amenities, including restrooms, barbecue pits, and a playground. The park includes a fishing pier and boat launch for water activities on the San Bernard River. Visitors can enjoy walking paths that lead down to the beautiful San Bernard River where boats are available for canoeing.
3. African American Memorial
HISTORIC MONUMENT SITE
The African American Memorial at Bates Allen Park is a significant historical monument honoring the African American history of the region. This memorial features a three-story monument, walking trails, and reflection spaces designed for contemplation. The site includes 95 trees representing the Sugar Land 95, honoring the remains of 95 African Americans discovered during construction in Fort Bend County.
4. Black Cowboy Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Black Cowboy Museum in Bates Allen Park preserves and celebrates the often overlooked contributions of Black cowboys to American history. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight the significant role African Americans played in the development of the American West. Visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage and the challenges faced by Black cowboys throughout history.
5. Annie B. Green House
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
The Annie B. Green House is a historic landmark in Kendleton that is commemorated by historical markers documenting its significance to the community. This historic residence represents an important aspect of Kendleton's development as a freedmen's community after the Civil War. The house stands as a testament to the perseverance and establishment of African Americans in the region following emancipation.
6. Powell Point School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL SITE
Powell Point School is a significant historical site in Kendleton marked by historical markers that document its importance to the community's educational development. The school played a vital role in providing education to African American children in the area during a time of segregation. This historic institution represents the community's commitment to education and advancement despite societal challenges.
7. San Bernard River
NATURAL WATERWAY RECREATION
The San Bernard River flows through Kendleton and provides numerous recreational opportunities for locals and visitors. The river has historical significance as the original Kendleton community was established on its banks following the Civil War. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and canoeing along this scenic waterway that has sustained the community for generations.
8. Historic Kendleton Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUNDS
The Historic Kendleton Cemetery is one of the last remaining signs of the original Kendleton community site along the San Bernard River. The cemetery contains the grave marker of Benjamin Franklin Williams, a former slave who rose to prominence as a preacher, community activist, and Texas legislator before becoming Kendleton's first postmaster. These burial grounds serve as an important historical record of the community's founding and development after the Civil War.
9. Kendleton Post Office Historical Marker
LOCAL HISTORICAL MONUMENT
The Kendleton Post Office Historical Marker memorializes the rich African American history of this freedmen's town. This marker details how freed slaves founded Kendleton and established one of the nation's first freedmen's towns. The site honors Benjamin Franklin Williams, who served as the town's first postmaster after his remarkable journey from slavery to becoming a community leader and Texas legislator.
10. 20th Century Technology Museum
TECHNOLOGICAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The 20th Century Technology Museum, located near Kendleton in Wharton, showcases the evolution of technology throughout the 1900s. The museum houses an impressive collection of technological artifacts from the past century, demonstrating how innovation has transformed daily life. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that bring the development of modern technology to life.
11. Wharton County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Wharton County Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Wharton County and surrounding areas including Kendleton. The museum features exhibits on local pioneers, agriculture, industry, and the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this historically significant area of Texas.
12. Wharton County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Wharton County Courthouse stands as an architectural landmark in nearby Wharton, showcasing classical design elements typical of Texas courthouses. Built in the early 20th century, this impressive structure continues to serve as the center of county government while also attracting history and architecture enthusiasts. The courthouse and its grounds provide visitors with a glimpse into the civic development of the region that includes nearby Kendleton.
13. Riverfront Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR SPACE
Riverfront Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting along the Colorado River near Kendleton. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots that make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere while observing local wildlife and taking in scenic views of the water.
14. George Ranch Historical Park
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
George Ranch Historical Park is a living history museum located near Kendleton that brings Texas history to life through authentic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities. The 23,000-acre working ranch showcases over 100 years of Texas history spanning four generations of a single family. Visitors can experience historic homes, a blacksmith shop, working livestock demonstrations, and special events that recreate life in early Texas.
15. Brazos Bend State Park
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
Brazos Bend State Park, located near Kendleton, is renowned for its diverse ecosystem that includes lakes, wetlands, and forests teeming with wildlife, including a large population of American alligators. The park offers over 37 miles of hiking and biking trails where visitors can observe native plants and animals in their natural habitat. Additional attractions include fishing opportunities, camping facilities, and the George Observatory, which houses one of the largest telescopes in the United States available for public viewing.
Kendleton Restaurants
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Kendleton Beaches
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