Waller: Nature, Gardens and History

When planning a trip to Waller, you can choose from a range of interests: nature watching, botanical diversity, history, and seasonal events. A distinctive natural landmark is Hebert Reservoir, a 77-acre historic rice reservoir and permanently protected part of the Katy Prairie Preserve. This lets you prioritize your interests for your stay and choose the activities that suit you.

Nature between the reservoir and plant collection

At Hebert Reservoir, a shaded out-and-back trail along a dam offers opportunities for wildlife watching. The trail adds a specific wildlife-watching focus to views of the historic rice reservoir. Indiangrass Preserve also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, birding, and photography. If you want to focus on birding, you’ll find a clearly defined activity; photography and general wildlife watching offer other points of focus.

The John Fairey Garden near Hempstead offers a botanical contrast. This 39-acre public garden features more than 5,000 plants from over 1,500 distinct taxa and is operated by the John Fairey Garden Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3). The garden’s size and collection describe different aspects: its 39 acres indicate its size, while the plant and taxa counts convey the breadth of its botanical holdings. Nature lovers can choose between observing the landscape and exploring plant diversity.

History spanning different eras

Liendo Plantation was built in 1853 as the center of one of the state’s earliest cotton plantations. The property is permanently closed to public tours and events; plan a public visit only after a new official announcement. From August to October 1865, General George Armstrong Custer, his wife Elizabeth (Libbie), and several U.S. Cavalry units camped at the plantation. The Gen. George and Libbie Custer Campsite marks the location of that encampment. If you want to include the campsite, check access separately.

Another historic landmark is the Donigan House, listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1985. Brookshire’s local history goes back to the Kellner Townsite: John G. Kellner platted it in 1893; it was later renamed Brookshire. The Field's Store Community developed after a general store opened in the early 1870s. The community became a business center for the surrounding rural area. The origins of a place name and the role of a rural business center are distinct historical threads.

Prairie View A&M University was founded on August 14, 1876, as Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth. Its historic campus features historical markers. The Museum in Waller County recreates historical scenes; its displays in two exhibition rooms change every two months. The Waller County Aviation Museum features aircraft types ranging from historic airplanes and helicopters to experimental, racing, and military jet aircraft.

Seasonal events and harvest offerings

The annual Waller County Fair and Rodeo has been held at the fairgrounds since 1945. If you’re traveling for the fair, check the event dates for your stay. Dewberry Farm’s fall festival offers more than 40 rides and attractions, along with friendly animals. The two events offer distinct seasonal highlights: an annual county fair and a festival associated with fall.

Neal's Berry Farm offers U-pick, or pick-your-own, fruit; availability varies by season. Its main crops include thornless blackberries and Muscadine grapes, which are also subject to seasonal availability. DiIorio Farms of Hempstead offers sun-ripened watermelons and fresh seasonal produce. The Farmers Market at The Hangout also offers fresh produce. If harvested produce is part of your trip plans, keep the season in mind.

Plan your hotel stay around your reason for traveling

Nature watching, botanical interests, historic sites, and seasonal events each offer a different focus for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Waller, Brookshire, Hempstead, Brown County, Concho, Fort Bend, Dimmit, Runnels

Go to the main travel overview: Texas.